Kerri Arista

How to Make Cooking More Fun

2012-02-09T19:54:00.002-06:00

Today, my friend Annie gave me this super cute apron that she made:

That black and white fabric is a design of little teeny dog bones. How PERFECT for me!

And although the dinner I cooked tonight was not all that exciting, itjust automatically tasted so much better because I had prepared itwhile wearing this sweet little apron.

Homeless But Not Chairless

2012-02-02T19:21:00.001-06:00

I had to snap a photo of this homeless guy's recent set up here in Dallas off of Central Expressway. I'm not sure how he lugs around that swanky chair as he goes from place to place, but I'm so glad he has something nice to lounge on during a beautiful Sunday morning! I only wish he had been sitting in it, reading the newspaper and smoking a pipe.

Good Medicine

2012-01-23T15:48:00.000-06:00

Well, since I posted about Lucy's frisbee talents and aspirations, I wanted to spread the word about what Mr. Ricardo has been up to!

This weekend, Ricky and I were so excited to attend our first Therapy Dog Preparation Class.

Fermin snapped a photo of us as were were about to be on our way!

The class is held at different places- sometimes the bookstore, sometimes a park, and sometimes, Dog City Training Center, which is where Ricky's class was this Saturday.

Ricky and Lucy had taken a Puppy Headstart class there when they were just babies.

Lucy and Ricky's first class at Dog City Training Center

Back then, they were the smallest, and the youngest in class.

Back when Ricky was the little, new kid on the block

I'm pretty sure Ricky remembered the place because he was so excited when we first got there! For a second, I thought, "Uh oh. These people are going to think I'm insane that I think my dog could ever be calm enough to be a therapy dog."

But within just a few minutes, Ricky realized what was expected of him now that he was an older, and wiser kid in class.

Although Ricky is no longer the smallest dog in class, he is still the youngest. The instructor was talking about how a dog knowing a few tricks is fun for the people that therapy dogs go out to visit. She went around our circle and asked people if their dogs knew any tricks. A few of them said they knew "shake", or "down", and were working on a few others. When she came to me, I said, "He knows "beg", and "say your prayers", ..." and then I found myself just sort of trailing off and not finishing my sentence. BECAUSE it would have been one, big, super long, run on sentence. I realized then, I think for the first time, that Ricky knows so many tricks! So many that I would've felt embarrassed to rattle them all off. Like a bragging parent. Anyway, I am bragging now. And for that I sort of apologize. But OH! My boy is a smartypants!

The class was so fun. All the stuff we worked on, like being calm around other dogs and people in close proximity, just felt like fun games! We played a dog version of musical chairs, and a game where we had to stay in either a sit or down position on a tic tac toe grid with other dogs all around us.

Ricky did great. I was so proud of how well he did on his first day! I know someday soon he is going to be a great therapy dog.

Day 1- Therapy Dog Prep Class

Day 1- Puppy Headstart

CoverSong: "Heart of Gold"

2012-01-18T18:06:00.001-06:00

This is my first installment of my new, weekly--or at least bi-monthly, segment of my blog simply called CoverSongs.

For today's cover song, I chose Neil Young's "Heart of Gold". I knew I wanted my brother to be my first guest, and he plays the harmonica. "Heart of Gold" was the first song that came to mind when I was trying to think of songs with memorable harmonica parts. The harp is such a key component in this song!

I apologize to Mr. Young for flip-flopping a few of his lyrics. We're just doing this to have a little fun and pay tribute to some great songs. I was afraid that if we did more than just a few takes, we might lose the fun and spontaneity. And that's what it's all about!

Little Champs

2012-01-14T13:01:00.001-06:00

Normally, this is the kind of thing I write about on my PuppyTracks blog, my other blog that's dedicated to all things Lucy and Ricky Ricardo. (My Lucy and Ricky, the Australian Shepherds that is!) But today is such a special day and I just had to write about me and Lucy's morning on my blog, because it was so meaningful to me!

I took Lucy to her first Dallas Dog and Disc Club meeting today.

Lucy loves to play with her little floppy frisbee in our backyard. She's just sort of naturally taken to it. She jumps up to catch just about every pathetic throw I toss out to her.

future therapy dog, Ricky

Now that the Ricardo's are nearly a year old, their individual talents seem more and more evident. Lucy, like I said, just seems to be a natural with the frisbee. Ricky, is so calm and obedient. It seems he might have more interest in being a therapy dog. So I searched around online last week to find out where I could take Lucy for frisbee dog stuff, and where Ricky could work on his skills at becoming a therapy dog.

We got so lucky! It just happened to be that Dallas Dog and Disc Club was having a meet up at a park nearby this weekend. And next weekend, Ricky begins his first day of Therapy Dog Prep class. I'm pretty sure the universe is saying "Yes!" to us.

So today, Lucy and I headed out to the meeting, having no idea what to expect.

On the car ride there, we were both a little nervous. But I told Lucy to just be herself, and have fun, and everyone would just love her!

We were greeted by the nicest people! I recognized some of their names from the website I had visited. Lucy and I watched as the other dogs took their turns at catching the frisbee.

Lucy, patiently waiting her turn.

Some of the dogs did cool tricks that I'm sure Lucy will learn how to do eventually!

It was all so exciting, Lucy finally just couldn't take it anymore!

"Please give me my turn!"

Lucy finally got her chance to show off her puppy skills at catching her little floppy frisbee. I was way to busy to photograph though. :( And I was a little nervous about her being in an unfenced open field. But Lucy was a champ!

In just a short amount of time, I learned a bunch of great stuff I need to know to help Lucy grow into a super champ. These people I met are a wealth of information and are so passionate about disc dogs---and they just want to spread the word to eager learners like Lucy and me!

I'm definitely going to sign up and pay my dues and be a member of this club! I can't wait for next month's meeting. Lucy and I have some new things to work on between now and then.

Someday soon, Lucy, you'll be flying!

Connecting Through Facebook Vs. Email

2012-01-12T14:33:00.002-06:00

Months ago, I stopped sending out emails to people who had, over the years, signed up to be on my email list. I always sort of felt like I was intruding on them to send them stuff each month, asking them to come out and hear me at whatever venue I was currently performing at.

So, I started just to post stuff up on Facebook instead. Sometimes I went so far as to "create an event". Most of the time, I just posted on my status something like, "Playing at Joe Blow's Bar tonight". Not very personal, or inviting of me. But at least I didn't feel intrusive.

But I've started to realize that when someone sends me an invitation to an event through Facebook, I very often don't see it. And even if I do see it, I don't give it much attention. There are just so many invitations to things thru Facebook from people I don't even really know.

The other day, I read a little article sent to me by CDBaby, one of the online store that sells my CDs. The article listed 6 reasons why using email is more effective, and nicer, than Facebook.

I agreed with every point made on that list. As impersonal as email can sometimes seem, it's more personal than Facebook. If someone has given me their email address, the article stated, that means they have given me the "keys to their inbox". It's true, in a way. The people on my email list actually signed up to be on it! They actually wanted to know more about where I'd be playing next!

So, hey! It's a New Year and it's a great time to rethink the way I'm doing, and not doing, things. And to make little changes to try to improve everything!

Today, I sent out my first email in months to the sweet people that gave me the keys to their inbox!

I Can See Clearly Now

2012-01-10T12:01:00.000-06:00

Because we have a house that was built in 1961, we have storm windows. Storm windows provide great insulation but are hard to clean. And they provide a great place for spiders to build webs and collect small trinkets.

We've lived in our house about 10 years. And altho I've cleaned the windows on the inside and outside, I've never cleaned the in between part. Because I didn't know how. And because there are shrubs and bushes that would've made it painful. And to be honest, I just didn't realize how great the outside world could look!

Recently, one of my neighbors had her windows cleaned before her holiday party. When I was at her house I noticed how great they looked. So I asked for the number of the window cleaning company.

Now it's as if we've gone from viewing the outside world in black and white to technicolor!! Or from watching a TV with bunny ears, to a HD television!

Here is a photo of before we got our windows cleaned:

And after:

I will never wait so long to have my windows cleaned again!

Ideas

2012-01-02T11:12:00.000-06:00

I wrote down some ideas for my New Year's resolutions. (Notice I said ideas. I have a hard time making a real commitment to New Year's resolutions sincethey often just seem like an invitation to failure anddisappointment.)

One thing I wrote on that list of ideas was, "bebraver with my blogging". Another was, "learn LOGIC (software for recording, editing and mixing music)- at least 3 hoursa week".

So here is my first attempt at merging those two ideas together.

Iposted up a song I wrote a couple of days ago. You'll notice it's veryrough. And you might even notice that in the video, I'm not wearing any makeup and I'm still inmy pajamas (altho, with a hoodie thrown on top!) So there's my attemptat being brave---Exposing myself before making my song and myself morepresentable! ;)

Now that the raw version of that song is outthere, my next step will be to edit and record it using Logic over the next fewweeks. Then, I'll repost a more presentable version of the song by the very end of January. At least that's the idea!

I think that I'm done, that I'm all cashed out
I've got nothing left that I can say
I've pulled it all out, and I've run the course
I think now I'll just walk away

Where I'm going, well I don't know
But when I get there, then maybe I'll know

I don't have a plan or a ticket out
I don't know the place I wanna be
I don't know the color of my parachute
so I'll jump and just hope that we'll see

Where I'm going, well I don't know
But when I get there, then maybe I'll know

Oh the best laid plans often go awry
All the ones I had well, they just passed me by

So where I'm going I don't know
but when I get there that's when I'll know

Let the push of the wind lead me down the path
Keep my boat so it's pointing downstream
Give me patience and hope and an open mind
To see life is but a dream

2011: Greatest Losses and Gains

2011-12-31T17:58:00.001-06:00

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...

CareBear in Hibernation

2011-12-29T11:46:00.001-06:00

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.

Are You F-ing Kitting Me?

2011-12-28T18:29:00.004-06:00

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?!?

Winter SolstiCelebration Coming UP!

2011-12-14T15:32:00.000-06:00

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

Xxx

2011-12-06T16:46:00.001-06:00

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.

A Little Bit of Everything!

2011-12-05T11:38:00.001-06:00

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.

Rainy Day

2011-12-02T12:51:00.001-06:00

This is what a rainy day looks like at my house...

The Kiss

2011-11-28T11:24:00.001-06:00

This weekend, I went with a small group of friends to Social Art Studio.

There are lots of these types of art studios popping up lately. They all have a calendar online that lets you know what painting will be done on which date. That way, you and your friends can pick something you all like and book your date to paint!

It's also BYOB, which is always a selling point for my wino friends! ;)

The good people at Social Art Studio provided the canvas, paints, brushes, and instruction as we painted our own versions of "The Kiss" by Gustov Klimt.

It's funny how even tho we were all painting the same thing, with the same paints, and with the same instruction, our paintings each had a unique take on "The Kiss".

5 all the same, but different

Thankful For All Kinds of Art in the World

2011-11-23T00:48:00.001-06:00

Jingle Bashing

2011-11-19T16:54:00.001-06:00

I was so looking forward to going to the Etsy Jingle Bash today. It's a craft fair of lots of vendors who sell handmade goods on Etsy. I figured I could pick up a few unique Christmas gifts for others, and/or myself!

Apparently a lot of other ladies had the same idea. Way too many ladies!

It was held downtown at the Palladium, which sounded like it would be plenty big even if there were a bunch of people there. BUT, there also happened to be a studio tour in the same area, so people were just every-effing-where.

Even parking was hellacious. I had to parallel park, which is never pretty. But no cars or people were injured, and for that, I am proud.

Maybe there were cute handmade goods there, or maybe there weren't. I'm not even sure. It was impossible to even make it up to the counters in the sea of people I would've had to wade thru to get there.

They had a few bars set up where you could order drinks, and they had a DJ spinning. All that sounds kind of nice and festive, but it was just completely irritating to me.

If you notice on the Jingle Bash flyer above, you'll see that where it says, "shop-party-art-craft", the word "craft" sort of looks like "crazy". That's what it looked like to me anyway.

Baaaahumbug.

Writer's Group

2011-11-14T15:06:00.001-06:00

Since I began participating in a few challenges that require lots of songwriting in short bursts of time, I've accumulated lots of songs over the last few years. I'm talking hundreds. But I haven't had much time to go back and edit barely any of them. Many of them probably aren't even worth a second look, but I know some of them are.

But with that many songs to weed through, it's been a little hard to get motivated. I don't even know where to start. And so, I don't.

I know that as much as I hate deadlines, sometimes, I need them.

So just the other day, a fellow songwriting friend and I decided to start a writing group. Just a group of other songwriters to meet with to share songs we're currently working on, to get a little feedback, to give a little feedback and to get inspired. And of course, to give ourselves that much needed deadline.

We were going to meet up one weeknight a couple times a month. As it turns out, the night that we selected didn't work scheduling wise for anyone we invited. Not even the two of us who came up with this grand idea.

Once we found out no one could make it to our first meeting, she called me that morning and said, "Hey, since it's just us, and we don't have day jobs, you wanna just meet this afternoon?" Hells yeah, I'd rather meet in the afternoon when my husband isn't home, when I'm not having to cook a quick dinner first, and when I tend to be in a more creative mode!

So she came over, we played our songs for each other, offered and received a little feedback, and got inspired! We also decided our next meeting would be during the day again. We figure, if we build it how we intend it, "they" will come!

Our songwriting group, as small as it was that day, served it's purpose for me. I picked out a song from that big ol' pile and worked on it enough beforehand so that it wasn't too embarrassing to share. After playing it, and talking about it, I had some direction on what I needed to work on. That night and the next morning, I spent more time with my song, trying out all sorts of different ideas I came up with, spurred by our discussion during our songwriting group.

We meet up again in a few weeks, so thankfully, I've got another deadline.

Spent

2011-11-04T09:02:00.000-05:00

I'm reading Spent by Frank Lipman, M.D. It's a non-fiction book written for people who feel, well.... spent!

sorry, you can't click to look inside unless you go to amazon.com!

I had been feeling pretty exhausted during the summer. I even went in to my endocrinologist to make sure my thyroid wasn't whacked out-- I was just so drained every morning when I'd return from my run and puppy walks. I'd come home to shower, but take a bath instead because I just felt so tired. My brain seemed fuzzy most of the time. I had the memory of a 70 year old, and I was getting headaches often. And if I had to use a word to describe how I felt both physically and emotionally, I would say, "Spent".

One day, I was reading a magazine article about how to regain some energy, and it mentioned this book. I loved the title, and tend to make quick judgements based on that alone. So I checked it out at the library.

Spent is set up as a 6 week program. Each day, it offers one suggestion of something to either add or remove from your diet, exersize or sleeping regimen. It's not some crazy strict diet or anything like that at all. It's very sensible stuff- some of it that you already know and just need to be reminded about, and some of it, at least for me, is things you've never even thought about!

I think the very first day, Dr. Lipman suggests cutting out sugars and artificial sweeteners from your diet. This is nothing ground breaking. But he threw in some factoids about artificial sweeteners that I needed to hear again. Facts like:
*"Although it is marketed as "Made from sugar so it tastes like sugar," it is more chemically similar to DDT."
*"Aspartame has more than 92 possible side effects."
and
*"If you are using Splenda, you are essentially dumping chlorine into your coffee."
He said that cutting that junk out might feel really challenging the first few days, but after that you'll notice your head will start to clear. As in, not fuzzy. Yay!

Another thing suggested very early on in this 6 week program has to do with your sleep habits.

Let me tell you, I wake up most mornings feeling like I need to go right back to sleep. So although I've never even thought much about my sleep habits, I'm realizing I probably need to.

So the big advice here was-- don't watch tv in bed. And not only that, don't watch tv or use a computer screen after 10pm. Those bright lights emitted from the screen mess up our body clocks. This was a tough one for me. I love watching tv in bed. And I love using my iPad in the tub during my evening bath. But no more! I quit doing it for about 10 days in a row. But then, one night, I just had to watch a little tv! And I slept like crap that night. But I still made the same mistake again the next night watching tv in bed until about midnight. And you know what? I woke up around 3am and didn't get back to real sleep until about 5:30. Not refreshing!

I'm on about week 5 of the program. Some of the things suggested in the book I have stuck with, and some, I just try for a couple of days. (Which Dr. Lipman seems to encourage...as long as we're listening to our body and figuring out what makes a positive difference to us.)

I'm feeling a lot better. This could be at least partly due to the fact that the brutal summer is over and I'm no longer running in nearly 90 degree heat for and hour each morning. But I think for sure, taking a lot of these suggestions to heart has done me some good.

Anyway, this book is so worth checking out if you, too, are feeling spent.

Very Scary

2011-10-27T22:26:00.001-05:00

I don't watch all that much scary stuff-- But every now and then, I just wanna! And since it's October, I guess I wanted to get all spooked out.

So I've heard a little about this show on F/X called American Horror Story. My friend Valerie, who keeps a great blog, mainly about TV shows she indulges in, wrote about it recently (Read it here!). She seemed pretty affected by it, so I decided to watch it.

It's about 4 weeks into the series, but fortunately, between Dish on Demand and F/X running repeats, it's not too late to jump on at the beginning of the series. Amerian Horror is a pretty intricately weaved story, so it could be quite confusing it you don't catch it from the beginning. So I watched the first one. Alone.

Then I told my husband he too had to watch the pilot so that he would also get sucked into to the evil web of American Horror Story, and we could watch them from that point on tegether. Because I'm not sure this is a show that should be watched alone!

Last night, we got caught up on all the episodes that have been on so far. (Which means, yes, we watched waaay too much TV last night!) But oh. My. Gosh. Every time I see the names of the writers and creators of the show I think to myself, "Those are some pretty sick bastards to be writing shit like this!"

And to them, I am grateful. What a crazy show. And so fun to watch. With someone! Have a happy and spooky Halloween!

TIMBER!

2011-10-18T14:24:00.002-05:00

Due to this crazy drought we experienced all summer, I watched one of my 65 foot trees fall in the backyard the other day.

Lucy and I had just come inside from playing in the backyard. I heard branches rustling, and thought a wind storm had come in out of nowhere. So I looked out our window, and although I didn't see a storm of any kind, I did see one of my beautiful trees fall.

The tree took the power lines down with it, caused a little firework display, and knocked out everyone's electricity on our side of our street. It ripped the power pole and box off our house. Our neighbors got electricity back by the end of the day, but it took us a little longer to get our power restored because we had to call an electrician. It's not easy to find one over the weekend!

The hammock we love to lay in was destroyed.

And our fence was hit, but only by the brush, and was left standing- although in need of some repair.

Of course, I am so sad to lose a beautiful tree that provided such nice shade in my backyard. But Fermin and I look stupidly happy in the pictures below. I think that's because even though we lost something, we realize we could've lost a lot more.

None of us were outside. No one was napping in thehammock. Lucy and Ricky were both safe indoors. Our house miraculouslydidn't get hit. It fell in the most perfect direction it possiblycould have. It did hit another big tree as it fell, but the damage wasminimal. If we had planned to take this tree down, I don't think wecould've done it much cleaner.

My tree guy, Randall, is the greatest. He came out first thing the very next day to clear things out enough so that we could get our cars out of the garage.

He used a stump grinder to fill back in the big, gaping hole with the roots and soil. So in a way, our tree is buried in that hole now. At least parts of it.

The rest we're using as stumps to sit on in the backyard, firewood forour friends, and a plant stand to showcase the pumpkins I just bought!

The brutal summer of 2011 is over, and most definitely left it's mark. But we're all safe and sound.

Sparkle and Shine

2011-10-05T18:21:00.002-05:00

I think I've actually posted another version of this song on the blog before, but a man named Stephen E.Potter did such a great job capturing this video and putting some cool effects on it, I just had to put it up! Ironically, he sorta did what the song is all about, so I've posted the lyrics below...

I like the way you see it, and the way you make it sound
There's something about the music, it's just better when you're around
It's just a slight improvement, just a subtle little change
And there's something more to look at, and I like the broader range

Chorus:
It was good before, but you brought a little bit more
It was perfectly fine but now it sparkles and shines

It's always unexpected, what you've got up your sleeve
A little bit of magic, that I'm starting to believe

Chorus

The colors bloom, the stars are out
My heart swells when you're around

Chorus

I Crossed The Finish Line!

2011-10-03T16:51:00.002-05:00

I did it!

I completed the challenge I set out to do about 3 months ago. I wrote 50 songs in 90 days!

The space and tools I used in writing 50 songs over the past 3 months (Minus my guitar and ukelele!)

I sort of figured I could do it, because it's actually my 4th year to take on (and complete) this task. But almost because of that, I was a little unsure. I get nervous that maybe my best is behind me already. Or even worse, that my creative well is going to dry up completely.

About every 9 days, I had to make sure I had written and recorded 5 new songs. I posted every single one of them up on the 50/90 website. Which is a scary thing to do~ to put something out into the cyber world for others to hear before having a chance to do any editing.

No one said I had to do it that way. But somehow, adding that element to the challenge kept me very accountable that all songs were complete and weren't completely horrible.

Now that the challenge is over, I'm taking down all of those songs for anyone's ears but my own for a while. Perhaps some of them will find their way onto a CD. Who knows? But those raw, naked versions are going to be set to private! I feel like I'm getting to put some clothes back on! And just in time for Fall!

Sometimes finishing a big project feels a little unsatisifying. We can ruin it for ourselves worrying about the "What now?" Well, for me, I know that answer to that question.

Now...
I'll start listening to those songs and see if any deem worthy of some re-writing. And I already know there are at least a few. I want to learn a new recording software called Logic, and learn how to use MIDI, so I figure working through some of these songs will be perfect for that!

My Happy Reunion

2011-09-18T23:42:00.001-05:00

I'll be honest and admit it:
Lately, I haven't been all that focused on booking gigs. I'm not sure why. But fortunately for me, I've been booking and playing at the Songwriters in the Round at Opening Bell Coffee on Monday nights. It's kept me connected when I sorta felt like checking out.

Oh, I love the place.

When Mom was still around, she was constantly on the look out for me. She was my biggest cheerleader, of course. So when she happened to be walking around at the funky building where Opening Bell resides, and the owner- the super fabulous Pascale- was hanging up her signage and getting ready to open up her coffee shop, Mom asked her, "Are you going to have music here? Because my daughter is a great musician." Good ol' Mom!

And it's because of that conversation that I have the great claim to fame of being the first musician to ever play at Opening Bell Coffee here in Dallas, Texas!

Mom also started me into guitar lessons when I begged for them when I was in 5th grade. Years later, I took guitar lessons again because my highschool boyfriend found a guitar teacher and I decided I wanted to take some more lessons, too!

I was at that angsty teenager age, so I'm not sure how much guitar I actually learned at the time. However, he kept me interested enough that, hey,...here I am 25 years later, still at it!!

And the other night, we were reunited at one of my gigs. What a huge, huge honor that he played with me on a song!!!

I love hosting the Songwriters in the Round on Monday nights at Opening Bell. You never know what might happen. You never know what kind of special things you might see. This was a hugely special moment for me. Watch the video and you can tell I am BEAMING!!!!!

BookLust

2011-09-14T15:25:00.000-05:00

I am most happy when my bedside table looks something like this...

I've got loads of books awaiting me... This is just one stack. It's funny how books seem to come all at once, and then every now and then, I just can't find anything that interests me. (I think when I'm going through one of those stages, it really says something about my overall state of mind!)

A friend of mine says he has a habit of buying a lot of books. He said one of the reasons is, he feels like as long as he's got books to read, he can't die. You know, because obviously, you can't die when you're in the middle of a great book-- You have to know how things are going to turn out, after all!

Anyway, I've got a lot of reading-- and living!-- to do!

Psychology Today is So Yesterday

2011-09-07T19:00:00.002-05:00

I got this mean little letter in the mail today from the collection agency that Psychology Today apparently uses.

Let me first say, that I been a subscriber to that magazine for about 5 years. This year, I decided to take a little break from it and not renew. I did not order a subscription for the year like the mean letter accuses me of doing.

I find this letter not only mean, but funny, and even ironic. It's coming from Psychology Today?! Don't they have a little better understanding on how to treat their customers? It seems like they should understand human psychology better than this!

Although I really liked this magazine, and was only taking a break, after getting this threatening letter, I will probably consider this a total break up now. Do they really think I'm going to want to start up a subscription now?! Really?

Ok, so here's the letter, word for word.

Dear Kerri Aritsa, (Yep, that's right, they didn't even get my name right! Way to go!)

You don't get something for nothing.

The magazines ordered from our client, Psychology Today, have a value. Otherwise, there wouldn't have been an order placed for that subscription.

That value is in the amount of $15.97.

We expect full payment for that subscription. The value of sending payment on your part is to protect your account with our client.

That account has a value, too. Don't damage yours.

Make a check payable to North Shore Agency and mail in the envelope provided.

You don't get something for nothing.

It's not the way it works and you know that. Resolve this matter and collection of this account will stop.

Um, no. Sorry. I hate bullies.

Thick and Thin

2011-08-28T10:29:00.001-05:00

I just wrote song #30 for the "50 songs in 90 days" challenge. For now, the title, at least for now is "Thick and Thin". Unconditional love is so easy when it comes to puppies! But hopefully this song stretches out and applies to a whole lot more than puppies. :)

let me tell you the way it's gonna be
i'll say it slowly and i'll repeat
i'll make it simple and i'll spell it out
i'll explain it so that you won't have a doubt

chorus:
i'm gonna love you for your whole life
i'll be the one you run to when something just ain't right
i'm gonna love you thru thick and thin
and if time starts to run out we'll just start it up again

your only imperfections are the ones that i can't see

i guess that's why you are just perfect for me

the way i see you, oh, i wouldn't change a thing

you're the sweetest love song that i ever sang

chorus:
i'm gonna love you for your whole life
i'll be the one you run to when something just ain't right
i'm gonna love you thru thick and then
and if time starts to run out then we'll just start it up again
and if time starts to run out then we'll just start it up again

Vaudeville Night This Saturday

2011-08-25T16:04:00.000-05:00

I will be a part of Vaudeville Night this Saturday (August 27) at Labyrinth Walk Coffee House. It's the annual fundraiser for Labyrinth Walk which is just a great acoustic venue run by volunteers.

It's my first Vaudeville experience ever.

I don't even really know what Vaudeville is exactly, but the sweet people that run the Coffee House asked me to be a part of it several months ago and I felt like I couldn't say no.

Because I think it's possible that Vaudeville implies there might be some jugglers, and/or people walking around on stilts. And who knows what else!

I do know there are lots of different "acts", and I'm just one of them. I also know I'm 3rd in the line-up order, so if you're coming, get there early for me! The show starts at 8pm.

Half Way Mark

2011-08-19T10:44:00.002-05:00

Can get a a big whoop! whoop!?

I am now half way to my goal of writing 50 songs in 90 days. I posted up the 25th song on the board last night and decided I'd go ahead and post it here on my website as well.

This is a love song, like so many of my songs are. I'm lucky to haveso much love in my life... This one's called, "It's Not Heavy".
You've passed the test with flying colors
I watch you and my hearts a-flutter
Everything you do, you do it right
You've learned all the tricks I've taught you
There's nothing that we've tried that's stumped you
You've picked up everything like it's light

Chorus:
It's not heavy how I love you
Cuz it comes so naturally
It's been easy just to love you
I guess that you were meant for me

All the colors are in balance
and we offset each other's talents
You're the calm that lives inside my storm
You give me space when I need it
You know my dreams and believe in them
You huddle in close to keep me warm

Chorus

I'm so glad you followed me home
That you were brave and you took the bone
You trusted that I'd take good care of you
Now you have made my load much brighter
You have made the sun shine brighter
'Cause I know you love me thru and thru

Chorus

Summer Camp Pick Up

2011-08-18T15:09:00.000-05:00

When I was a kid, I never went off to summer camp. (And as to the whys of that...well, that's a whole other topic I'll someday write about!) And since Fermin and I don't have kids, we've never gotten to experience being on the parent end of the summer camp experience.

waiting for our camper with the masses!

But thanks to our friends who we were visiting at the time, last month, we got to tag along and pick up Abby from her first summer off at camp.

Such a sweet reunion, huh?

My favorite part of the whole thing was getting to hear what the camp counselors had to say about each of the kids in Abby's cabin. I actually video-ed it. We were all so proud of Abby! And isn't it so true what this girl says about Abby- You can tell by that smile of hers that she is just full of joy.

Sometimes you get to live some of life's experiences vicariously through others. For just a second that day, I got to pretend I was a mom picking my sweet girl up from summer camp!

Dallas Texas, You Are My Bitch

2011-08-12T16:50:00.005-05:00

It's been one of those sweltering summers that doesn't happen all that often. Of course, summers in Dallas are always hot. But this summer, we had 40 straight days of temperatures over 100. The record was set back in 1980: 42 consecutive days off 100+ temperatures. We came so close to setting a new record, but then yesterday, some clouds rolled in and knocked the temperatures down and we only (only?) got up to 97.

We sweated our asses of here for weeks and weeks. And you know, Texas is known for excess. "Everything is bigger in Texas" is one of our slogans. And think about the tv show from the 80s, "Dallas". Excess. So it feels unfair to have suffered thru this excessive heat so long, and to continue to have to endure it for who knows how much longer, but to have one day in between to only get us into 2nd place for all time record breaking temperatures.

It is this time of the year, every year, that I complain about living here. But all this time, I've continued to call this place my home. So there are clearly other things that keep me here. But this time of the year, I cannot remember what they are!

Here is a little song I wrote yesterday about my love/hate relationship with my hometown. It's called "Dallas Texas, You Are My Bitch". Oh, and the verse about "14 years of my life...." refers just to the amount of months I've done little outdoor activity due to outrageous summer heat. It totals up to FOURTEEN YEARS. I have lived in Dallas my whole life though. It's only the 14 years that I've bitched about. But that's quite a lot, still!

And speaking of excess..."Dallas Texas, You Are My Bitch" is song #21 of "50 songs in 90 days". I'm getting close to the halfway mark. Yay!!!

Dallas Texas, you are my bitch
You make me itch to get out
From June until September
I can't remember
What our love is all about

CHORUS-
Sometimes your big blue skies with all that sun
Just hurts my eyes
But sometimes your one lone star
Reminds me your
Deep in my heart

Fourteen years of my life
You've kept me inside
Hiding from your heat
You'd think by now that I'd accept
and I'd expect
And we could make our peace but...

CHORUS

Dallas Texas, you are my bitch
You know I can't switch
Off your big bright lights
I know that everything is bigger
And I'm just bitter
That your summers burn so bright

CHORUS

Song Writing (and Puppy) Update

2011-08-05T17:15:00.001-05:00

As previously mentioned in my blog, I'm currently in the midst of my 4th consecutive year of writing 50 songs in 90 days. I began the madness on July 4, and hope to get to #50 and be done with it by October 1st. So, I'm about 1/3 of the way there and pretty much on schedule to get to the end on time. Just today, I completed song #17. Whew. It's a furious pace. But super fun, and I am most happy in this mode for sure.

I will always find it amazing that even on days when I think I have nothing to "say", if I just plant myself in my studio, I CAN write a song. And I know that goes for whatever creative endeavor it is that you're into. Just give yourself the time, and something, inevitably, will show up to greet you.

I thought I'd post a couple of my songs on the blog today. One is about Lucy, called "I'm in Love With Lucy". The other, "Forevermore and More", was written for Ricky. This way, you'll get a little slice of this 50 song pie and, in the same breath, get to see cute photos of my sweet puppies. Can you tell I'm in love with these two?

"Forevermore and More"

Well the way you look at me is just the way I look at you
No one's ever seen thru me quite the way you do
You know my secrets and I'll keep yours
And I'll love you forever more and more

It was put into your path and you were put in mine
It wasn't a coincidence, it was just the perfect time
Now you're in my story and I'm in yours
and I'll love you forever more and more

Now you walk beside me down the road until our journey's end
There will be twists and turns and bumps and swerves but both of us can bend
You know the path to my heart and I know yours
and I'll love you forever more and more

"I'm in Love With Lucy"

She wakes up with a smile on every day
She sees the fun in every little thing
The sun it shines a little brighter
Since I get to walk beside her now

(chorus)
I'm in love with Lucy, and I know that she loves me
I'm in love with Lucy

Her happiness is rubbing off on me
Her love's contagious and bit me like a flea
All my days they just seem better
Ever since the day I met her- wow

I'm in love with Lucy, and I know that she loves me
I'm in love with Lucy

#1 Feet Center

2011-08-01T15:52:00.003-05:00

One of my #1 favorite things to do is get a massage. I ask for a gift certificate to Nordstrom Spa each year for my birthday, Christmas, and Valentine's Day. So thanks to my husband, and my dad, I get to go fairly often.

But not really as often as I'd like. I go every few months. And each time I'm there, in my blissed out state, I pledge that I'm going to give myself this gift more often, like once a month. But it just doesn't work out that I go that regularly. Mainly because it feels like a lot of money to spend on myself, and just a little overly luxurious. Because after all, who do I think I am? A queen?

The other night, my friend Theresa came over. She told me she had gone to some Chinese place for a foot massage. She had never had a massage before, so she said she didn't really have anything to compare it to, but she said she liked it. AND, she gave me a flyer from the place that had the pricing.

Take a look at that! And look at the one that says, "70 minute combination (50 minute feet, 20 minute body).....$30"

THIRTY DOLLARS. For 70 minutes. Are. You. Kidding. Me?!?!

So the very next day, I tried convincing my husband to go with me to try it out. But he said we didn't have time. (I think there is always time for a massage, but he doesn't agree.)

I waited until the next day- today!- to head over there. Although it's pretty near where I live, it's a bit of a sketchy area. And I only mean sketchy if you want to find others who speak English. And I really did not. So it was certainly not too sketchy for me!

When I walked into #1 Feet Center, located in a little strip mall with lots of other Chinese businesses, a lady handed me a menu, that looked like the pink flyer, and I pointed to the service I wanted. (70 minute combo, of course!) Then she took me back to this dark little room with all these comfy lounge chairs everywhere, and brought me a big bowl of hot water to stick my feet in.

The lady who had assisted me up point then motioned over to something or someone, but I didn't understand. She just giggled. And so I giggled back.

And then a man came from the direction she had pointed and sat down in front of my chair. Oh no! I had hoped I'd have a lady masseuse, because in the past, whenever I get a male masseuse, I've felt a little uncomfortable. I'm a little modest maybe. I'm not really sure why. But it is what it is. However, today, with this language barrier, I decided to just go with it, rather than just shake my head no. I mean really, what would I have done to communicate that I prefer a female masseuse in a friendly way?

I won't go into each and every detail of my massage, although I'd sorta like to. I'll just say...
It was the best massage I've ever had in my whole life.
Very vigorous. Almost painful at times. But totally energizing and the whole time I kept thinking, this has got to be good for me.

Sometimes I get so relaxed during a massage that I fall asleep. And in a way, that sucks. I miss out because I'm asleep. And sometimes I even start snoring!

But with this type of massage, I couldn't fall asleep because it was so invigorating.

After I paid my masseuse, he pointed to himself and said, "George." and handed me a business card flipped over. I took that to mean I was suppose to write his name on it, and request him again next time. And by next time, I mean next week.

I decided during my massage today I am going to this place on a weekly basis. Of course I am! I can find a way to cut back somewhere else.

#1 Feet Center (hilarious name, don't you think?!), you are my #1!

Are Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll the Fountain of Youth?

2011-07-26T14:35:00.000-05:00

Perhaps... Mick Jagger is 68 years young today. He looks like no other 68 year old man I have ever seen.

Songwriters in the Round- Mondays in July

2011-07-18T12:31:00.004-05:00

I'm hosting the "Songwriters in the Round" at Opening Bell Coffee during the month of July. There are only 2 Monday nights left in July so c'mon out and check out this great scene!

I've booked 3 acts for each night + me. We take turns playing songs we've written, and talking a little bit about the "behind the music" of our songs. Opening Bell is such a great, cozy atmosphere for just this kind of thing. And where the heck else would you wanna be on one of these sweltering summer evenings anyway?

It's hard to get out on a Monday night, at the end of a work day, I know. But once you're there, it sure is a great way to unwind. Even better than watching "The Bachelorette"! ;) Last week, although the crowd was small, it sure was warm and welcoming. I love people who actually come out to listen to the music. It makes us songwriters feel so appreciated.

Last week, I had NO VOICE. I didn't get to sing. But I did get to listen. And here's a little of what I got to hear:
The fabulous Cary Cooper, who you just can't help but sing along with!

And the beautiful voice of Robin Hackett...

And, my friend, Ro Diaz-- He's famous for being an artist- Gorgeous paintings. But not everyone knows he also has a talent for music. He shared a little of his songwriting, and also performed some beautiful covers.

What a night!

So please don't miss out tonight- It's going to be another great one. On our line up is for tonight is
Hudson and Harlan, Annie Benjamin, Emmeline, and me! 7:30-9:30pm!

Filling Up Pages

2011-07-04T15:29:00.002-05:00

I received a belated birthday gift in the mail from my sister this past week.

A journal is always a great gift for me. Whether it's from someone else, or myself!

I've kept a journal, or what I used to call a diary, for as long as I knew how to write. I have so many journals filled up stacked in my closet. I rarely look back at them, and I sometimes fear that some day, I'll be gone, and someone will be reading things that I really only intended for myself. So although I'm not sure why I hang on to the old ones, there's just no way I could ever get rid of them.

Lately (and maybe it's due to that fear...), I mainly use journals for songwriting. Although that stuff feels private too, at least it would be a little harder to decipher it someone other than myself ever got a hold of it!

So this journal from my sister comes at a perfect time. Today marks Day #1 of 90 for the "50 Songs in 90 Days" challenge that I have participated in for the last 3 years.

Right now, all that blank white space looks a little daunting. How and with what am I going to fill those pages? Can I really come up with something new to say, or at least a new way to say something I've written about before?

But that's the beauty of this challenge. There's no pressure, other than self-induced pressure. No one says these songs have to be good, or put on an upcoming CD, or sung in front of anyone. All 50 of them are allowed to be the worst songs I've ever written...

Of course, I don't really want to spend the hours and hours and hours this will all take if it's just to write a bunch of bad songs! So I'm hoping for some good ones that will make this all worthwhile.

90 days from today, October 1st, I will have written 50 new songs. Good, bad, ugly or indifferent. And regardless, I am sure I will not regret the time I spent on the endeavor.

Posted below is the final song I wrote last year, called "Pages and Pages".

Very Happy.

2011-06-29T12:27:00.000-05:00

There is no cuter tummy than Lucy's!

I celebrated my birthday this past weekend.

Friday morning Fermin put the puppies in bed to wake me up. Awww! And then he told me he made me an appointment at the Nordstrom Spa for "Two Hours in Heaven". (Really, that's what they call the treatment I got. And it WAS two hours in heaven!) My husband knows me well! And he is super thoughtful. I had a great day, thanks to him.

Then, that night, we went out with our great friends, Allyson and Kevin, to Eclair Bistro. Super yummy.

And when we got home, I opened up the perfect gift from my friends: Dog Agility in a Bag! Anyone who knows me, knows that these days I'm all about my puppies, all the time. A gift for the puppies is really the best gift for me!

...an unusually quiet moment for the Ricardos...

2011 started off very shitty. Zoe and Scout died in February. What a huge loss. But we had a great life all together for a good long 15 years. Oh, but my heart felt broken. But I know now that the break in it just allowed it to stretch and grow bigger. Now I've got these two new puppies to love. And I'm able to give them a ton of love... and they give it right back! 2011 is turning out to be a great year after a very sad start.

And it was a very happy birthday!

Guten Tag

2011-06-23T16:48:00.001-05:00

With my Apple Strudel!!

Our dinner club group had Germany night last weekend. It wasmy brilliant idea last timewe met (back in January) to dress up like someone from whatever country we were celebrating. Apparently, by the time Germany night rolled around, everyone but me and the host ofthe evening, Mike, forgot about the dressing up part!!

Hansel and Gretel

My friend Marina brought me a bottle of Pinky Tuscadero wine! (I havea pink cruiser bike I've named Pinky Tuscadero, and I even wrote a songabout her!) The wine wasn't German, but was, in fact, made in Texas! Itwas super sweet, sorta like my little bicycle!

I thought I would hate all the German food- But there were actually some pretty yummy things- The spaetzel was my fave, and the potato pancakes ran a close second. The sausage and sauerkraut- not so much. I brought the dessert- Apple Strudel, which was delicious- with a little German Haagen Daz Vanilla Bean Ice Cream. Yum.

The country we picked for next time is Thailand- Yay!! Food I LOVE! But what will I wear?!?

Saving and Still Supporting!

2011-06-17T17:11:00.000-05:00

I love me some Starbucks. I've never had a drop of coffee. So it took me awhile to jump on the Starbucks train. But many years ago, Mom introduced me to the Chai tea and I became a believer!

But, I have Type 1 diabetes, and although I loved the Chai teas, my blood sugars surely did not.

So over the years, I've figured out how to have something similar to that sugary concoction, but without all those carbs, and saved myself some money in doing so. I started ordering a steamed soy (heated at 175*F-- Yes, I'm that obnoxious!) with a chai tea BAG. I love it, love it, love it. I love it so much, that I can easily fall into the habit of feeling I need to go to Starbucks everyday!

In the past, I've tried to replicate this perfection at home, but I've never even come close. And the main reason why??? I love the frothy-ness that Starbucks is able to achieve, that I have not been able to.

One day, as I told this to a Starbucks baristo, (I think that's the correct gender word for a male barista, right?!) and he told me his wife had recently bought a "frother". We didn't know if that was the correct word, but we both knew what we were talking about in using our possibly made up word.

I got online, found one for sale at Crate and Barrel for only $19.95. I bought the frother, or in my brand's case, the aerolatte, vanilla soy (and I got the lite version! yay!), and Tazo "full leaf tea bags" of chai- from Starbucks-- because I can't abandon them completely!!) And it's pretty damn good!

This...

plus this...

equals.... MMMMMM

Now I can save a little extra cash and make my tea, very much like Starbucks so perfectly does, from the comfort of my own home. My new rule for myself is I will only go to Starbucks if I'm going with a friend, or if I'm going to drink it in the cafe and do something productive.

My best friends with me at Starbucks!

Two Reasons for My Unbridled Happiness

2011-06-12T12:24:00.002-05:00

Lucy

Ricky

My heart soars!

The Bachelorette- It's Amazing!

2011-06-08T13:18:00.003-05:00

"The Bachelorette" show is terrible. But I watch it, almost every season. I don't buy into it at all. It's super cheesy and predictable. And oddly, I love it.

Here's my song I wrote about it, called, of course, "It's Amazing". If you've ever watched the show that phrase is spoken over, and over and over. "It's am-az-ing!" I've even heard that it's a drinking game...Every time someone on the show says the word "AMAZING", you drink. And by the end of the 2 hours, I'm sure the participants of the game have all passed out.

Most of the cliches in the song were said on the show last season. I noticed just the other night, most of those same things are already being uttered this season as well.

All the lines start to sound the same, and the faces start to look alike

We've heard it before, there are no surprised left

And in the end a broken heart is all you get

But it's amazing, how fast we're falling

It's amazing, I've never felt this way before

It's amazing, I'm so excited

It's amazing for sure

I could see myself with you and we could make it all the way down to the end

It's such a good fit, and it feels so right

To count the stars with you each and every night

It's amazing, how fast we're falling

It's amazing, I've never felt this way before

It's amazing, I'm so excited

It's amazing for sure

I might get down on bended knee

Cuz I might have found just what I need

Oh, it's amazing, how fast we're falling

It's amazing, I've never felt this way before

It's amazing, I'm so excited

It's amazing for sure

Labyrinth Walk Coffee House this Saturday Night!

2011-06-02T21:57:00.001-05:00

I'm playing for the first time at Labyrinth Walk Coffee House this Saturday, June 4 at 8pm. I'm opening up for Susan Gibson who wrote "Wide Open Spaces" made super famous by the Dixie Chicks-- and that song made them super famous! I have always loved that song and I can't wait to hear more from her and to meet her! Doors at 7:30pm, and I go on stage at 8. Hope to see you there!

Lavender Farm

2011-05-31T11:58:00.000-05:00

If my arm was longer, this would've been a better photo!

As I was perusing the paper over the weekend, I found an idea for a little road trip for Fermin and I to take on Memorial Day. I love lavender-- I put lavender essential oil in my bathtub every night and it's a great addiction! So when I saw an article about the "Lavender Festival" going on at a Lavender Farm in Gainsville, Texas I told Fermin about it. He wasn't anywhere near as excited as me. In fact, I don't really think he was excited at all. When he would hear me tell someone what our plans were for Monday, he'd say, "Well, we might go there!" But somehow, I convinced him to go along with it. And he did. Yay!

All that was left of the lavender...Nothing!

In the article I read, it said that for just $8, you could go out intothe fields and pick a bunch of lavender. When we arrived, there wasn'tany lavender left to pick. Evidently, it all got picked by otherlavender lovers on Saturday. Boo.

But they did have a craft area, sort of like the article had said. But it was mainly old stuff that looked like maybe it had been picked up at a garage sale. But believe it or not, I was able to find some stuff I wanted! We didn't make an hour and a half drive for nothing!! I found a wall clock for $5 and a little heart shaped trinket holder for $2.

There was also a cafe at the Lavender Farm. I had read about this in the article as well. Pretty much everything seemed to have at least a little lavender in it. The iced tea had a little too much. It tasted sort of like we were drinking my bath water. Yum? But the Lavender cheesecake made the whole thing worth it!

There was also a tiny little gift shop where they sold some soaps, oils, etc. all made with lavender. I wasn't leaving this place with out some kind of lavender so I bought some bath salts!

So yes, it was a bit disappointing that we didn't get to pick fresh lavender- but it was still a fun little day trip and we're glad we took it! (Of course, on speaking for both of us here and making the assumption that he agrees....)

Tonight at Opening Bell Coffee

2011-05-27T16:13:00.000-05:00

I'm playing at Opening Bell Coffee tonight at 8pm- Just one set, so please get there at 8:00! Sarah will be accompanying me on cello!

Sweet Kisses

2011-05-25T09:37:00.000-05:00

This is the cutest little video I've seen in a while... We all have had this wonderful feeling before, and it's just such sweetness to see how happy Elliot is after kissing his friend on the lips! High Five!!!

"Happy Anniversary, Baby!"

2011-05-23T09:55:00.001-05:00

At one of our favorite Mexican food spots on our anniversary yesterday!

The world didn't end (yay!) and so Fermin and I made it to our 17 year anniversary yesterday! 17 years sounds like a long time, but it doesn't feel like it. And it's weird to me now that we got married at the age of 15! (wink-wink)

2011-05-19T12:21:00.000-05:00

I'll be playing out on the lovely patio at Cafe Lago this Friday, May 20th from 7-9pm. If it's raining, we'll bring it inside of course! Hope to see you there!

This Sucks

2011-05-17T16:07:00.000-05:00

What I paid to fill my car yesterday--- Urgh. :(

Raising a Family

2011-05-15T20:56:00.000-05:00

When people ask me what I've been up to lately, altho I don't say it, what I want to say is:

"I'm raising my family."

Lucy

I am consumed, like any new mother, with these 2 sweet little puppies that have come into our lives. Having a puppy and trying to train and raise him to be a good citizen takes a lot of time. And doing that with 2 puppies takes so much time that right now, there's not much left for anything else.

And besides, I have very little interest in doing much else that I don't have to do right now. Puppyhood is a brief moment in time, and I'm happy to devote myself to them above all else right now.

Ricky

ButI am still playing music. Lucy and I share my studio...She sleeps inthere, and I play in there. I usually play when she's resting. Ithink of it as singing lullabies to my girl. I'm pretty sure she likesit. Ricky rests next door in Fermin's office, and he seems to like the musicas well. Lately, I've been editing thru a lot of previously writtensongs- Songs I've written over the past year and a half. Mining forsongs for my next CD.

I'm pretty sure there are new songs marinating inside of me about our puppies... How could this kind of love not inspire?

Iwant to get back to writing for this blog, but lately, my other blog istop banana. But I'll try to get back to posting a couple of times aweek. Jump over hereif you'd like to read my blog about all things Ricky and Lucy. Or juststay tuned here, and I intend to get back to checking in moreregularly...

Thank you for being patient while I'm raising my family!

No better way to spend the day...

Illin' and Chillin'

2011-05-04T17:42:00.000-05:00

I never get sick. I mean never. But well....I've been sick this week. And I breathed all over my husband and made him sick too. BOO.

So for these things, Casa Arista is thankful:

My Sinuses would like to thank my Neti Pot!

Something disgusting and magnificent at the same time!

Lucy and Ricky would like to thank their Bully Sticks!

Long lasting chew toys for the pups when we didn't feel like entertaining them. Just a gross little tidbit: Bully Sticks are made from bull penises. Yum.

And I speak for both my also sick husband, Fermin, and myself when I say the biggest thank you goes to our puppies, Lucy and Ricky. Because even on the sickest of sick days, they make us feel really lucky and really happy!

"I love Lucy and she loves me...we're as happy as two can be..."

Uncomfortably Naked

2011-04-20T17:57:00.003-05:00

I was invited to an Artist/Producer meet and greet to a new documentary style show that is starting production soon, called Texas Troubadours. When I first got their email, I thought I had a conflict. But as it turned out, I was free, (which is a whole other blog post!) and so I told them yes, I would come.

And then I forgot all about it. Until the morning of, when my friend who knew of it, called to find out what song I had decided to sing, etc. Uh oh. My gut reaction to his call was that I shouldn't go to the meet and greet. I should just stay home and play with my puppies. I had a good excuse-- I had totally forgotten all about it and hadn't prepared.

But I hung up the phone, and went out on my 5 mile run and got my thoughts together. At least a little bit. I decided what I'd sing. (Although my friend convinced me later that afternoon to do a different song instead.) And I figured out how I could tell "my story" in a short sound bite.

And really, I know I won't get picked for this thing anyway. I just wanted to show up. I never put myself out there. I miss opportunities due to fear, and then I have to live with my regret.

When I was younger, I never told anyone I liked to sing. Or that I knew how to play the guitar. Until I was about 32 years old. During a cruise with my family, my brother dared me to enter the talent show. I did, because other than my family, I didn't know anyone there, so I figured I could pull it off, and even if I didn't, who would care? Well, playing in that stupid little talent show sort of changed my life!

Taking chances, and doing something out of the ordinary can do that. I know that now.

So that's why I decided to go to this meet and greet thing. If nothing else, I can chalk it up to an interesting experience I've had.

Meeting and greeting.

There were about 20 musicians there. The production people told us a bit about the concept of the show- basically a documentary styled show that will introduce viewers to Texas singer-songwriters, and what a day-in-the-life really looks like. We were told we had 10 minutes up on stage to tell our 'who, what, why and how', and sing one song. I was completely thrown off by the fact that I had to do so much talking in front of an audience. In my head, I thought it was going to just be a Q&A. I didn't realize everyone there would be listening and watching, and that their would be a camera in my face the whole time. But hello, Kerri? This is for a TV show, so that does make sense.

one of my ultra cool not posing poses

Well, it didn't go great. I didn't tell my story well at all. I got to listen to back to what I had said, because my friend videoed it for me. I left out parts of my story, and told it out of order. So it ended up sounding like my story went something like this: in 5th grade, Dad took me on a cruise in which I entered a talent show, which then led to me playing in bars, which is what I still do today. I meant to say I started playing the guitar in 5th grade. That I was for some reason shy about it and had never performed in front of anyone, or really pursued anything in the way of music. I always played music, but just for myself and by myself. And that many, many years later, I went on a cruise with my family and entered a talent show. After I came back from that, I started booking gigs. My fear of failure and fear of rejection finally got trumped by a deep yearning to expose myself to other people through my music.

I didn't use up anywhere close to my 10 minutes on that stage. I came off as someone who had very little to say. Which isn't really the truth of me at all. I have a lot to say!!! But I froze.

In the post performance interview, I think I told one of the producers that I like to write music, but that I don't like to perform. Which isn't entirely true, however, I do have a tendency to get a good dose of performance anxiety when it matters the most. And I'm sure that really impressed him. I'm sure he's looking for shy people who can't put words together to form coherent sentences. That would make super exciting TV!

Ironically, I sang my song, "Naked", which is exactly how I felt. Naked. On a fat day.

Not Enough Time

2011-04-11T16:17:00.001-05:00

This song, "Not Enough Time" is about my mom. Sometimes when I sing it, I get a catch in my voice.

Back when I wrote it, Mom while was still alive. But I knew she wouldn't be around forever. In a weird way, maybe I was lucky to know that, and to make sure when she left the world, I left no words of love unspoken to her.

The first time I played at Uncle Calvin's Coffeehouse several years ago, I sang this song. It was the first time I ever had a cello accompany me. The song was already emotional for me, and I remember that when the cello came in, my heart felt both heavy and full at the same time. Just to make it to the end of the song without becoming a literal puddle on the floor was an accomplishment.

After that, I knew I had to find a cello player that lived in town and could accompany me regularly. I posted a little ad at SMU, and on Craigslist. And I found several great cellist. And to me, the greatest of them all was Sarah Reinke.

So that's who you see here with me in this video, taken just a couple of months ago when I played at Uncle Calvin's again. The lovely Sarah. I'm sure she was sent to me by an angel...

I'll be playing, and Sarah will be along with me, at Jefferson Freedom Cafe in Ft. Worth this Saturday night- April 16th.

Kitty

2011-04-08T13:02:00.000-05:00

A few months ago, my friend Kelly sent me a blingy Hello Kitty ring. I loved it. But within just a few days, Kitty's face popped off the ring.

So I took Kitty's face, and glued it onto a silver medallion and made a necklace out of it. I have gotten so many compliments on it. I love it now even more than I did when it was a ring!

Just one little rhinestone is missing-- But it looks like a mouth! Yay!

There are 3 strands...each consisting of beads and silver chain.

Introducing the New Puppies!

2011-04-04T15:32:00.000-05:00

They're home, and we're all very happy...
Here's a little clip someone made for me--

Mom

2011-03-29T02:09:00.002-05:00

I'm up late. Not feeling like I could possibly go to sleep right now. I've had these insomnia nights a lot lately.

But tonight, it feels even worse.

I'm just weepy.

Andit dawned on me...My mom died today 6 years ago. I know that date,March 29. And I know when it's creeping up. So it's not like it hitme out of nowhere. But I hadn't made the connection that it wasactually toDAY.

But I keep asking myself, "What is up? Why so gloomy?" Especially when I've got happy things to think about right now.

Andthe all of the sudden, I thought, "Well yes, I always get this wayaround the date Mom died..." but then realized it's more than just around the date- It's March 29th.

It'sdifferent now than it was in the beginning of missing her. With eachyear that goes by, she seems further away from me. It's been 6 years since I've seen her face. Or heard her voice.

Buton lucky days, her spirit still feels a close to me. Just the otherday, while I was running by the lake, thinking about how well certainthings are moving along right now, something red zoomed past me. Sofast that for a split second, I thought someone had thrown a redfrisbee by my face and just barely missed hitting me. But I lookedover, and it was a Red Cardinal that had nearly brushed my cheek. Andas I've mentioned here before, I always think of Mom when I see aCardinal.

Maybe Mom tries to touch me. And speak tome. Sometimes I can almost hear her... But I still so miss thephysical Mom that I lost 6 years ago.

My Husband's Ex

2011-03-27T12:03:00.000-05:00

This weekend I got to spend a lot of time with my husband's friend, Kelly, and her two great kids, Abby and Ben.

Fermin, Ben, Me, and Abby striking our modeling poses.

I've met Kelly before. I went to high school with both her and Fermin. But you know how a big high school is... I knew who she was, but we never had a class together.

This is the first girl Fermin loved. (At least that's my interpretation of it.) Before he started dating me-- at the ripe old age of 20! Kelly and Fermin were friends and then dated in high school. And they remained friends as they grew up.

When we saw Kelly this weekend, I felt like she was my friend too--instantly. And her kids! Oh, her kids! So fun to be with!

If Kelly lived in Dallas, I'd be lining up another date for us all next week! But she doesn't. They live near San Antonio. But guess what? It's not that far away, and we're planning a visit soon.

Until then, they left me with some parting gifts that I just L-O-V-E!

They bought me this T-shirt. Which is officially my favorite T-shirt. Ever.

And Abby picked out this super cute juice bottle for me because she knows I love Kitty and guitars!

A Link and a Tune

2011-03-20T14:03:00.001-05:00

I realize that the readers of this blog might get sick of my incessant puppy talk as of late. And so, I decided to start a blog strictly dedicated to the whole puppy search, find, and then life and times. If you want, and really there's no pressure here, jump over to my new blog called Puppy Tracks.

So now onto other stuff, because a world outside of all things puppies does exist.

I performed in my favorite CD store in all of Dallas a couple of weekends ago (CD Source). My friend, Elaine, was nice enough to record a few tunes with the flip camera, so I'll go ahead and post one here.

This song, "You'll Be Surprised" is on my CD "50 Different Ways". I wrote it just after hearing the news that Michael Jackson had died, back in the summer of 2009. I was stunned, and sad, like the rest of the world. I also felt disappointed in myself that I had sort of written him off as being a weirdo. He got so much bad press for a while, that it tainted my view, and for a bit, I forgot what a talented man with a loving heart he was.

Dig a little deeper, clear a whole new path
Come up with different question that you've never asked
Look beyond the madness 'cause there's a method to it all
Pay out your attention to the big things and the small

But don't push anything away
And don't put it off for another day
Because you'll be surprised by what you might find
By not casting anything aside...
Oh, you'll be surprised by what you will find

I jumped to my conclusions before gathering the facts
I passed off unfair judgements, now it's too late to take it back
It's only now I see the picture with all it's shades of gray
It's so much more than black and white but now he's gone away

But don't push anything away
And don't put it off for another day
Because you'll be surprised by what you might find
By not casting anything aside...
Oh, you'll be surprised by what you will find

Priceless

2011-03-16T11:19:00.002-05:00

Many years ago, my husband and I had a little puppy named Chloe. She was a Siberian Husky. And she was a runner. Sadly, one night during a storm, part of our fence blew down and Chloe ran. And she was hit by a car.

We knew Chloe needed a buddy, to keep from being lonely in the yard when we were away from the house. We had planned to get her a companion, but were waiting until my summer vacation. But that storm came along in the spring, and we never got the chance to get a buddy for Chloe.

The night that Chloe died, we cried all night. But the very next morning, I grabbed the Dallas Morning News classifieds and found an ad that said "Siberian Husky pups for sale!" We went and looked at a litter of 9 and picked out the two meant for us- Zoe and Scout.

They weren't ever lonely, like Chloe had been. And they both lived long and very happy lives.

Now that I'm beginning to think about getting puppies again 15 years later, it seems things have gotten more complicated.

From lots of reading, and visiting a nearby dog park, and asking around, we're pretty sure we know what breed of puppies we want. (Australian Shepherds, in case you're wondering.)

But these days, the newspaper doesn't run nearly as many ads. Now there's Craigslist, and eBay, and an internet full of breeders. Many of the breeders ask for deposits before a litter is even born! Or even conceived! That seems crazy.

Zoe and Scout didn't have "papers". And we didn't get them from a professional breeder. Just a sweet family that happened to breed their husky so they could experience what it was like to have a litter of puppies. I think we paid a couple hundred bucks for each of them. Now that I've read so much on the internet, the warnings of buying a dog from someone other than a reputable breeder are just scary. "You get what you pay for", I've read over and over. Reading that stuff can make you believe that you'll end up with a sickly, troubled mess if you don't pay top dollar to a top breeder.

Sometimes, I start to buy into it. But then, I remember where Zoe and Scout came from. And how healthy, happy and sweet they were. As the Visa commerial says...

PRICELESS!

Spring Blossoms

2011-03-08T23:17:00.001-06:00

Thank you, Spring Blossoms, for the reminder that beautiful things continue to pop up all the time.

"No matter how long the winter, spring is sure to follow."

Up When I'm Down

2011-03-05T12:11:00.001-06:00

As you know, from my previous post, times have been rough around here. Fortunately, there has been loads of kindness to make me feel better, as well as interesting and funny things to distract me. Here are the highlights...

1. The audio book of My Stroke of Insight by Jill Bolte Taylor.

I've ran and walked my neighborhood streets morning and afternoon listening to Jill, a brain scientist, who at the age of 37 has a brain hemmorage, a.k.a. stroke!, and not only lived through it, but recovered from it completely and was able to write this book telling us all about it.

I learned so much about my brain, about how the two hemispheres work together, and how unbelievable and magical it is. I am amazed at what my brain can do. By the end of Jill's audio book, I felt like she was my friend. She had such an amazing story to tell, and she was able to distract me from my sadness for hours.

2. DVDs of "The New Adventures of the Old Christine".

I saw these at the library one day and since a friend of mine had recently mentioned how funny it was, I brought the first season home. Thank you Julie Louis-Dreyfus for making me laugh. I've got 5 seasons to work my way thru, but just found out the show was cancelled. Please! Somebody!! Bring it back. Why was a show like this cancelled?

3. Charlie Sheen..."Winning!"

4. The above were all great distractions. But I've saved the best, and most meaningful for last. The following are sweet and loving gestures from family, close friends, and friends I've met thru my blog. Thank you so much for offering up such kindness to me and Fermin.
Cards in the mail...

flowers on our doorstep...

and all of the phone calls, emails and comments left on my blog offering sweet condolences.
Thank you so much.

Zoe and Scout

2011-02-22T14:19:00.000-06:00

Yesterday, our sweet dogs of 15 years, Zoe and Scout went out of this world the same way they came into it--- together. I use to wonder about which one of them we would lose first. I worried about it, because they had been together their entire lives and I just didn't know how one could handle losing the company of the other. As it turns out, it was a worry I need not have wasted my time on.

The hardest part of all of this is now behind us. But still, my heart aches in missing them.

I obviously don't know what happens after a dog dies. But I know if there is a heaven, they're in it. And if there's any chance of reincarnation, I hope they'll make their way back into our lives as soon as possible.

But until we meet again, we've got loads of great memories that I'll replay in my mind for the rest of my life.

Thank you, to our beloved sweet companions of the last 15 years, Zoe and Scout. We miss you.

i knew that winter was coming and you couldn't take the cold
someday got here too quickly, i wish i'd bought it before it sold

(chorus) i wish you didn't have to go
i wish the hands of time would slow
i wish that we could do it all again
and we would never, not ever
get to the end

i know the way this will go
i have played it out in my mind
and i've worked thru all of the endings
and my heart it breaks everytime

-chorus-

oh where did the time go?
and where will all this love go?
cuz every minute of every day love was in it in every way...

-chorus-

Lean

2011-02-18T08:43:00.000-06:00

This week has been a tough one. Our beloved poochies, Zoe and Scout, who are both 15 years of age, have been severely under the weather and we began the week with bad news from our vet. Which I don't even want to talk about here, other than just to say, getting old sucks. And knowing the days are numbered doesn't bring me joy.

I've just allowed myself to wallow in it all. I haven't gotten much work done. I haven't cooked but one meal all week. I haven't read much because I can't focus for long enough to care. I've just done a lot of laying around with Zoe and Scout. I haven't worn make up all week, because tears come out of my eyes at both expected and unexpected moments. My face is just puffy. Puffy with love for Zoe and Scout.

My husband is just as sad about all of this as I am. He's loved these girls for 15 years, just as I have. There is something oddly comforting about sharing sadness with someone you love.

I am thankful. So thankful that for now, our girls our resting on their pillows here at home, peacefully. Thankful that I'm not alone in my sadness, and that I've got someone strong to lean on.

My Romance

2011-02-11T18:17:00.003-06:00

This has long been my favorite love song. I'm especially fond of James Taylor's version. Every simple line in this song rings so true. So I decided to sing my own version of it today for my husband.

Please pardon my mush, but it is Valentine's Day weekend after all. Have a happy one...

My romance doesn't need to have a moon in the sky
My romance doesn't need a blue lagoon standing by
No month of May, no shining stars
No hidaway, and no soft guitar

My romance doesn't need a castle rising in Spain
Or a dance to a constantly surprising refrain
Wide awake I can make my most fantastic dreams come true
'Cuz my romance it doesn't need a thing but you...

Turn It On Again, KXT!

2011-02-07T16:32:00.004-06:00

In case you missed my radio play on KXT the other day, here is my experience of it in my car:

I had submitted my CD, "50 Different Ways" for airplay to KXT a few months ago. Last week, I emailed them to ask if they had my CD, and asked again for them to please consider playing my song, "Flower on the Wall." Gini Mascorro who hosts "The Morning Show" wrote me back and told me she had played it. (And I missed it!!!) But she said she'd be playing it again soon.

So of course, I did nothing but listen to her show all morning the following day, hoping to hear one of my songs on the radio for the first time. Ever. On the radio.

I LOVE that she played my song between Lou Reed's "Take a Walk on the Wild Side", and Genesis' "Turn it On Again".

I love KXT for playing such a wide range of music- including indie music, like mine. I love Gini for choosing to play my song. And I love that I have friends who texted and emailed me to let me know they were listening, and wishing me the best.

And their wishes worked. It was the best!

Usually when I'm sharing my music, it's in a live setting. And sometimes with that excitement, comes a bundle of nervous energy which sometimes doesn't sit well with me. So I don't always get to relish in the joy of it like I would prefer. But on this day, when KXT played my song, all I had to do was listen. All the joy. None of the nerves. Just tons and tons of happy emotion.

I know this isn't the biggest deal in the world, and to lots of people, maybe no big deal at all. But to me it was huge. Thrilling.

Hopefully, like the Genesis song that played directly after me says,KXT will think of "Flower on the Wall" soon, and "Turn it on, Turn it onagain!"

Here We Go~ FAWM!

2011-01-31T00:08:00.002-06:00

In just a day, February begins.

I think of it as the coldest month. And the shortest month. And the month of LOVE.

And what better thing to do than write a lot of songs? And what better way to get motivated than to join the FAWM online challenge?

The rules of the challenge are simple: Write an album's worth of songs during the month of February- hence the acronym FAWM~ February Album Writing Month. 14 songs in a mere 28 days.

I'm in! I'm all over it! I've been saving all my love for you, February!

Me, age 4. Hot pants and go-go boots never go out of style!

Committed

2011-01-26T16:49:00.000-06:00

I've been waiting for months to get a copy of Elizabeth Gilbert's latest book, Committed: A Skeptic Makes Peace with Marriage. Due to budget cuts, there just aren't many books to go around at the public library these days, so if you want a new, popular book, you gotta be willing to wait. And so I've been waiting and waiting. Impatiently.

The other day while visiting the library, I noticed a copy of Committed on the book shelf. It wasn't the actual book, but instead, it was the audiobook. I've never bought or checked out a audiobook before. But since the book I requested long ago still hasn't arrived, I decided to check this one out.

I loaded all 7 CDs onto my iPOD just yesterday. I'm now about a CD and 1/2 into the book. I wasn't sure how I'd like an audiobook. Usually I run to music. Lately it's all Bob Schneider. All the time. And I do not want to wear him out. So it seemed like a good time to try something different. But I wasn't so sure that words minus the music would do it for me.

It ends up... I love it! The reader is actually the author herself, and I like her voice, telling me her story of why she was fearful of marrying her second husband, but why they went ahead and did it anyway. (Both her first marriage and his first marriage were disasters. But after her boyfriend, Felipe, faces possible and probable deportation, they decide to walk through their mutual fear and get hitched.)

Today I ran to the chapters in which she talks about arranged marriages of Mong women, and how the expectations going into those marriages differ so much than the typical marriage here in America. It made me think, first of all, how grateful I am that I live in a country where I got to actually choose who I married. And I am thankful that although I've grown to love my husband in new and different ways over the years, I'm glad we started off with love. Love may make it all more complicated, but for me, that's what it's all about.

But it is good to remember that although I grew up reading fairy tales and about the "happily ever after", those were just...fairy tales. And marriage is something quite different. Or at least, it's a different part of the story.

Thanks!

2011-01-22T10:54:00.001-06:00

Thanks so much to all the people who came out to hear me perform last night at Uncle Calvin's Coffeehouse. And of course, thanks to those sweet people who run the place- and all on a volunteer basis. It's an incredible acoustic live music venue and is always an honor to play there.

Everything

2011-01-15T16:12:00.001-06:00

Although some of my recent performances have been video-ed, none have turned out great. But, I'm going to go ahead and post one up anyway in hopes of getting people revved up for my upcoming performance Friday, Jan. 21st at Uncle Calvin's Coffeehouse here in Dallas, Texas.

If you can make it to the concert and buy your tickets online in advance you can enter a drawing to win a copy of my new CD "50 Different Ways." Just leave me a comment that you've purchased your tickets and I'll put your name in the hat. I'll draw the winners (there will be 5!) Friday, Jan. 21 at noon.

I can't wait!

By(e) George!

2011-01-11T18:25:00.000-06:00

I've seen lots of "Lost Pets" signs over the years posted up around my neighborhood. Usually, the pets on those signs are dogs or cats.

But a few months ago, I started noticing a sign in my 'hood, as well as other nearby neighborhoods, for a missing cockatiel. I remember at the time thinking it a little odd, and wondering how I would actually convince the bird to land on my finger if I did, in fact, find him.

Yesterday, while on a run, I saw this sign for "George", the missing tortoise.

How is it that these pet owners can't keep track of their pets that don't even go outside to use the bathroom? Aren't they sort of caged animals? Or are they just running and flying around in their backyard, until one day, they just went a little too far and couldn't find their way back home?

Well, George...I hope you make it back to your owners...Although maybe you're happier out at the creek with the other Texas Tortoises, in which case, Run Free, George!

Incredible Things

2011-01-07T18:01:00.000-06:00

I bought this cool little handmade pendant at a craft fair not too long ago. I paid for it, I put it in my purse, I got home with it, showed it off to my husband and then~ misplaced it for over a month.

Oh no! Losing something with such a beautiful statement to myself felt like a bad omen.

And just when I thought I might never find it, that perhaps I had mistakenly thrown it out~ I found it.

I have been wearing it almost constantly since.

I've never tried positive affirmations before, but I've heard they're powerful. I want to do some incredible things. I want that SHE stamped on the pendant to be ME!

So I wear this around my neck. I touch it often. And I repeat the phrase in my head many times a day.

SHE CAN DO INCREDIBLE THINGS

My Resolution Revolution

2011-01-03T16:30:00.001-06:00

Seldom do I make resolutions. I'm not really that kind of girl. Resolutions don't seem all that fun and I hear so much about people breaking theirs so soon after the new year. But I've decided to start a Resolution Revolution this year. My resolutions are pretty easy, mostly fun (all but one), and I think they'll make me a happier person, and the world a better place!

And so begins my Resolution Revolution:

1. I'm going to support local art shows more regularly. Whether it's an art show, a play, or a concert-- I'm going to make an effort to get out and see all that Dallas has to offer. I'm always happy once I get myself out to a show, but sometimes the getting myself there part is a little difficult. But being a performer myself, I know how meaningful it is to have people show up to something I've worked really hard to get ready for.

A concert I went to recently at the Kessler Theater.

2. I'm buying more handcrafted goods off of Etsy this year. Which means more than 2 items, which is all I bought last year. I love one of a kind things made by someone, rather than a machine. And if I'm spending money, I'd much rather it be going directly to an artist, rather than some big manufacturing company.

A painting I bought from the very talented Jessica Stride-- on Ebay!

3. I'm going to cook LOVINGLY. I look at cooking dinner as a chore, rather than an act of love for myself and for my husband. So I'm planning to put on my cute apron, turn on some good music, and cook up some great new recipes this year.

Even when I don't look cute, my apron does!

4. I'm devoting more time to marketing my music. I'm super proud of my new CD, and I really want as many people to hear it as possible. I write the music and play it mostly for my own enjoyment, but why record it unless I want people to hear it? And I do! I do!

Get your copy of my CD HERE!

And I've saved the best for last...
5. There's going to be more passionate kissing going on at my house.
(Sorry-- too passionate to post a picture here!)

See? Don't those sound like fun? No dieting. No quitting any bad habits. Nothing that seems overly challenging that I will give up on by February 1st. And I was vague enough that it nothing feels too regimented and difficult to stick with. That's my kind of resolution!

These Are a Few of My Favorite Things...

2010-12-28T16:48:00.000-06:00

Here are just a few snapshots of some of my favorite things about Christmas 2010~


My sister flew into town a few weeks ago and Dad took us all to see the Dallas Symphony's holiday show.

We had a fun little holiday party where everyone brought their favorite holiday dishes. My friend, Rose, made these cute little mice from radishes. I kept them in my fridge until they finally got wilty.


My family and I went to eat the most delicious meal at Eclair Bistro. YUM.

We drove around for hours looking at Christmas lights...

My friend's cat reluctantly tried on his Christmas outfit for me...


Ahhhh! My favorite gift this year is these UGG shoes. They look and feel like slippers, but they are SHOES and I'm wearing them everywhere!

And I went to my first TUBA CHRISTMAS. I've wanted to go for years, but was always out of town. But not this year! It was such fun!

My New CD is Available Online!

2010-12-21T19:01:00.000-06:00

How hilarious that it's taken me this long! I've got all sorts of fear-based excuses I could dole out, but I won't. I'll just say, it's available NOW. And if you order it now, and I've actually set the paypal button up right, you could actually get it before Christmas! And as you know, CDs are just the right size to make the perfect stocking stuffer!

You can get it by going to my "Music" page. (See the bar at the top of this page? Okay, just click on that word when you're ready to go get it!) If you want me to sign the CD, just tell me what to write and I'll be sure to do that before I lovingly stick it in the bubble pack mailer. You can email me with that info!

I don't yet have the sound clips up, but if you hop over to the CDbaby website, you can find them there. But you'll save a little money ordering it directly from me, and of course, I can sign it, or seal it with a kiss!

Happy Birthday, Mom!

2010-12-16T23:18:00.000-06:00

December 16th. I get a little weepy this time of year, and sometimes it takes me a while to figure out why. I'll feel the meloncholy creeping in and wonder, "What's up with this?"- and then I realize, not only is it the most wonderful time of the year, but today is Mom's birthday. And that explains my emotion.

She's been somewhere other than on this earth for over 5 years now. This is the first Christmas we're not going out of town since she died. Once she died, Christmas time changed pretty dramatically, and we didn't know what to do with ourselves. So we would go out of town. As if going out of town helped us forget that she wasn't around anymore. It didn't, by the way.

The thing is, at least for me, I like being at home for Christmas. Just like Mom did. Mom was a homebody, and that is a quality I must have picked up from her. She isn't here anymore, but I definitely feel closer to her when I'm at home.

I try to treat myself kindly on December 16th in honor of Mom. Sometimes I go to a movie. Sometimes I just lay around the house all day and let myself be sad if I want to be.

This year, December 16th just happened to be the day that the purchase of my new car was finalized. It feels like the perfect coincidence-

Happy Birthday, to my Mom- who would've been 75 years old today, and who would've been the passenger in my sweet ride tonight...

I Am Not An Avenger

2010-12-15T16:17:00.001-06:00

Since my car has been totaled, I've been driving around in a rented silver sedan. And I cannot stand it.

First of all, almost any car feels like a boat compared to my little Beetle. Although I've rented a "mid-size" car, it feels gigantic. I feel more unsafe driving than I ever have before. I think I might be having a little post traumatic stress from the wreck and I find myself looking in the rear view mirror an awful lot.

And then there's the confusion of finding my rent car in the parking lot. I'm currently very well aware of just how many silver sedans are parked in parking lots these days. It use to be so easy to spot my car: a convertible, Beetle, mellow yellow in color. Rarely was there more than one of them in the parking lot at a time, so finding my car was easy, breezy, beautiful. But now, I have to actually think about where I've parked and try to remember. I'm just one of many drivers of a silver sedan.

The funny thing is, I didn't even know what kind of car this was until I started writing this blog and took a look at the name on the back bumper.

Dodge Avenger

When I realized it was called an "Avenger" I thought that seemed an odd name for a car. To avenge, by dictionary definition means, "inflict harm in return for an injury or wrong done to oneself or another".

I believe in peace, love and forgiveness. I'm not out to avenge anything.

Doesn't something like this look a bit less vengeful?

Riding Off Into the Sunset

2010-12-09T17:46:00.005-06:00

I got the call today. And was given an answer I was pretty much expecting.

My cute little beetle that I loved so much was deemed a "total loss".
It was really no shock. While I waited this week to get the final word, I had mixed emotions. People told me that even if they repaired the damages, my car might never really be the same again. So, in a way, I thought it would be best if it were totaled. But then I just hated to lose it and have to try to find another car that even comes close to suiting me as well as my beetle did.

I remember so fondly the day I got my car. It was the week of Thanksgiving in 2004. My sister was in town from Seattle, and we were all over at Mom and Dad's house. Fermin asked me to grab him a drink out of the outside fridge. I told him to get it himself. ;) But then Mom said, "Kerri!! Go and get him his beer!" And I knew for sure, something was going on. Fermin never bosses me around, Mom wouldn't have liked it if he did, and he normally would've been drinking wine with her, not beer. But I looked at Mom and said, "Oh...okay." And I knew right then, there must be something great waiting for me in the garage.

The whole family followed right behind me as I opened the door to the garage. And I just kept saying, "Oh. My. God." I said it an embarrassing number of times.

My husband completely surprised me and picked this car out just for me. I loved everything about it.

The night I had my wreck just about a week ago, that car really took all of the brunt, and I barely suffered any injuries at all! And that made me love my beetle even more.

So today, when the insurance man told me my beetle was "a total loss" I thought that was the worst and most inaccurate phrasing ever.

I know that a car is just a car. That things are just things. And that what's most important is that I'm okay. Believe me, I have been counting my lucky stars all week long. But this is the time of year for me that emotions run high and deep. I miss my mom. I want my mom here when I've gone through something scary. I want my mom here when it's the holidays. I want my mom here when I get my next car. I know that Mom would be so grateful to that little Beetle that I am okay after that crazy mishap on the highway.

I drove out to see my car one last time today. I took some pictures, took a little farewell video, and said my goodbyes. Tomorrow, the insurance company will pick it up and take it to...I don't know? Beetle heaven? I sure hope so.

The Uninsured

2010-12-06T09:33:00.000-06:00

On my way to a gig Friday night, me and my little Beetle got pretty beat up on the highway. A car plowed into the back of me and as the airbag was exploding in my face, I hit a big truck in front of me. My little beetle is most likely totaled, as she took a pretty hard beating from both the back and the front. I don't yet have the photos of my car, but I do have a photo of the car that caused the whole problem in the first place.

The driver of this stupid car doesn't have insurance!

It all happened on a congested highway during rush hour traffic. I've never been in a wreck like this before- nothing beyond a little fender bender many years ago- so this was really scary.

I really didn't know what was happening, it all happened to fast. I just felt like I was getting hit from all sides, not just the front and the back. And because the airbag almost immediately popped me in the face as soon as my car was hit, I couldn't see anything. A few minutes after the wreck, a woman came up to me and my car and asked if I was okay. I thanked her for stopping and she said, "I'm the one in the truck that you hit." I didn't even know I had hit a truck until she said that.

I think I was just sort of in shock during the aftermath of it happening and it gets confusing when I try to piece it together. Later that night, when I went to the wrecker's storage lot to get some stuff out of my car and saw my car, and the car that hit me, I felt so mad.

I had asked the guy that hit me, "What happened?" and he said, "I don't know. I was trying to switch lanes and I guess I hit you. I was on my way to the gym." It just makes me so mad that he was so wreckless, and for really no reason. And to top it all off, he doesn't have insurance.

I used his phone to call my husband and my brother for help. Later that night, we got a text from him (the uninsured driver) that said, "Whatever you do, DO NOT POST PICTURES OF MY WRECK ON FACEBOOK!" The all caps seemed so threatening, and I'm not really sure what that was all about, but I wanted to be sure to put a picture of HIS WRECK up on my blog, since he's not "allowing" me to put it on facebook.

The police officers told me that the man had been ticketed and that his car would be impounded until he got some car insurance. By the looks of his car, I'm not sure he's going to want it back. And I'm pretty sure that even if he does get insurance, which by the way- is the law!- it's going to be too little, too late to help me out.

But, having said all of this, I need to also say I am thankful. I walked away from this with bumps and bruises and whiplash, and I think that's all. (Although I am going to have everything checked over because my neck is in quite a bit of pain!) My guitar is fine. All the other drivers are also alive and seemingly okay. And I did get to hitch a sweet ride to meet up with my rescue squad after the wreck...

Thank you officer, for the nice ride in your car! :)

...And I Love Her

2010-11-29T17:18:00.001-06:00

I remember the day I got married. But not that well. In fact, even the very day after our ceremony, I had trouble remembering it. I felt like I was in some kind of altered dream-like state. When I watched the wedding video after we returned from our honeymoon, it was only then that I remembered that there were in fact, flowers and people there.

My CD release party was a similar experience. I was such a ball of nervous energy that the day is just sort of a blur. But again, I have video so I love getting to relive it. Because although it didn't by any means go off without a hitch, it was a great day.

And also similar to getting hitched, I sort of needed a break afterwards to celebrate with some down time. So I've been on a honeymoon with my CD the last week or so. And now, she's officially my "Mrs." And I'm ready to show her off to the world!

Within a few weeks, "50 Different Ways" will be available for purchase at CDBaby and other online sources I'll be sure to let you know about. And I'm hoping to have a Paypal button here on the site so you can opt to get it directly from me. And of course, if you come to one of my upcoming performances, I'll have them for sale there.

CD Release Party

2010-11-18T13:40:00.000-06:00

This isn't my first CD, but it's the first one I'm having a CD release party for.

A few months ago, when we were at the final stages of getting all the production stuff done, my friend, Aaron Thomas, who not only plays percussion on my CD, but brilliantly produced half of the songs and worked tirelessly on this project for months, asked me if I was having a CD release party. I'm not even sure he asked, as much as told me that I was, in fact, having a CD release party.

I hadn't really given it any thought prior to him mentioning it. To be honest, when I first gave my enthusiastic, "Yes!!" I mainly said it because I felt like I needed to give this CD a good push because of him, and what a great job he had done on everything.

As it turns out, I am so happy I'm doing this for ME. I don't mean to be an unfair parent to my previous CDs, but I think this new one, "50 Different Ways" is my best, and it's definitely, at least for now, my favorite and it deserves a party. And for this performance I'm having a whole band. It makes me completely nervous thinking about it, and I know that's a great thing!

Usually, if I want to change something, like double a chorus, or just go to the wrong part of one of my songs, it really doesn't matter too much. But since I've got 3 other musicians up there with me, I realize I better play it like they're expecting me to!

I rarely even make a set list. I just wing it and play it how I want. But this time, not only do I have a set list- and a well thought-out one at that--- we've rehearsed!!!

I feel such complete gratitude to the people who helped me in the making of the CD, and especially Aaron. Like I said, he spent endless hours doing all sorts of cool stuff to my songs and definitely bringing things up a notch. A few notches, in fact.

Below is a very short video clip of me lip syncing one of the songs that Aaron produced. It's called "Flower on the Wall," and my husband taped me when I first put the CD in our player the day it arrived via UPS. I was just giddy with excitement and was dancing around my den being stupid with it- So forgive my indulgence, but I did want you to get to hear a snippet of it, because I'm so proud. You might want to NOT look at the screen while listening though, as I'm sort of a distraction! ;)

If you live in the D/FW area, or want to make a trip here, you're invited to my CD party- It's this coming Sunday, November 21st beginning at 1pm at La Grange. You can get your copy of "50 Different Ways". If you can't make it, I'll soon have it available on my website.

Delivery

2010-11-11T23:03:00.001-06:00

Remember this?

It's the package I sent off to have my CD duplicated and printed. And guess what? I got them today!

I was sure it would be an early delivery. I stayed home all day waiting. And waiting. I could've been productive and gotten a lot of that novel written, but I was way too busy looking at my window. And opening my front door repeatedly, checking my porch to make sure it hadn't been delivered when I took a break from my command post. Barely anything got done around here, except I did make a video for you to see the big moment of when the CDs were finally delivered. Oh, and I did write a little song for the UPS man, which you can see and hear on the video.

Stay tuned, or rather check back in a couple of days where I'll be airing Part II of the delivery day. You'll get to see me "perform" a song from the new CD!! YAY!

The People Spoke!

2010-11-04T16:20:00.001-05:00

At the beginning of the week, when I began my- ahem- novel, I wrote in my blogpost that I was a feeling a little doubtful and unsure of myself.

Well, several sweet people left comments encouraging me to just write, write, and write some more. To those sweet people:
I completely agree with you, and it's probably the same advice I would've given to you if you had been in a slump and were asking me for help! Great mind think alike, and we've all got 'em here! :)

I've written for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours each day, written at least my goal word count each day, and although it still seems like one, long, wordy mess, I just feels good that I've got my little routine down now. And, I know I'm going to stick with it for the month.

Another tip several people gave me when I asked for advice was to go back and buy the teapot I mentioned I had passed up over the weekend. Well, I want all of you to know, I listened to what you had to say regarding that as well! I realized buying that teapot was a symbolic gesture to myself that I'm going to stick with this challenge and write this novel during NaNoWriMo.

My electric teapot holds up to 1.7 liters of water. I put it on my writing table in my studio where I'm doing most of my writing. Now I have one less excuse to leave my room! Which is great, because usually when I "get up for a cup of tea", other little tasks like petting my sweet doggies, getting the mail, doing a load of laundry, picking lint of my blow dryer, etc. usually end up distracting me. Now with this new teapot, I'm jacked up on tea, and more or less content to stay in my room and write.

Lately, I'm drinking Trader Joe's Ruby Red Chai or Republic of Tea's Apple Blossom Green Tea. Just yesterday I bought a new one:

Bentley's Red Rooibos. Oh. Yum. But it's caffeine free. That was an accident. If you're a tea drinker, what tea do you drink?

Sarah McLachlan

2010-11-02T15:35:00.000-05:00

While lots of people here in Dallas were watching the Rangers game, which ended sadly- I went to see Sarah McLachlan, which made me very happy!

I've never seen Sarah live before, although I own a couple of her DVDs. So, I have seen her in concert, but never from anywhere other than the comfort of my own home.

I wasn't planning to see her last night. But then I saw her face on the cover of a section of my morning newspaper and realized I really wanted to see her. I bought a ticket last minute and hitched a ride with some friends.

I loved her Fumbling Towards Ecstasy CD years ago, and have bought everything she's put out since, and before that. Our relationship was at it's peak years ago, but I will always love and be inspired by her.

It worked out perfectly that this was the concert of hers that I got to attend. I like things that at least feel intimate. She was able to make the Nokia Theater (which is actually called something else now, but I refuse to keep with all of those name changes!) feel like a coffee house. A big coffee house.

She didn't have an opening performer, but instead surprised the crowd by coming out just a few minutes after the 8pm start time. She then said that she would be doing this concert a little differently and hoped we would open our minds and our hearts...

It was the "Sarah and Friends" show. Like a teeny Lilith Fair. Two of the girls she had as a part of her band are singer/songwriters themselves and they each performed four of their own songs, and Sarah was part of their back up band.


Butterfly Boucher

Melissa McClelland

I have to admit that for about the first quarter of the show I was thinking maybe I was sort of over Sarah. I just wasn't blown away as I expected to be. But, of course, once she sang some of her older songs like "The Path of Thorns" and "Hold On", it was easy to remember why I love the woman and her music so much.

At the beginning of the concert she told people to write down any question they had for her, "nothing is off limits", and she would answer them between songs. It was a cool way to connect with a big audience.

Her final song (not including the encore song, "Angel"), was "Possession". It had such a great build to the final ending of the song where she hit this huge and high note and got a standing ovation. Granted, it was the last song of the concert, but I think the standing ovation would've happened anyway because it was awe-inspiring.

Sarah Mclachlan has been a huge influence on me over the years that I have been a songwriter. I am so glad I got to see her last night. I am re-inspired...

No Plot Might Actually Be a Problem!

2010-11-01T11:22:00.001-05:00

I have really been excited for the National Novel Writing Month (which will be referred to from this point on as NaNoWriMo), which begins today-- November 1st. I almost bought a new teapot yesterday to celebrate the kick off. But I realized I can just warm up my water in the microwave like I have for years and save myself the $25.

To make it to the 50,000 word goal by the end of the month, I should write about 1,666 words each day. I never use word count, so that number was completely arbitrary to me.

Until this morning.

I've been sitting at my computer since 9am. Two hours. I've already started, and restarted my novel twice. Putting my thoughts into any kind of reasonable order when dealing with a story this long is hard. I'm already having serious doubts about where my story is headed.

And I think I'm going to finish it in much less than 50,000 words. I think I might be done with it by the end of the week. And instead of it being a novel, it might just be a short story. I may not be drinking loads of tea like I thought I would. One thing I'm feeling good about is the fact that I did not buy the teapot I had nearly convinced myself yesterday that I needed.

I have no idea what I'm doing. And it's not one of those times where I'm on a big learning curve that feels challenging, but good. No, this doesn't feel good at all.

This whole idea of "No Plot, No Problem"? Well, I'm re-thinking that now. It may actually a pretty big problem after all.

Writers, any tips? Suggestions?

Up To My Eyeballs

2010-10-31T21:54:00.001-05:00

I was so proud of the candy I planned to give out to the Halloweenies this year. Chocolate eyeballs with assorted inside goo of peanut butter, caramel, or fudge.

The Trick or Treaters that showed up loved them~ "Ewwww!!! Eyeballs!"

But due to the 7:00pm Texas Rangers game, and not realizing at first that I had a burned out porch light, we didn't have a whole lot of traffic this year. We had a few Batmans, a Spiderman, a Ladybug, a Ghost Bride and a few assorted monsters stop in for a treat, but that was about it.

It's been well over an hour since anyone has rang our doorbell. And anybody in the age-range that I want to see out trick or treating is most likely in bed by now.

BOO.
who.

Signed, Sealed, and Being Delivered

2010-10-27T19:03:00.000-05:00

I was so happy today as I drove my CD to the UPS store to have it sent to Oasis where all the printing and duplication will be done.

When it comes back to me in couple of weeks (please keep your fingers crossed that it all runs smoothly and does, in fact, make it back within that time), this little package will have multiplied in size and will be in a big box. Or maybe even a few boxes.

This one CD is going to become 1,000 CDs. Magic. And I love magic!

one of the magician's assistance, who was a little camera shy

My CD release party is going to be on November 21st! Yep, that's a Sunday. Noon- 2pm-ish.
Much more information to come soon...

Why You Gotta Be So Mean?

2010-10-26T17:07:00.000-05:00

I love Taylor Swift.

I get tired of people saying she can't sing. First of all, I can't imagine being her age and performing in front of the audiences she has. Who's voice wouldn't get a little jumpy under those circumstances? And even if I didn't like her voice, she's got a true talent for writing pop/country songs like nobody's business. And she writes them by herself, without any co-writers. The girl has got serious talent.

When Kanye West got up and tried to rain on her parade during the VMAs last year, she never said anything mean about him in retaliation. She held her tongue, or maybe she was never mad about it in the first place.

As she writes in the prologue of her CD, Speak Now, her latest batch of songs are, "...made up of words I didn't say when the moment was right in front of me. These songs are open letters. Each is written to a very specific person in mind, telling them what I meant to tell them in person. To the beautiful boy whose heart I broke in December. To my first love who I never thought would be my first heartbreak. To my band. To a mean man I used to be afraid of. To someone who made my world very dark for a while. To a girl who stole something of mine. To someone I forgive for what he said in front of the whole world."

Clearly, Taylor Swift has found her beautiful way of getting her emotions out. Maybe she's able to handle tense situations by thinking to herself, "I canNOT wait to get home and write a song about this!"

The CD is in my car, stuck on track #6, "Mean." Of course we don't know exactly who she's singing about, but clearly it's some naysayer who has criticized her, perhaps telling her she has a bad voice.

Taylor is 20. I'm hoping to grow up and be just like her.

Mean

you, with your words like knives and swords and weapons that you use against me

you have knocked me off my feet again, got me feeling like nothing

you, with your voice like nails on a chalkboard calling me out when i'm wounded

you, picking on the weaker man

well you can take me down with just one single blow

but you don't know what you know

(chorus)

someday i'll be living in a big ole city

and all you're ever gonna be is mean

someday i'll be big enough so you can't hit me

and all you've ever be is mean

why you gotta be so mean?

you, with your with you're switching sides and your wildfire lies and your humiliation

you have pointed out my flaws again, as if I don't already see them

i walk with my head down trying to block you out cause I'll never impress you

i just wanna feel okay again

i bet you got pushed around, somebody made you cold

but the cycle ends right here cuz i'm not walking down that road

and you don't know know what you don't know

(chorus)

and i can see you years from now in a bar

talking over a football game with that same big loud opinion

but nobody's listening

washed up and ranting about the same old bitter things

drunk and grumbling on about how i can't sing

but all you are is mean

all you are is mean, and a liar and pathetic and alone in life

and mean and mean and mean!

(chorus)

Reaction!

2010-10-26T13:23:00.000-05:00

Today I got a cortizone shot, because as the doctor put it, my face and neck were, "screaming, ALLERGIC REACTION!" To exactly what, I'm not sure. I just know it started about a week ago as an innocent little itch on my neck. But a day or two later, bumps appeared. And then each day, hour, and minute after that, itchy bumps popped up in mass all over my face, neck, and chest.

Last week, I didn't even appreciate my clear, non-itchy skin. I just walked around, taking it for granted.

Prior to my visit to the doctor, I did a dangerous amount of internet research to try and figure out what these itchy bumps where trying to tell me. There were moments I felt sure I had shingles, then measles, along with some other diagnosis I couldn't pronounce. I also knew plain old allergic reaction was a possibility. But what could have caused the retaliation going on all over my neck and face?

Sadly, the only conclusion I can come up with is maybe it's the new perfume I bought about 3 weeks ago, and although it didn't cause an immediate reaction, maybe over time, my body just said, "Enough!" I loved the smell of that perfume, and splurged on a $100 bottle of it. And now that I've bought all the OTC medications, gone to my doctor and filled my prescription, it's probably more than doubled the cost of that little bottle of perfume.

So in just a bit, I'm heading up to the mall to return my beloved (and now hated) perfume. I don't have my receipt, or the box it came in. But I do still have this rash, so really, how can they deny me the return?

Ready For Work

2010-10-24T13:07:00.002-05:00

This may look like a briefcase...

But it isn't.
It's the typewriter and carrying case I found yesterday at an estate sale for $20!

It's so cute and little, it's actually quite portable and doesn't even need to be plugged in.

What would the patrons of Starbucks think if I walked in one day to work on my novel with this thing? Would they be react like Scout did when she saw it?

I'm not really planning to use this for serious novel writing, but I do think it's a funny thought. I would love to one day walk into Starbucks with this typewriter and a big stack of blank white paper and put it out on a table next to everyone with their quiet laptops and start pecking away just to see how people would react.

I've been wanting an older typewriter just to look cute in my office/studio space. This one pretty much works, except the letter R gets stuck. But maybe once I clean it up, it will be fully functioning. Either way, I love it.

I did a little internet research on my Smith-Corona Skywriter, and I found it on a site called myTypewriter.com that sells vintage typewriters. I found mine, and it says it's from the 1950s and they sell it for $395. Even if I can't get that R to work, I still think $20 is a fabulous deal for my cute little Skywriter!

I bet when it came out in the 50s, it was considered an uber compact and sleek new gadget. Actually, it's still pretty sleek, don't you think?

No Plot? No Problem!

2010-10-20T22:25:00.000-05:00

Well, as I've mentioned (as mentioned, and mentioned-- I know!) I recently completed the challenge of writing "50 Songs in 90 Days" for my 3rd year in a row. I was really happy during those 3 months of concentrated creativity. I was ready for it to be over after 90 days though. But now, almost a month later, I think I'm up for a new creative challenge. Something I've never done before. Something that scares the poo out of me!

So I've been kicking around the idea of participating in NaNoWriMo, a.k.a. National Novel Writing Month. And the chosen month just happens to be November, which is less than 2 weeks from today!

I'm an avid reader, and I've read a lot of novels, but I've never written one, or even thought of an idea for one.

Which is why I checked out the book (written by the founder of NaNoWriMo, Chris Baty) No Plot, No Problem. I've just started reading it, trying to get my mind wrapped around the idea of writing a 50,000 word novel next month.

I'm comfortable writing songs. And short little blog posts. But something as long as 50,000 words sounds impossible to me. Which is probably why I should give this thing a shot. At this point, I'm a "Someday Novelist". As in, "Someday, I just might write a novel." Well, I know from experience, there's nothing like a deadline to get yourself moving, or in this case, writing.

I like the fact that the expectations of writing anything good in such a short time are extremely low. Ernest Hemingway said, "The first draft of anything is shit." Well, if that was Mr. Hemingway's experience, than I will be in good company!

If I don't make it to the 50,000 word count, I won't necessarily feel like a failure. Even if I just get to a fraction of that number, it will be a longer story of fiction than I've written since I was in school. Which sometimes feels like a hundred years ago.

At this point, I have no ideas for characters, setting, plot-- anything. But that's okay! Because as Chris Baty says, "No plot, no problem!"

A New Kind of Hoarding

2010-10-18T17:36:00.000-05:00


My new journal cover

My friend just gave me this little journal last night. Isn't it so funny? I love it.

And that might be a problem.

Lots of times, when I get something I love, I love it so much that I don't use it. I'll buy a 99-cent ugly notebook at Target and have no problem filling it with words. But when I get something that looks like this, that I'm just in love with, I want to save it. I keep it out for days, look at it lovingly, show it to people and say, "Look at this!". But eventually I put it away. Saving it for some special day.

I do the same thing with clothes. I wear my old worn in stuff all the time, but when I buy something that looks great, I put it in my closet and just admire it on it's hanger. I'm saving it. For some special day.

I even occasionally do this when I'm writing a song. I'll come up with a line I think is really great. So great, that the rest of the song doesn't seem worthy of it. So I'll write it down but put it away, thinking I'll save it. I'll save it for later, when the right song comes along.

I recently read something that said this is actually a form of hoarding. I don't consider myself a hoarder, like those I've seen on the tv show, "Hoarders: Buried Alive", but maybe I am this other type of hoarder.

Today, while shopping at Whole Foods Market, I smelled some candles that were scented "Mediterranean Fig". I loved them, so I bought two. I loved them so much I considered putting them away and saving them for the perfect evening when I'm feeling a little figgy. But, knowing I really don't want to be a hoarder, and I really want to make right now feel special, I lit both of them! And you know what, I'm starting to feel pretty figgy!

Autumn Vacation

2010-10-13T17:38:00.001-05:00

Well, I took a little hiatus, as you may have noticed. I think it's the longest I've ever gone in between blog posts.

Right after the end of my husband's (sales!) quarter , and the completion of my 50 songs in 90 days, as well as sending off my upcoming CD to be mastered (yahooooo!)- we got the heck out of Dodge (a.k.a. Dallas) and went to the New England area to check out the fall foliage.

It was our first time to go there, aside from a one day stop in Boston one summer. For years I've wanted to take a fall trip to the northeast, but I've only thought about planning it once it's already autumn way down here in Dallas, and by then, it's obviously too late! Somehow, this year, I was a little more on the ball and we planned it far enough in advance to go. Yay! :)

Fall is my favorite time of the year. And although it doesn't feel like fall yet in Dallas, I definitely got a good fix of it up in the northeast. It was gorgeous.

We flew into Boston, and then immediately drove up to Vermont and spent a few days there. Then we went over to New Hampshire for a few days. Then up to Maine. And then drove back down to Boston and flew back home.

Vermont (especially), New Hampshire, and Maine were all breathtakingly beautiful. Every drive we took pretty much looked like this. Actually, in real life, it was more stunning-- my pictures don't do it justice. At all.

We saw lots of covered bridges, which I just adore.

There were lots of churches and cemetaries that have such a
majestic quality against such a beautiful backdrop.

And of course, there was cheese, maple syrup, and lots of great stops for food along the way.

Although I know I couldn't endure the very long winters in that area, I would LOVE to live there in the fall!!! I am so glad I got to go this year.

Finish Line

2010-09-30T14:31:00.000-05:00

Take a look at my computer screen:

And now, look at little closer:


I'm a winner!!!

I've written 50 new songs in 90 days. Whew. (It says 52, but one was accidentally duplicated, and the other was just something else. So really, I wrote just the 50 and am stopping there.)

My 50th songs this year is called Pages and Pages.

i'm gonna make it to the bitter end without becoming bitter
i'll make it to the finish mark and declare that i'm a winner
i've crossed so many milestones
i've risen from the dead
the only bags i packed were full of words inside my head

i've filled pages and pages to get to the truth
dug up memories hoping they would give me a clue
sordid little details
of unimportant things
forgive me for i've included everything

i'm run down to the ground
and i'm on my last leg
i will crawl in if i have to cuz i've got something to say
but it's a fight down to the finish
and there are ink stains on my hands
i've been alone with all these words about as long as i can stand

i've filled pages and pages to get to the truth
dug up memories hoping they would give me a clue
sordid little details
of unimportant things
forgive me for i've included everything

Dragging

2010-09-29T16:17:00.000-05:00

I've written all 50 songs for the big "50 songs in 90 freaking days" challenge. But I'm a little behind on posting them up to the 50/90 website. I had the day free to do it, and fully intended to.

But instead, I got uber-busy with laundry, straightening up my studio, looking at how cute my dogs are, and sitting in Starbucks drinking a tea and scouring Facebook for important updates in my cyber-friend's lives.

The louder the clock ticks, the more I feel like napping.

And the funny thing is, I've done the hard part. I've written the songs. I've even recorded all but one of them.

So I don't really understand my behavior. But I know that I'll post them before the deadline arrives. I know the task won't end up being as daunting as I'm making it in my head right now.

I have to say, the timing really couldn't be any better for this to wrap up. I just sent off my upcoming CD mixes to be mastered. And the CD is called "50 Different Ways"~ the song I wrote for the 50th song of last year's challenge.

Big projects. Coming to the finish line. It's a weird feeling. I'm done! I made it! I got here!! Yahoo!!
But now what?

Jury Duty

2010-09-24T13:38:00.003-05:00

My jury duty yesterday was really not all that I hoped it would be. At all.

I did love riding on the DART rail. I loved not having to drive in traffic, or pay for parking. I felt so urban!

the highlight of the day- DART rail- yay!

I reported to the Municipal Court building at 9:15.

the outside of the courthouse is beautiful...the inside, not so much

All the potential jurors, about 60 of us in all, were put in this little waiting room. Around 10am, some man came in and gave us a 30 minute speech about jury duty, including going through, line by line, all of the things that were in the letter of our jury summons that we had read weeks ago all by ourselves. He told us that all the trials in this particular building were Class C Misdemeaners- usually traffic violations. How boring! He tried to make it exciting, and I think he loved talking in front of a group, but I was just sad that they had turned off "Regis and Kelly" that was on the TV shoved in the corner of the room.

Around 11:30, we all were released for a lunch break but were told to report back by 1:30. So we had a long lunch, which sounds great IF I had a) a friend to hang out with or b) a book or c)close proximity to shops, or museums. But that wasn't the case. There were only a few eating places they told us about that were within walking distance. I ate a panini at a little cafe, and then sat there, uncomfortably, for as long as I could stand it. Then I walked around outside, getting yelled at by a construction man for walking where I wasn't allowed.

When I went back to the court building, I felt like I was reporting for Jr. High school detention.

Many of my fellow jurors had shared a table at lunch, so there was a lot more conversation in the afternoon. And most of it was just complaining about how inefficient this whole jury duty thing seems to be.

I sat between a man with a touch (a heavy touch) of body odor, and a woman that started every third sentence with, "Girl,..." whether she was talking to me, or the man next to me. It was a very non-gendered "Girl!" the way I've heard some people use "Dude".

At just a little after 4pm, an officer came in and called out 15 peoples name for a jury panel to be interviewed. The rest of us were finally released around 4:15. The court building closes at 5pm, so whether I had been selected as a juror or not really didn't make a big difference.

Although I did nothing all day, it was exhausting. Sitting with nothing to do for hours on end can feel like a beating. And it did.

happily back on DART at the end of my grueling day of jury duty!

Duty Calls

2010-09-22T20:03:00.001-05:00

Tomorrow is a big day. I have been summoned for Jury Duty. You may think I'm stating this little fact with sarcasm, but really-- I mean it.

I'm pretty jazzed about my important job tomorrow. I have never been called for jury duty. Or perhaps I was called, but I have never attended. The last time I got a jury summons in the mail, it was a call-in situation and all I got to do was phone in at 10am and be told by a recorded voice told me I wasn't needed. BOO.

The day I got this summons in the mail, I taped it up to my fridge, marked my calendar, and have been counting down the days. Is that weird?

Today I figured out the DART (Dallas Area Rapid Transit) rail schedule because I'm going to use public transit to get downtown to the court house. In Dallas, public transportation isn't utilized all that much. I've only taken it once or twice, and never by myself. Tomorrow, I'll be on the Blue Line, heading south!

I feel like I'm going on a big adventure, into the big city, to bring someone out there to justice.

I know I might not get selected to serve on the jury, but I'm going to do my best! I hope this trial is for a very serious crime- like murder. I would love to be sequestered for a few days, be told not to read the paper or watch news coverage about the trial, and then appear on Nancy Grace retelling my behind the scenes observations.

Shipwrecked

2010-09-17T11:34:00.002-05:00

Before I left for my little trip to Seattle with my brother, I looked up the bead shops in the area. The first bead store I went to was okay, but pretty small and just a bit pricey. I asked the cashier if there were any other bead stores in the area worth checking out and she said there was one about an hour away. My brother and looked at each other, shaking our heads and sighing, "Urgh, and hour away...no..." But then she added this bit of information, "It's the biggest bead store in the world."

All of the sudden, an hour didn't seem so far away. Just an hour, to the bead store mecca of the world?!

So of course, the next day we headed off to Lacey, Seattle to visit Shipwreck Beads.

It's claim to fame is true. It's the biggest bead store I will ever see. Over 20,000 square feet of shopping space for bead shoppers of the world.

This is not a store you can just run in and out of. This is an all-day event! They even have a place to eat lunch inside because they realize the bead shoppers need fuel to keep going.


lunch with my my jewelry shopping cart pulled up beside me

We ended up being in that store for nearly 4 hours. While I shopped, my brother conducted lots of video-taped interviews with other customers to keep himself entertained. He got caught up on some business calls, too. And, believe it or not, he even bought some beads!! (Is my brother the greatest or WHAT?!)

most of my purchases of the day!

For anybody out there that loves beading, or even just likes it a little, Shipwreck Beads is well worth the trip. They have loads- and I mean loads- of beads to look at (and buy!). Their prices seem to be better than most. Everything in there seems to sparkle- including the shoppers and employees! Everyone we talked with was so friendly and happy. If I am ever shipwrecked, I hope it will be at Shipwreck Beads.

even the sidewalk is beaded!

Refilling The Well

2010-09-11T17:00:00.002-05:00

I think having a deadline with a creative task has been working well for me. I've been keeping a pretty good pace, and establishing a practice of churning out new song ideas daily. Creatively, I've felt pretty stretched. I have noticed though, a lack of balance in my life. Searching the depths of my mind for new songs takes up a lot of time for me lately, and has left little time for other things.

Having come this far along (40 songs in 70-something days), it would really wreck me if somehow, my ideas just dried up and I couldn't make it to the very end. I've been a little crazed about "keeping up" over the past few days. But really, I've written 40 songs now, since this all started on July 4th. Even if I threw in the towel right now, (which I am NOT, by the way!) I'd feel pretty proud of my accomplishments.

Maybe the best thing for me at a time like this, as scary as it feels, is to just take a little break. Get out there and live life a little more. Have some new experiences. And take a few days away from all this introspection I've been so immersed in over the past few months.

What a perfect time for a last minute trip to Seattle with my brother. Just me and my brother. He invited me a few days ago, and I said yes! We've traveled together before and have found that we are great travel companions. I'm accompanying him on a business trip, but the business part of things will be done by about noon on Monday, which will leave us a couple of days of all fun until we return to Dallas.

So I'm leaving my guitar behind. And my songwriting notebook. They'll be waiting for me when I return. And maybe I'll have refilled my well and I'll have more to offer up....

How do you refill your creative well?

Sparkle and Shine

2010-09-08T15:12:00.001-05:00

I've now written 38 songs of the 50 songs in 90 days. Some days I feel like I've exhausted all of my songwriting possibilities, that my well has gone dry. But if I'm just patient, something finds it's way to the surface.

This one's called "Sparkle and Shine"...
Very rough, very unedited, as they all are at this stage in my process-

I like the way you see it
The way you make it sound
Something about the music sounds better when you're around

It's just a slight improvement
a subtle little change
There's something more to look at, and I like the broader range

CHORUS: It was good before, but you've brought a little bit more
It was perfectly fine but now it sparkles and shines

It's always unexpected
What you've got up your sleeve
A little bit of magic that I'm starting to believe

CHORUS

The colors bloom
All the stars are out
My heart swells when you're around

CHORUS

Please Give

2010-09-02T20:06:00.000-05:00

Today was rainy, and at times, just cloudy and gray. It felt like a perfect day to go to the movies. And so, I did.

I went to a dollar theater near my house. I've been before, but I don't think I've ever been in theater number 15. I'm quite sure I would've remembered the odor. It smelled like a cross between kitty litter, cat pee, and bad body odor.

my friend's cute cat that does not smell like kitty litter, cat pee, or body odor!

But I really wanted to see the movie I went in there for: Please Give. (As in, Please Give my dollar theater a big can of air freshener.) And so, as disgusting as it sounds, I stayed in that stinky theater and actually enjoyed myself!

I loved the movie. Love pretty much anything Catherine Keener is in. I appreciate that she chooses indie movies, and I really appreciate that she looks her age! I know in Hollywood, that's a brave thing. And actually, I think that our youth-obsessed, age-ist culture bleeds out way, way, way beyond Hollywood. In fact, my friend and I just made a pact the other day to say NO to botox. But that is a whole 'nother blog...

So back to the movie...I would've enjoyed it way more in my much nicer smelling home. It's probably out on DVD, or will be soon. I do recommend it- It's funny, sad, touching, and thought provoking.