I have my own spin on Aesop's fable.
The turtle was plodding along steady and true. I tell my students that surgeons, accountants, researchers, detectives, bankers, scientists, math teachers, architects, engineers, chefs--detail oriented people--are turtles. And thank heaven for turtles. I want my surgeon true and steady with no misplaced scapels. And my accountant doesn't need to transpose numbers or misplace a decimal losing my money. Engineers and architects must be precise or builings and bridges would collapse all around us. Definitely don't want to taste food that is too salty or undercooked!!
But....I relate more to the rabbit. He ran, he played, he napped. And he only missed winning the race by a turtle's nose. ER docs and nurses get that call from EMS and then wait for the ambulance to arrive. Then it is complete chaos, working fast and furious to save lives. Firemen sit around until the alarm goes off--then it is fast andd furious to get to the fire, determine the type, and how best to proceed. Entertainers work nonstop until a movie is made and then face downtime until the phone rings with that next project. A football coach can plan and prepare but interceptions and blocked punts can put a kink in all his carefully prepared plans. Artists--musicians, painters, writers--all have periods of time when they are blocked creatively but
look at how much they accomplish. Rabbits learn to expect the unexpected!!
I am definitely a rabbit and proud of it!!!
Monday, August 30, 2010
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Ghosts in Galveston
Are there ghosts in Galveston?? There is a cottage industry built around this premise. Personally, I was a non-believer in this silliness--but now, I am not so sure.
Here is my ghost story:
I first moved to the island on November 15, just two months after Ike had devastated the island. I rented the perfect loft right above the Stork Club. There was a great balcony and I had a great view of all of Post Office Street. The Stork Club was the first business to reopen after the hurricane and the only business open when I moved in.
My outside door was on 21st Street. Mr. And Mrs. Taylor used the same door that I did to get to our lofts.
I moved to Galveston for a little fun and adventure. The Stork Club is where everybody gathered for good food and drink. Everyone was friendly amd talkative. PhD's rubbed shoulders with transients. I met everyone and had great fun learning the history of the island and listening to everyone's Ike stories. There is a jukebox for music and it can get loud and noisy, vibrating my walls and floorboards in my loft.
As an old fat lady, I was not invisible and many of my friendships began at Stork.
Before i share my tale I must tell you that I am not much of a drinker--a beer or a margarita or a glass of wine every other month or so. I was not drinking when my ghost or whatever visited my loft.
Twice-two times-weeks apart--I was hanging out in my loft. By this time, a couple of bars had opened downtown.
I heard laughter and loud music downstairs. I thought maybe it was someone's birthday. I hurriedly changed clothes, put on a little make-up and headed downstairs to join the fun. Smiling and ready to have some fun, I walked into the Stork. There was no music on the juke box. No one was there--just the bartender, Vanessa. Now, Vanessa has alot of ghost stories dealing with the building but I never took her seriously. The first thing I said was to ask where everyone had gone. I even looked up and down the street for the crowd--thinking maybe
it was a pub crawl. Noone. I asked Vanessa about the music and noise and she stated that because it was Sunday night--the place had been dead all night. I thought she was kidding. I took a bar stool, ordered a diet coke, and we visited. No party!!
Several weeks later, different night, same music and loud noises. I didn't stop to change clothes or apply make-up. I just ran down the stairs. Got to the door of Stork--all of 20 feet from my front door and easily seen from my door--ready to meet new people and jpin the fun--and nothing. No one. Not anybody. No music. Nothing.
On another ocassion-- Mindy, my Morkie, started barking. She ran down the hall to the front door, barked, ran back to my feet, barked, back to the front door still barking. My next door neighbors were on vacation. I didnot hear a knock from downstairs.
I lazily walked down the hall, turned the corner, and my front door was open. I closed it. Locked it. Made a mental note to keep it locked when i was at home.
I didn't count how many times this happened but every time Mindy began barking and runnong to the front door, i knew it had come unlocked and opened. I do not know how or why.
Mindy barks when she sees shadows--not a loud warning bark. It is a yelp of pain, and a whine.
Strange!!
Here is my ghost story:
I first moved to the island on November 15, just two months after Ike had devastated the island. I rented the perfect loft right above the Stork Club. There was a great balcony and I had a great view of all of Post Office Street. The Stork Club was the first business to reopen after the hurricane and the only business open when I moved in.
My outside door was on 21st Street. Mr. And Mrs. Taylor used the same door that I did to get to our lofts.
I moved to Galveston for a little fun and adventure. The Stork Club is where everybody gathered for good food and drink. Everyone was friendly amd talkative. PhD's rubbed shoulders with transients. I met everyone and had great fun learning the history of the island and listening to everyone's Ike stories. There is a jukebox for music and it can get loud and noisy, vibrating my walls and floorboards in my loft.
As an old fat lady, I was not invisible and many of my friendships began at Stork.
Before i share my tale I must tell you that I am not much of a drinker--a beer or a margarita or a glass of wine every other month or so. I was not drinking when my ghost or whatever visited my loft.
Twice-two times-weeks apart--I was hanging out in my loft. By this time, a couple of bars had opened downtown.
I heard laughter and loud music downstairs. I thought maybe it was someone's birthday. I hurriedly changed clothes, put on a little make-up and headed downstairs to join the fun. Smiling and ready to have some fun, I walked into the Stork. There was no music on the juke box. No one was there--just the bartender, Vanessa. Now, Vanessa has alot of ghost stories dealing with the building but I never took her seriously. The first thing I said was to ask where everyone had gone. I even looked up and down the street for the crowd--thinking maybe
it was a pub crawl. Noone. I asked Vanessa about the music and noise and she stated that because it was Sunday night--the place had been dead all night. I thought she was kidding. I took a bar stool, ordered a diet coke, and we visited. No party!!
Several weeks later, different night, same music and loud noises. I didn't stop to change clothes or apply make-up. I just ran down the stairs. Got to the door of Stork--all of 20 feet from my front door and easily seen from my door--ready to meet new people and jpin the fun--and nothing. No one. Not anybody. No music. Nothing.
On another ocassion-- Mindy, my Morkie, started barking. She ran down the hall to the front door, barked, ran back to my feet, barked, back to the front door still barking. My next door neighbors were on vacation. I didnot hear a knock from downstairs.
I lazily walked down the hall, turned the corner, and my front door was open. I closed it. Locked it. Made a mental note to keep it locked when i was at home.
I didn't count how many times this happened but every time Mindy began barking and runnong to the front door, i knew it had come unlocked and opened. I do not know how or why.
Mindy barks when she sees shadows--not a loud warning bark. It is a yelp of pain, and a whine.
Strange!!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Remember Me, I Am Not Gone
Remember me,
I am not gone.
I am in the love you feel
and in the tears you shed.
I am in the notes of our favorite songs
and in the smiles and giggles we shared.
Remember me,
I am not gone.
I am there for every celebration
and for all that you achieve.
I am there in times of joy
and times of woe.
Remember me,
I am not gone.
I am there in rainbows
and drops of sweet rain
I am there in the breeze
that gently strokes your cheek.
Remember me,
I am not gone.
I am living through you.
I am there to encourage you
and to protect you.
I am there to comfort you
and to believe in you.
Remember me,
I am not gone.
I am a part of your heart.
I am a part of your spirit.
I am a part of your soul.
I am not gone.
I am in the love you feel
and in the tears you shed.
I am in the notes of our favorite songs
and in the smiles and giggles we shared.
Remember me,
I am not gone.
I am there for every celebration
and for all that you achieve.
I am there in times of joy
and times of woe.
Remember me,
I am not gone.
I am there in rainbows
and drops of sweet rain
I am there in the breeze
that gently strokes your cheek.
Remember me,
I am not gone.
I am living through you.
I am there to encourage you
and to protect you.
I am there to comfort you
and to believe in you.
Remember me,
I am not gone.
I am a part of your heart.
I am a part of your spirit.
I am a part of your soul.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Project Runway for Kids
Beginners
collect crepe paper, newspapers, gift wrap
Take one large sheet and fold in half. Place child's shirt on top matching shoulders to fold. Trace with sharpie. Cut out. Draw line down center front only. Cut to fold. Cut neck hold. Sleeveless, a vest. With sleeves, a jacket. Glue sides.
Have fun getting creative--stickers. Cut picyures from giftwrap or magazines and glue on vest/jacket. Paint solidly or abstract. Glue on glitter, sequins, gem stones.
Intermediate
Get a twin size bed sheet or buy a couple yards of fabric. Fold in half. Choose a favorite shirt, jacket, dress from your closet. Match shoulders to fold and trace. Cut out through both thicknesses. Draw a line down the middle. For neck line, draw a smile or half circle. Cut
along trace lines on front only. Using needle and matching tread, use a running stitch to sew sides. Don't sew armholes. Walmart has a $30 sewing machine that is easy to use. However, every child should learn to do a straight stitch for future mending.
Gather together buttons, ribbons, patches, appliques, fabric scraps. Using fabric glue or needle and thread, decorate. Fabric paint can add special touches. Use trim, rick-rack, or ribbon and sew or glue around edges to cover cut edges. Older children can fold edges under and hem using a straight stitch.
Advanced
Take your child and go to fabric store and buy simple pattern if preferred. My daugjter cut up an old dress. Lay parts on fabric and pin. Cut out. Place wrong sides together to sew. I used pattern instructions to improve my daughter's reading skills. She followed written instructions and learned to use an inexpensive sewing machine she had gotten at age 6 for Christmas. Hint: set in sleeves should be saved for older children with more experience. Now is the time to introduce ironing. Once sides and shoulders are sewn, fold up 3/8 inch on front, bottom, neck, sleeves. Press as you go. Parent supervision recommended. Fold again. Press. Pin. Sew. Now all edges are hemmed.
At this point I had my daughter sketch what she had made several times. She decorated her drawings, chose her favorite, then we went back to fabric store to buy embellishments and fabric paint.
She made tie belts, learned to sew on buttons, sewed purses, decorated tees and sweat shirts.
Don't forget the runway show.
Using these same skills, my middle school students drew animal outlines on newspaper, cut out, pinned to two pieces of fabric, sewed together by hand and/or sewing machine leaving open 5 inches on belly. They turned right side out, stuffed, hand sewed to close opening and had a pillow.
We also used these same skills to make hand puppets.
Need more detailed info, email me: brenda.lauw@gmail.com
collect crepe paper, newspapers, gift wrap
Take one large sheet and fold in half. Place child's shirt on top matching shoulders to fold. Trace with sharpie. Cut out. Draw line down center front only. Cut to fold. Cut neck hold. Sleeveless, a vest. With sleeves, a jacket. Glue sides.
Have fun getting creative--stickers. Cut picyures from giftwrap or magazines and glue on vest/jacket. Paint solidly or abstract. Glue on glitter, sequins, gem stones.
Intermediate
Get a twin size bed sheet or buy a couple yards of fabric. Fold in half. Choose a favorite shirt, jacket, dress from your closet. Match shoulders to fold and trace. Cut out through both thicknesses. Draw a line down the middle. For neck line, draw a smile or half circle. Cut
along trace lines on front only. Using needle and matching tread, use a running stitch to sew sides. Don't sew armholes. Walmart has a $30 sewing machine that is easy to use. However, every child should learn to do a straight stitch for future mending.
Gather together buttons, ribbons, patches, appliques, fabric scraps. Using fabric glue or needle and thread, decorate. Fabric paint can add special touches. Use trim, rick-rack, or ribbon and sew or glue around edges to cover cut edges. Older children can fold edges under and hem using a straight stitch.
Advanced
Take your child and go to fabric store and buy simple pattern if preferred. My daugjter cut up an old dress. Lay parts on fabric and pin. Cut out. Place wrong sides together to sew. I used pattern instructions to improve my daughter's reading skills. She followed written instructions and learned to use an inexpensive sewing machine she had gotten at age 6 for Christmas. Hint: set in sleeves should be saved for older children with more experience. Now is the time to introduce ironing. Once sides and shoulders are sewn, fold up 3/8 inch on front, bottom, neck, sleeves. Press as you go. Parent supervision recommended. Fold again. Press. Pin. Sew. Now all edges are hemmed.
At this point I had my daughter sketch what she had made several times. She decorated her drawings, chose her favorite, then we went back to fabric store to buy embellishments and fabric paint.
She made tie belts, learned to sew on buttons, sewed purses, decorated tees and sweat shirts.
Don't forget the runway show.
Using these same skills, my middle school students drew animal outlines on newspaper, cut out, pinned to two pieces of fabric, sewed together by hand and/or sewing machine leaving open 5 inches on belly. They turned right side out, stuffed, hand sewed to close opening and had a pillow.
We also used these same skills to make hand puppets.
Need more detailed info, email me: brenda.lauw@gmail.com
Where to Eat and Drink on the Island
Here are my favs---come visit.
MOD--coffee, old fashioned bar cookies, zuchinni and banananut bread.
Stork Club--chicken fried steak
Gumbo Bar--gumbo
Tremont--great sandwiches and salads
Mediterrean Cafe--great kabobs
Rudy and Paco--lunch!!!!
The Spot--bread bowls
New York Pizzaris--pizza
sunflower--breads and pastries
Crowe's--music and beer sitting outside
Charlie's--gotta go hear it is great
Murphy's --Pizza
O'Mallys--deli sandwiches
Tortuga's--grilled veggies.
Will add more later.
MOD--coffee, old fashioned bar cookies, zuchinni and banananut bread.
Stork Club--chicken fried steak
Gumbo Bar--gumbo
Tremont--great sandwiches and salads
Mediterrean Cafe--great kabobs
Rudy and Paco--lunch!!!!
The Spot--bread bowls
New York Pizzaris--pizza
sunflower--breads and pastries
Crowe's--music and beer sitting outside
Charlie's--gotta go hear it is great
Murphy's --Pizza
O'Mallys--deli sandwiches
Tortuga's--grilled veggies.
Will add more later.
A Few of My Favorite Things
Plump juicy strawberries and wild blackberries with the juice dripping from my chin.
Watching the sun pop out of the gulf setting the ocean on fire with spectacular color every morning from my bedroom balcony.
Sitting with friends and acquaintances at MOD playing scrabble , drinking coffee, doing crosswords, telling dumb jokes, sharing personal stpries, sharing hugs, solving the world's problems through heated debates.
Gathering sea shells on the beach.
Tears for those who are hurting, dying, and celebrating, knowing I can feel pain and compassion secure that I am not a cynic.
Frozen coffee topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate.
Chocolate anything--fresh from the oven brownies, rocky road ice cream, pecan turtles, creamy with melting marshmallows, covering juicy strawberries in stemware soaked in bubbly champagne.
Mindy sleeping on my bed, snuggling up to my back.
Joy calling needing something trusting me to know the answers confident I will help with a business plan, creating her dream wedding, doing her taxes, encouraging and supporting her dreams.
Baby Cash, the son my son thought he would never have, gnawing on a dill pickle grinning, laughing, cooing.
Getting caught in a cooling summer rain shower.
Marveling at young people chasing their big dreams with all their hearts and souls, with courage and invincibility that only youth possess.
Discovering the inner voices of artists, discovering new media and techniques and making it their own.
A flower garden and aquariums where you can get close and personal with God's rainbow of colors, textures, aromas, movement.
Tv shows, marveling at the creativity of geniuses in the writing, photography, editing, knowledge of subject matter, costuming.
Two strong sons who are strong, independent, talented, loving fathers who were there for the wedding of their little sister helping to make her dreams come true.
Lobster and king crab and tender juicy steaks.
Beautiful cathedrals with sparkling stained glass depicting profound people and stories from the bible.
Watching the sun pop out of the gulf setting the ocean on fire with spectacular color every morning from my bedroom balcony.
Sitting with friends and acquaintances at MOD playing scrabble , drinking coffee, doing crosswords, telling dumb jokes, sharing personal stpries, sharing hugs, solving the world's problems through heated debates.
Gathering sea shells on the beach.
Tears for those who are hurting, dying, and celebrating, knowing I can feel pain and compassion secure that I am not a cynic.
Frozen coffee topped with whipped cream and a drizzle of chocolate.
Chocolate anything--fresh from the oven brownies, rocky road ice cream, pecan turtles, creamy with melting marshmallows, covering juicy strawberries in stemware soaked in bubbly champagne.
Mindy sleeping on my bed, snuggling up to my back.
Joy calling needing something trusting me to know the answers confident I will help with a business plan, creating her dream wedding, doing her taxes, encouraging and supporting her dreams.
Baby Cash, the son my son thought he would never have, gnawing on a dill pickle grinning, laughing, cooing.
Getting caught in a cooling summer rain shower.
Marveling at young people chasing their big dreams with all their hearts and souls, with courage and invincibility that only youth possess.
Discovering the inner voices of artists, discovering new media and techniques and making it their own.
A flower garden and aquariums where you can get close and personal with God's rainbow of colors, textures, aromas, movement.
Tv shows, marveling at the creativity of geniuses in the writing, photography, editing, knowledge of subject matter, costuming.
Two strong sons who are strong, independent, talented, loving fathers who were there for the wedding of their little sister helping to make her dreams come true.
Lobster and king crab and tender juicy steaks.
Beautiful cathedrals with sparkling stained glass depicting profound people and stories from the bible.
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
I hate bullies!!
Sometimes I feel really stupid.
Most of the time I am too transparent.
Some say I wear my feelings on my sleeve.
I don't understand why some people enjoy manipulating others.
I don't understand why some people work so hard at instigating disagreements.
I don't understand the games people play.
I don't understand hurting others feeling purposely.
I don't understand why forgiveness of ourselves and others is so hard.
I don't understand why people line up behind bullies instead of joining together to stop the bullying.
I don't understand why I so easily trust the untrustworthy.
I hate bullies!!
I
Most of the time I am too transparent.
Some say I wear my feelings on my sleeve.
I don't understand why some people enjoy manipulating others.
I don't understand why some people work so hard at instigating disagreements.
I don't understand the games people play.
I don't understand hurting others feeling purposely.
I don't understand why forgiveness of ourselves and others is so hard.
I don't understand why people line up behind bullies instead of joining together to stop the bullying.
I don't understand why I so easily trust the untrustworthy.
I hate bullies!!
I
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
My High School Classmates--I Remember ....
Guess who I'm writing about. It is all positive and don't fret if u r not here, I will update as I remember more. It has been 40 years after all.
PS. I will proofread tomorrow --it is my iPhone that makes the mistakes!!
I remember learning about social obligations from you as we went to the home of a new student and welcomed her to Bossier City. I loved the chocolate chip pancakes you and your mom served after a sleep over.
I remember that the teachers were constantly watching the length of your hair--of course you were a great athlete too.
I remember you told me you were not ready for a girlfriend. I also remember watching you play college baseball.
I remember that your eyeshadow always matched your eyes and we talked about it in American History one time.
I remember stealing canna lilies from you yard in elementary school. I also remember you pulled me over on Shed Road but didn't give me a ticket.
I remember sitting on a picnic table looking for UFOs in the sky. Somewhere there is a graduation photo of the two of us.
I remember going to Baton Rouge and New Orleans on our 8th grade trip and I said something stupid like I wished we would have a flat just to make the trip last longer. Even then you were so much more mature than me and let me know all the consequences if such a thing happened. I always admired your quiet intelligence.
I remember the braces and red hair.
I remember knowing you were one of the angels put on earth to remind us to be positive. I liked your short wig the best. You were an early pro with makeup.
You were a natural leader and played the drums like no other.
I remember you from 6th grade saying something like if God put people on earth then why not elsewhere in the universe. I always think of you when I watch the movie "Contact."
I remember you calling in a whisper and demanding that I call you. I remember many sleepovers and being impressed with your grandmother's sewing skills.
I remember sitting on steps discussing Vietnam. You were the first person I knew who served there--as a fireman if I am not mistaken.
I remember having a crush on you in 5th grade and everyone knew because you chose me first in kickball at Bossier Elementary.
I remember hearing you and your family sing beautifully at a Greenacres PTA meeting.
I remember we were very close friends at Greenacres with a little blond girl. I don't remember much about her though. You were quiet and elegant.
I remember you describing an upperclassman baseball player--you loved his broad shoulders and small waist--was his name Donnie.
I remember attending Swan Lake Baptist church with you. You always had a smile.
I remember drinking lots of colas and playing poker at your house with your little sister. I went to my first concert thanks to you and your journalist sister.
Every time I have a student who makes me laugh and doesn't want to finish assignments in class, I think of you. You were the same from 7th grade through graduation and I recognize that smile in photos on facebook.
You were handsome and a natural leader and great athlete. You were quiet and the perfect student.
You were smart and a classic young lady. You had a fun side which can be found in our yearbook. I think everyone admired you.
You went to leadership camp at LSU. I remember you loved drama. I remember sitting in your back yard and you have a younger brother. Did you have redish hair??
I remember the freckles and the blonde hair. You were quiet and cute.
I remember you were good looking and had the same blond girlfriend forever. You were best friends with a tall lanky fellow. I am thinking you may have been an outdoors man.
I remember you came to my house and took me for a ride in a vet. It is the only time I have ever been in one. What a nice thing for you to do.
You showed up at my house with a Christmas gift--totally out of the blue. I later found out you delivered gifts to three ladies. I am now thinking you were a player before we new what a player was. You really were a nice guy.
You were smart and quiet in high school. I don't think you played sports. We probably underestimated your potential and you are probably a great husband. You were nice looking.
You were very smart and very cute. This one is easy. Was science easy for you?? Must be the genes!!
You were probably the richest person I knew in high school. I remember going to your house and it was huge and you had chores to do. I think you are another one of those angels that walk among us--always nice to everyone.
I remember the party at your house and the pool. But I remember you more from 4-H camp. Yes it was my rotting mayonaise sandwich that made our cabin stink.
I remember you were the only one to wear real pants to prom. I can't remember your name but you were an ingenue. (I wore pants too but my Cinderella dress hid the legs). You were great on yearbook staff.
You were the hunk our senior year with your dark brown semi nestle hair cut. You were quiet and polite. We may have had English together.
We double dated somewhere but I remember your date said she was Carie Nation's granddaughter. It took me awhile to understand that one. I saw you on the bench once --I was impressed but I remember you always said you were going to study law.
I went see Ghost Busters with you and our kids in Baton Rouge.
We had great senior poster parties at your house. I remember my Polaroid took horrible pics but one made the yearbook.
You went steady with my friend. She was busy and you and I got stuck on old Shed Road in the mud and the police came and I remember.
You were the cutesy peppiest cheerleader our senior year. I remember short curly hair and a sweet personality.
We attended the same church for a while and I think you kept us off task in senior English. I admire you more today than yesterday. I loved your attitude and even more today.
You told me in typing II and I quote "why dream if you don't try to make your dreams come true.". I thought that was profound. You really were the most beautiful among us.
You were the tall lanky guy that played basketball. You were funny and nice. If I were to guess who in our class made a million bucks first it would be you.
Ok I have done the easy ones first. Give me a day or two or three and I will remember more of my classmates.
PS. I will proofread tomorrow --it is my iPhone that makes the mistakes!!
I remember learning about social obligations from you as we went to the home of a new student and welcomed her to Bossier City. I loved the chocolate chip pancakes you and your mom served after a sleep over.
I remember that the teachers were constantly watching the length of your hair--of course you were a great athlete too.
I remember you told me you were not ready for a girlfriend. I also remember watching you play college baseball.
I remember that your eyeshadow always matched your eyes and we talked about it in American History one time.
I remember stealing canna lilies from you yard in elementary school. I also remember you pulled me over on Shed Road but didn't give me a ticket.
I remember sitting on a picnic table looking for UFOs in the sky. Somewhere there is a graduation photo of the two of us.
I remember going to Baton Rouge and New Orleans on our 8th grade trip and I said something stupid like I wished we would have a flat just to make the trip last longer. Even then you were so much more mature than me and let me know all the consequences if such a thing happened. I always admired your quiet intelligence.
I remember the braces and red hair.
I remember knowing you were one of the angels put on earth to remind us to be positive. I liked your short wig the best. You were an early pro with makeup.
You were a natural leader and played the drums like no other.
I remember you from 6th grade saying something like if God put people on earth then why not elsewhere in the universe. I always think of you when I watch the movie "Contact."
I remember you calling in a whisper and demanding that I call you. I remember many sleepovers and being impressed with your grandmother's sewing skills.
I remember sitting on steps discussing Vietnam. You were the first person I knew who served there--as a fireman if I am not mistaken.
I remember having a crush on you in 5th grade and everyone knew because you chose me first in kickball at Bossier Elementary.
I remember hearing you and your family sing beautifully at a Greenacres PTA meeting.
I remember we were very close friends at Greenacres with a little blond girl. I don't remember much about her though. You were quiet and elegant.
I remember you describing an upperclassman baseball player--you loved his broad shoulders and small waist--was his name Donnie.
I remember attending Swan Lake Baptist church with you. You always had a smile.
I remember drinking lots of colas and playing poker at your house with your little sister. I went to my first concert thanks to you and your journalist sister.
Every time I have a student who makes me laugh and doesn't want to finish assignments in class, I think of you. You were the same from 7th grade through graduation and I recognize that smile in photos on facebook.
You were handsome and a natural leader and great athlete. You were quiet and the perfect student.
You were smart and a classic young lady. You had a fun side which can be found in our yearbook. I think everyone admired you.
You went to leadership camp at LSU. I remember you loved drama. I remember sitting in your back yard and you have a younger brother. Did you have redish hair??
I remember the freckles and the blonde hair. You were quiet and cute.
I remember you were good looking and had the same blond girlfriend forever. You were best friends with a tall lanky fellow. I am thinking you may have been an outdoors man.
I remember you came to my house and took me for a ride in a vet. It is the only time I have ever been in one. What a nice thing for you to do.
You showed up at my house with a Christmas gift--totally out of the blue. I later found out you delivered gifts to three ladies. I am now thinking you were a player before we new what a player was. You really were a nice guy.
You were smart and quiet in high school. I don't think you played sports. We probably underestimated your potential and you are probably a great husband. You were nice looking.
You were very smart and very cute. This one is easy. Was science easy for you?? Must be the genes!!
You were probably the richest person I knew in high school. I remember going to your house and it was huge and you had chores to do. I think you are another one of those angels that walk among us--always nice to everyone.
I remember the party at your house and the pool. But I remember you more from 4-H camp. Yes it was my rotting mayonaise sandwich that made our cabin stink.
I remember you were the only one to wear real pants to prom. I can't remember your name but you were an ingenue. (I wore pants too but my Cinderella dress hid the legs). You were great on yearbook staff.
You were the hunk our senior year with your dark brown semi nestle hair cut. You were quiet and polite. We may have had English together.
We double dated somewhere but I remember your date said she was Carie Nation's granddaughter. It took me awhile to understand that one. I saw you on the bench once --I was impressed but I remember you always said you were going to study law.
I went see Ghost Busters with you and our kids in Baton Rouge.
We had great senior poster parties at your house. I remember my Polaroid took horrible pics but one made the yearbook.
You went steady with my friend. She was busy and you and I got stuck on old Shed Road in the mud and the police came and I remember.
You were the cutesy peppiest cheerleader our senior year. I remember short curly hair and a sweet personality.
We attended the same church for a while and I think you kept us off task in senior English. I admire you more today than yesterday. I loved your attitude and even more today.
You told me in typing II and I quote "why dream if you don't try to make your dreams come true.". I thought that was profound. You really were the most beautiful among us.
You were the tall lanky guy that played basketball. You were funny and nice. If I were to guess who in our class made a million bucks first it would be you.
Ok I have done the easy ones first. Give me a day or two or three and I will remember more of my classmates.
High School Reunion Take Two
Attending high school reunions has been a part of the American culture for decades. And now it is time for my 40th. (Somehow I missed the invites for all of the others but wasn't as fortunate this time." This imposing event is sending me down memory lane--the twists and turns of those memories are wrecking havoc on my emotions and adding to this old lady's sleeplessness. I wonder if anyone else feels these mixed emotions over a reunion??!!
First, I had to remember all the classmates I have not thought of in years. Wasn't that girl shy and quiet?? How did she end up in charge 40 years later? What would make me remember another's freckles and yet another in braces with red hair?? One girl I remember as being plain with long straight hair (remember we were part of the hippie generation and lots of us idolized Cher's long straight locks) and a peak at her face book profile revealed a knock dead gorgeous woman--I want to know her secrets. Someone posted on her status she had some type of disease requiring that she run, bike, swim, etc. Dear Lord, I hope she shows up at the reunion and coughs on me. Please let that disease be contagious!!!
My brain has been spinning trying to remember everyone I chose to befriend on face book. I can't help but remember the "Designing Women" episode where Delta Burke returns to her high school reunion. She made some speech about seeing the old, balding, pot-bellied men as the handsome young studs they were in high school. I don't remember what she said about the women but I share the feelings she had about returning as an old fat lady. I did notice in perusing face book photos that we had traded those embarrassing pimples for a lot of smile lines--on our foreheads, around our eyes, and around our mouths. (If I knew then what I know now, dimples be damned, I would have spent the last 40 years perfecting that stoic look!)
For some strange reason, I have no problem recognizing the women--they look like they did in high school plus or minus a few pounds. I am thinking Lady Clairol helped with that. However, the men--no clues on their faces even remotely remind me of the boys I drooled over in high school. (Except for one--his smiles and grin in some Nicky's photos--I would recognize anywhere!) This isn't necessarily good or bad--just weird.
Now I am stressing over what people remember about me from those teenage years. Did people know that my loud mouth hid an insecure and shy teenager. Was I the only teen that could not figure out how many times to say hi to classmates in the hallways and classes that you might pass a million times during the day. I kind of worked on the premise that a "good morning" before lunch and a "see you tomorrow" at the end of the day should suffice. I can remember spending lunch recess in the library to avoid facing this dilemma. Forty years later I am worried that people might have thought me snobby--talk about over analyzing!!
Someone in a face book invite stated a reunion was the time to remember the good times of high school. What good times? I have taught high school for years and I am not sure much has changed. My students freak over everything--just as I did in high school-- hair, boys that I wanted to notice me and the boys that did, my dad's car I drove that he painted with house paint, clothes, pimples, dates, parties I went to and those I didn't get invited to. I can remember having a day long discussion with my next door neighbor about where to sit in the car on my first date with an upper classman--all that time and energy wasted because he had bucket seats.
The most humiliating moment of my teen years had to be when our church youth group went to see "The Ten Commandments" at the Strand in downtown Shreveport. I had a free pass I had won by listening to KEEL--anybody else remember Larry Ryan and Mr, Weather?? The theater would not accept my pass and I had little money. A boy named Robert rescued me and bought my ticket--he was an upperclassman. I know now he was being so sweet but I was so embarrassed!!!
At last I am remembering some of the good times. I had some great boyfriends and dates. I loved driving the trail from Kokomo to McDonald's to Pizza Inn and back to Kokomo with girlfriends-- searching for boys and trying to find out who was dating whom. I missed very few if any football games even going to South Louisiana for playoffs. I remember kicking The Joe Ferguson in the shin on the football field after Woodlawn beat Airline the year we took state. I remember passing notes in so many different codes that I am now an ace at cryptograms. I remember walking around Lake Bistineau with my best friend and a really cute guy, laughing and chatting about everybody and everything--while the rest of the guys were "partying" (and by that I mean sinning) inside someone's fishing cabin. I even remember skipping Algebra II so that I could hang out on first lunch shift knowing the secretary would write me an excused pass when the bell rang--she even got me a scholarship to Northwestern. Ok. I admit there were some fun times.
Years later looking at the yearbook, in a moment of arrogance and superiority, I remember thinking how few of us went to college. I now realize we must have been one of the smartest classes to ever graduate Airline. We have doctors and lawyers and business owners and lots of educators!! I am really impressed with all of us!! I wonder if our teachers could predict the great successes from this high school class??!!
Yep--my mind has been spinning --with both good and bad memories--of fun and lots of embarrassing moments.
Back to that reunion thing. Do people sit around and gossip--remember when he or she-- thinking about what might be said about me feeds that old insecurity that no amount of awards and recognition that I have received as an adult can erase. Am I the only one who thinks this way?? Of course this is making a lot of assumptions. I am fairly intelligent and still in possession of most of my senses--if I am having difficulty remembering everyone--shouldn't that mean others may have the same difficulty remembering me??!!
Ok-- if I concede that gossiping will be kept to a minimum then what do these friends and acquaintances who have become strangers after 40 years talk about?? Do they compare achievements and successes?? Hey--I was on local TV in Shreveport for weeks and weeks cuz of a grant I received--did anybody see me or even know it was me?? To be honest with the reader and myself, I would like to know who the millionaires of our class are and I would like to know if they need a great PR person or even an administrative assistant that will travel the world----me!! Seriously,I'm thinking no one really cares after 40 years.
In Galveston, I avoid arrogant people. I love that some of the PhD's and millionaires look homeless and some of the homeless walk around "stylin..". I have always tried to judge people by their hearts--don't most people do the same--especially at our age!!?? (Well maybe not the Donald Trumps of the world.)
Back to this reunion thing one more time. I took a Gestalt (sp.?) therapy class in college. We filled out a survey putting the names of our classmates in the blank spaces. Questions like "the life of the party is.... The person serving everyone is...". The class completely misjudged me (in a very complimentary way I might add). I knew that the only way I would be able to talk to people at a party would be if I were serving the punch. Darn--can't possibly go to the reunion--those darn bartenders took my job!!
First, I had to remember all the classmates I have not thought of in years. Wasn't that girl shy and quiet?? How did she end up in charge 40 years later? What would make me remember another's freckles and yet another in braces with red hair?? One girl I remember as being plain with long straight hair (remember we were part of the hippie generation and lots of us idolized Cher's long straight locks) and a peak at her face book profile revealed a knock dead gorgeous woman--I want to know her secrets. Someone posted on her status she had some type of disease requiring that she run, bike, swim, etc. Dear Lord, I hope she shows up at the reunion and coughs on me. Please let that disease be contagious!!!
My brain has been spinning trying to remember everyone I chose to befriend on face book. I can't help but remember the "Designing Women" episode where Delta Burke returns to her high school reunion. She made some speech about seeing the old, balding, pot-bellied men as the handsome young studs they were in high school. I don't remember what she said about the women but I share the feelings she had about returning as an old fat lady. I did notice in perusing face book photos that we had traded those embarrassing pimples for a lot of smile lines--on our foreheads, around our eyes, and around our mouths. (If I knew then what I know now, dimples be damned, I would have spent the last 40 years perfecting that stoic look!)
For some strange reason, I have no problem recognizing the women--they look like they did in high school plus or minus a few pounds. I am thinking Lady Clairol helped with that. However, the men--no clues on their faces even remotely remind me of the boys I drooled over in high school. (Except for one--his smiles and grin in some Nicky's photos--I would recognize anywhere!) This isn't necessarily good or bad--just weird.
Now I am stressing over what people remember about me from those teenage years. Did people know that my loud mouth hid an insecure and shy teenager. Was I the only teen that could not figure out how many times to say hi to classmates in the hallways and classes that you might pass a million times during the day. I kind of worked on the premise that a "good morning" before lunch and a "see you tomorrow" at the end of the day should suffice. I can remember spending lunch recess in the library to avoid facing this dilemma. Forty years later I am worried that people might have thought me snobby--talk about over analyzing!!
Someone in a face book invite stated a reunion was the time to remember the good times of high school. What good times? I have taught high school for years and I am not sure much has changed. My students freak over everything--just as I did in high school-- hair, boys that I wanted to notice me and the boys that did, my dad's car I drove that he painted with house paint, clothes, pimples, dates, parties I went to and those I didn't get invited to. I can remember having a day long discussion with my next door neighbor about where to sit in the car on my first date with an upper classman--all that time and energy wasted because he had bucket seats.
The most humiliating moment of my teen years had to be when our church youth group went to see "The Ten Commandments" at the Strand in downtown Shreveport. I had a free pass I had won by listening to KEEL--anybody else remember Larry Ryan and Mr, Weather?? The theater would not accept my pass and I had little money. A boy named Robert rescued me and bought my ticket--he was an upperclassman. I know now he was being so sweet but I was so embarrassed!!!
At last I am remembering some of the good times. I had some great boyfriends and dates. I loved driving the trail from Kokomo to McDonald's to Pizza Inn and back to Kokomo with girlfriends-- searching for boys and trying to find out who was dating whom. I missed very few if any football games even going to South Louisiana for playoffs. I remember kicking The Joe Ferguson in the shin on the football field after Woodlawn beat Airline the year we took state. I remember passing notes in so many different codes that I am now an ace at cryptograms. I remember walking around Lake Bistineau with my best friend and a really cute guy, laughing and chatting about everybody and everything--while the rest of the guys were "partying" (and by that I mean sinning) inside someone's fishing cabin. I even remember skipping Algebra II so that I could hang out on first lunch shift knowing the secretary would write me an excused pass when the bell rang--she even got me a scholarship to Northwestern. Ok. I admit there were some fun times.
Years later looking at the yearbook, in a moment of arrogance and superiority, I remember thinking how few of us went to college. I now realize we must have been one of the smartest classes to ever graduate Airline. We have doctors and lawyers and business owners and lots of educators!! I am really impressed with all of us!! I wonder if our teachers could predict the great successes from this high school class??!!
Yep--my mind has been spinning --with both good and bad memories--of fun and lots of embarrassing moments.
Back to that reunion thing. Do people sit around and gossip--remember when he or she-- thinking about what might be said about me feeds that old insecurity that no amount of awards and recognition that I have received as an adult can erase. Am I the only one who thinks this way?? Of course this is making a lot of assumptions. I am fairly intelligent and still in possession of most of my senses--if I am having difficulty remembering everyone--shouldn't that mean others may have the same difficulty remembering me??!!
Ok-- if I concede that gossiping will be kept to a minimum then what do these friends and acquaintances who have become strangers after 40 years talk about?? Do they compare achievements and successes?? Hey--I was on local TV in Shreveport for weeks and weeks cuz of a grant I received--did anybody see me or even know it was me?? To be honest with the reader and myself, I would like to know who the millionaires of our class are and I would like to know if they need a great PR person or even an administrative assistant that will travel the world----me!! Seriously,I'm thinking no one really cares after 40 years.
In Galveston, I avoid arrogant people. I love that some of the PhD's and millionaires look homeless and some of the homeless walk around "stylin..". I have always tried to judge people by their hearts--don't most people do the same--especially at our age!!?? (Well maybe not the Donald Trumps of the world.)
Back to this reunion thing one more time. I took a Gestalt (sp.?) therapy class in college. We filled out a survey putting the names of our classmates in the blank spaces. Questions like "the life of the party is.... The person serving everyone is...". The class completely misjudged me (in a very complimentary way I might add). I knew that the only way I would be able to talk to people at a party would be if I were serving the punch. Darn--can't possibly go to the reunion--those darn bartenders took my job!!
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Eating healthy--portion control failure
I am getting into eating healthier. I love onions, bell peppers and tomatoes. I need to eat more broccoli--that may be part of my problem. I hate salads in a bag--would rather pay $6-$10 at a restaurant--?? The Mayo Clinic super foods are great and that is pretty much all that I put on my grocery list.
I use skim milk in my coffee and sugar substitute. Sugar free tea. No problem.
Whole grains -- no problem
I have added fish to my diet.
But
I want two fish filets not one. And of course two pork chops. Would you not think that two would make a serving--it does at any restaurant when you order breakfast chops. I think it is unfair that I should use the palm of my hand for a meat portion---don't men have much larger hands. I am thinking I should borrow the hand of someone sitting next to me to compare my portion to just so I get all that I am entitled to!!
I want four servings of Sugar free pudding not one. Those little plastic cups are so small. When I make it at home I make it with skim milk and layers of light cool whip and a few lite cookies for a little crunch. But one 1/2 cup serving---how do people stop at just one?
I want a handful of almonds not 6.
I want 2 or 3 fiber one bars--candy to me.
So how do I get in control of portions without feeling deprived?? I think my servings are too large because I am afraid I might go hungry--obviously I have never been really hungry--so why the fear??
I don't eat out of emotional need. I just like to eat. To be honest, we ate very simply growing up. It wasn't until I went to college that I learned about broccoli and cauliflower. I went home with a college friend and learned about sour cream on potatoes--and cheese--what bliss.
I was in the army when I was first introduced to lobster---I am sure several of my dates left with empty pockets after dinner out---but they should not have said order anything I wanted from the menu.
I digress. Back to portion control. I need some sure fire hints on how to eat every 2-3 hours with zero calories. I need help eating just one of anything--have you tried those Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches--I had six for breakfast and lunch one day.
Let me know some of your secrets.....
I use skim milk in my coffee and sugar substitute. Sugar free tea. No problem.
Whole grains -- no problem
I have added fish to my diet.
But
I want two fish filets not one. And of course two pork chops. Would you not think that two would make a serving--it does at any restaurant when you order breakfast chops. I think it is unfair that I should use the palm of my hand for a meat portion---don't men have much larger hands. I am thinking I should borrow the hand of someone sitting next to me to compare my portion to just so I get all that I am entitled to!!
I want four servings of Sugar free pudding not one. Those little plastic cups are so small. When I make it at home I make it with skim milk and layers of light cool whip and a few lite cookies for a little crunch. But one 1/2 cup serving---how do people stop at just one?
I want a handful of almonds not 6.
I want 2 or 3 fiber one bars--candy to me.
So how do I get in control of portions without feeling deprived?? I think my servings are too large because I am afraid I might go hungry--obviously I have never been really hungry--so why the fear??
I don't eat out of emotional need. I just like to eat. To be honest, we ate very simply growing up. It wasn't until I went to college that I learned about broccoli and cauliflower. I went home with a college friend and learned about sour cream on potatoes--and cheese--what bliss.
I was in the army when I was first introduced to lobster---I am sure several of my dates left with empty pockets after dinner out---but they should not have said order anything I wanted from the menu.
I digress. Back to portion control. I need some sure fire hints on how to eat every 2-3 hours with zero calories. I need help eating just one of anything--have you tried those Skinny Cow Ice Cream Sandwiches--I had six for breakfast and lunch one day.
Let me know some of your secrets.....
Monday, August 16, 2010
Life of the Unemployed Part One
Good morning world and fellow unemployed.
I got up around 7 to Mindy's uncontrolled barking at the neighbors off to productive jobs and careers. Mindy is better than any alarm clock.
While catching up on local and world news, a fellow unemployee called and invited me for a coffee at Starbucks. I take a 3 minute shower, pull the hair up into a ponytail and run out the door. Mindy almost tripped me as she rushed out just ahead of my foot fall. This meant running back in to grab her leash and hoping she would follow to the car. Fortunately, she did and all was well with the world.
We arrived at Starbucks and no Fred. I called him and he stated he was delayed. That gave me time to put on make up. Don't usually wear makeup cuz I consider it a waste of time and money and makeup does not impress Fred but I put it on anyway. I know it doesn't really improve my looks--remember I am an old fat lady--but what the heck.
Mindy jumped from the truck first--it is a Tahoe and never ceases to amaze me that this pup could set a world's record in the high jump.. I clumsily fell out of the truck trying to keep her in check. After tying her to an outdoor umbrella, I headed inside for a coffee with ice. I refuse to pay extra for an iced coffee.
Fred finally arrived having already gotten his coffee before I even noticed him which should be an impossibility because he is at least 6'4" in height. My watch dog, always in protective mode, didn't notice Fred either.
Now begins the conversation. We discussed everything--his visit to Oklahoma for his dad's birthday, sleeping on the sofa bed, Ann Rand-the Russian born novelist, friends, the state of our society, the real estate market, my family, the state of the economy, race and culture, farming, Martha's Vineyard--got the idea?!
We talked until after 2:00--more than 5 hours. I think we would still be talking but we were both getting hungry..
I headed to the house after hitting Taco Cabana's drive through for chicken tacos and a diet coke.
I am going to start job hunting....soon....today????
I got up around 7 to Mindy's uncontrolled barking at the neighbors off to productive jobs and careers. Mindy is better than any alarm clock.
While catching up on local and world news, a fellow unemployee called and invited me for a coffee at Starbucks. I take a 3 minute shower, pull the hair up into a ponytail and run out the door. Mindy almost tripped me as she rushed out just ahead of my foot fall. This meant running back in to grab her leash and hoping she would follow to the car. Fortunately, she did and all was well with the world.
We arrived at Starbucks and no Fred. I called him and he stated he was delayed. That gave me time to put on make up. Don't usually wear makeup cuz I consider it a waste of time and money and makeup does not impress Fred but I put it on anyway. I know it doesn't really improve my looks--remember I am an old fat lady--but what the heck.
Mindy jumped from the truck first--it is a Tahoe and never ceases to amaze me that this pup could set a world's record in the high jump.. I clumsily fell out of the truck trying to keep her in check. After tying her to an outdoor umbrella, I headed inside for a coffee with ice. I refuse to pay extra for an iced coffee.
Fred finally arrived having already gotten his coffee before I even noticed him which should be an impossibility because he is at least 6'4" in height. My watch dog, always in protective mode, didn't notice Fred either.
Now begins the conversation. We discussed everything--his visit to Oklahoma for his dad's birthday, sleeping on the sofa bed, Ann Rand-the Russian born novelist, friends, the state of our society, the real estate market, my family, the state of the economy, race and culture, farming, Martha's Vineyard--got the idea?!
We talked until after 2:00--more than 5 hours. I think we would still be talking but we were both getting hungry..
I headed to the house after hitting Taco Cabana's drive through for chicken tacos and a diet coke.
I am going to start job hunting....soon....today????
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Friday Night on the Island
Brenda Terry and I went to see Eat Pray Love. I wasn't impressed enough to stay to the end. She left soon after I did impressed that Julia was in the full Lotus position. (Check out my review on my blog.)
We met at MOD for a little coffee and friendly hugs and conversation. People hug alot on Galveston Island!!
Our allegedly schizophrenic friend James sat with us after very politely asking permission. He is very feminine and we would assume to be gay. He waves his hands flamboyantly when he speaks. He claims to be good friends with Bobby Ewing of Dallas. He says Barbra Streisand's advice was not to get into bed with scratchy feet. He shared a recipe for basil tomato soup belonging to a German lady, Mrs. Agnew. Mrs. Agnew recommends a dark Burgundy for making tomato sauce allowing it to simmer for 4 hours before adding vegetables.
James had on colorful geometric shorts he said he found in the trash on the curb. This is a man who is always neatly and cleanly put together as he speed walks the island for hours. He finally left us offering an excuse of meeting friends (lords and ladies) collecting cigarette butts and stuffing them into his pockets.
I enjoy talking to James. I have 30 hours of classroom psychology but this is the first time I have gotten to know what I believe to be a true schizophrenic. I wish there were programs to give these people dentures. His teeth or so bad as is so many of the homeless that I have met on the Island---gotta work on this!!
Later we were joined by Shaun. He shared stories of studying martial arts in Japan. I think he goes every summer. In addition to bar tending he has a small dojo. He's so cute.
At eight we strolled down to the Art Market for Jenny's and Debbie's party. Perfect example of a downtown party--we ranged in age from 21-75. There was wine and beer and snacks. Debbie and Ian sang karaoke. Clint got the courage to do a couple of songs. Debbie is talented enough to be a pro and has sang at Crowe's on the Strand.
Some of us sat at tables on Jenny's hand painted benches on the sidewalk sharing fried trout caught that day by Tony and David in the gulf. People came and went--lots of hugs, lots of introductions--a perfect neighborhood get together on 23rd and Post Office.
I have to describe The Art Mart. It is an art gallery outfitted with a living space. There is a loft bedroom. There is a bed in the gallery built on a 4' platform separated from the main space by a screen made from old wooden doors. There is a galley kitchen and a large bath.
The retail space has a stage set up with karaoke. There is a large antique dining table covered in all sizes of art on all types of paper. Above hangs a collection of colorful paper lanterns. All of this is located to the left of the front door. And on the wall behind the table are large paintings of women--some nude. (This old fat woman do not like nudes--hate to think of any comparisons that might me made.)
If you look to the right as you enter, a couple of overstuffed couches and chairs encircle a large faux fireplace that spans the wall from floor to ceiling. Somehow Jenny disassembled it and brought it to the new gallery, and reassembled it. Considering the ceilings are around 20', this had to be a very daunting task.
And every where you look there is art. I love the three foot person made from reclaimed wood posed on the end table. The mask-type 3 dimensional faces are intriguing. The red crabs with texture are a favorite. Her female faces are interesting and the best on the island.
And best of all, everyone can enjoy Jenny's hospitality because the gallery and her parties are open to the public.
Jenny is featuring women in the next art walk on August 28. She has been painting furiously.
We met at MOD for a little coffee and friendly hugs and conversation. People hug alot on Galveston Island!!
Our allegedly schizophrenic friend James sat with us after very politely asking permission. He is very feminine and we would assume to be gay. He waves his hands flamboyantly when he speaks. He claims to be good friends with Bobby Ewing of Dallas. He says Barbra Streisand's advice was not to get into bed with scratchy feet. He shared a recipe for basil tomato soup belonging to a German lady, Mrs. Agnew. Mrs. Agnew recommends a dark Burgundy for making tomato sauce allowing it to simmer for 4 hours before adding vegetables.
James had on colorful geometric shorts he said he found in the trash on the curb. This is a man who is always neatly and cleanly put together as he speed walks the island for hours. He finally left us offering an excuse of meeting friends (lords and ladies) collecting cigarette butts and stuffing them into his pockets.
I enjoy talking to James. I have 30 hours of classroom psychology but this is the first time I have gotten to know what I believe to be a true schizophrenic. I wish there were programs to give these people dentures. His teeth or so bad as is so many of the homeless that I have met on the Island---gotta work on this!!
Later we were joined by Shaun. He shared stories of studying martial arts in Japan. I think he goes every summer. In addition to bar tending he has a small dojo. He's so cute.
At eight we strolled down to the Art Market for Jenny's and Debbie's party. Perfect example of a downtown party--we ranged in age from 21-75. There was wine and beer and snacks. Debbie and Ian sang karaoke. Clint got the courage to do a couple of songs. Debbie is talented enough to be a pro and has sang at Crowe's on the Strand.
Some of us sat at tables on Jenny's hand painted benches on the sidewalk sharing fried trout caught that day by Tony and David in the gulf. People came and went--lots of hugs, lots of introductions--a perfect neighborhood get together on 23rd and Post Office.
I have to describe The Art Mart. It is an art gallery outfitted with a living space. There is a loft bedroom. There is a bed in the gallery built on a 4' platform separated from the main space by a screen made from old wooden doors. There is a galley kitchen and a large bath.
The retail space has a stage set up with karaoke. There is a large antique dining table covered in all sizes of art on all types of paper. Above hangs a collection of colorful paper lanterns. All of this is located to the left of the front door. And on the wall behind the table are large paintings of women--some nude. (This old fat woman do not like nudes--hate to think of any comparisons that might me made.)
If you look to the right as you enter, a couple of overstuffed couches and chairs encircle a large faux fireplace that spans the wall from floor to ceiling. Somehow Jenny disassembled it and brought it to the new gallery, and reassembled it. Considering the ceilings are around 20', this had to be a very daunting task.
And every where you look there is art. I love the three foot person made from reclaimed wood posed on the end table. The mask-type 3 dimensional faces are intriguing. The red crabs with texture are a favorite. Her female faces are interesting and the best on the island.
And best of all, everyone can enjoy Jenny's hospitality because the gallery and her parties are open to the public.
Jenny is featuring women in the next art walk on August 28. She has been painting furiously.
Friday, August 13, 2010
Eat Pray Love
First, I am a big fan of Julia Roberts. But I am not a fan of this movie which means she will probably win another Oscar.
This is my take on the movie.
First, she is married to a handsome, nice man. He rolls over in bed and says he doesn't want to go to Aruba. She states she doesn't want to be married. Like her husband said-- vows should be taken seriously.
Next, this cougar shacks up with a twenty something hunk. Surprise, she still isn't happy.
Then she wants to marvel at something. Hey I marvel at the sky and the ocean and my kids and my grandkids and art. I don't have to go to leave my life to find something to marvel at.
She goes to Italy for food and language. We have great food and cultures right here--I just wasn't relating to this movie.
To learn to pray she went to India. On her way to the place where she will learn to meditate, she seemed unphased by the children in abject poverty. At this point I decided she was a self indulgent b....... and needed a reality check.
So,I left. I did not want this selfish spoiled self-indulgent broad to find love--I just didn't think she deserved it.
I heard the book was great but after watching two-thirds of the movie--don't think I'll read it.
This is my take on the movie.
First, she is married to a handsome, nice man. He rolls over in bed and says he doesn't want to go to Aruba. She states she doesn't want to be married. Like her husband said-- vows should be taken seriously.
Next, this cougar shacks up with a twenty something hunk. Surprise, she still isn't happy.
Then she wants to marvel at something. Hey I marvel at the sky and the ocean and my kids and my grandkids and art. I don't have to go to leave my life to find something to marvel at.
She goes to Italy for food and language. We have great food and cultures right here--I just wasn't relating to this movie.
To learn to pray she went to India. On her way to the place where she will learn to meditate, she seemed unphased by the children in abject poverty. At this point I decided she was a self indulgent b....... and needed a reality check.
So,I left. I did not want this selfish spoiled self-indulgent broad to find love--I just didn't think she deserved it.
I heard the book was great but after watching two-thirds of the movie--don't think I'll read it.
Saturday, August 7, 2010
Great Friday in the Sun
Fred called to meet for a quick coffee at Starbuck's. Would have blown it off but I need an outside motivator to get moving in the morning.
Ran into my neighbor Marie who was walking her pup. Invited her to meet me at MOD.
Met Fred. He really does make me laugh and our discussions can be about the oddest topics. Today's topic was Galveston history and the boat loads of money they made and lost and made again in Galveston.
Then headed to MOD. Marie was already there with her coffee and I had yet to find a place to park. Oh well.
Marie is French and still has an accent. I have to listen close to comprehend everything.
We had fun sharing stories and introducing Marie to the coffeehouse regulars. It never ceases to amaze me how many people I know --more than I knew in Shreveport and I went to high school there.
For lunch we headed to the Strand. We checked put the Bistro. I had read in the paper that it was a French Bistro. I had a real French person to answer any questions I might have. I was excited. Unfortunately, this was Cajun French--muffullettas. Meat loaf was the daily special. No crepes. Nothing with strange sounding names or ingredients. I was so disappointed. Lunch was ok but that was probably my only visit. I much prefer The Mediterranean Cafe with words I can't pronounce on the menu.
After lunch we visited Eiband's Emporium. I am not in the market for any more knick knacks so I had been avoiding the place. To be honest, their original art was pretty cheap. And lots of variety. But, when I want a new art piece, I paint it.
Marie left to walk her dog and I got some work done on the computer.
Sat and visited with Gayle and Brooks --they are retired photographers from New Jersey and the proud parents of my new favorite writer--Ara 13. Our discussions were centered around The Holocaust, photography, and Ara's new book cover.
More computer work.
Then Fred showed. We visited with Robert watching him devour chocolate chip cookies. We exchanged jokes with a couple of 20 somethings--Ned, or Flash--our nickname for him--took off on his skateboard.
I was ready for a change of scenery having been downtown all day. Thought about joining Patti and her friends for happy hour on the beach but my body was reminding me that I am an old lady and I had missed my nap. So I headed for the condo.
Ran into my neighbor Marie who was walking her pup. Invited her to meet me at MOD.
Met Fred. He really does make me laugh and our discussions can be about the oddest topics. Today's topic was Galveston history and the boat loads of money they made and lost and made again in Galveston.
Then headed to MOD. Marie was already there with her coffee and I had yet to find a place to park. Oh well.
Marie is French and still has an accent. I have to listen close to comprehend everything.
We had fun sharing stories and introducing Marie to the coffeehouse regulars. It never ceases to amaze me how many people I know --more than I knew in Shreveport and I went to high school there.
For lunch we headed to the Strand. We checked put the Bistro. I had read in the paper that it was a French Bistro. I had a real French person to answer any questions I might have. I was excited. Unfortunately, this was Cajun French--muffullettas. Meat loaf was the daily special. No crepes. Nothing with strange sounding names or ingredients. I was so disappointed. Lunch was ok but that was probably my only visit. I much prefer The Mediterranean Cafe with words I can't pronounce on the menu.
After lunch we visited Eiband's Emporium. I am not in the market for any more knick knacks so I had been avoiding the place. To be honest, their original art was pretty cheap. And lots of variety. But, when I want a new art piece, I paint it.
Marie left to walk her dog and I got some work done on the computer.
Sat and visited with Gayle and Brooks --they are retired photographers from New Jersey and the proud parents of my new favorite writer--Ara 13. Our discussions were centered around The Holocaust, photography, and Ara's new book cover.
More computer work.
Then Fred showed. We visited with Robert watching him devour chocolate chip cookies. We exchanged jokes with a couple of 20 somethings--Ned, or Flash--our nickname for him--took off on his skateboard.
I was ready for a change of scenery having been downtown all day. Thought about joining Patti and her friends for happy hour on the beach but my body was reminding me that I am an old lady and I had missed my nap. So I headed for the condo.
Friday, August 6, 2010
Part Two. One Last Adventure
For Joy's 16th birthday, Lou treated us to a beach house.
Joy and I and her first "real" boyfriend, Ben, headed to Galveston from Shreveport for Spring Break. We spent the first 4 days in Galveston. We rode around downtown. We took the kids to ride horses on the beach. We collected seashells. We ate at Tortouga's. We looked at houses--Lou, thinking about purchasing a third home on the beach,was in sticker shock. We had a great time.
So in '98, everything was in chaos. There was a change in principal. Joy had a tough freshman year at college. Our personal lives were boring. It was time for a change for both of us. So we headed to Galveston and spent a week at the Flag Ship. We began our search for jobs and a place to live.
And everything or the fates or God or karma--all ganged up against this move.
I thought I had the best resume of my life. I interviewed with Galveston ISD. My transcript from the University of Houston showed F's for four classes I had dropped in 1982. This was the first thing human resources showed me from my file. I was so embarrassed. (I'm still trying to get this corrected!). My teacher test scores from TEA showed failed--this has since been corrected. And the Director of Fine Arts would not consider me for an art position because I did not have an art degree. It did not matter that I was certified with 10 years experience. It didn't matter that I had earned teacher of the year awards and national grants.
I was not going to get employed by GISD. And I had already resigned my job in Shreveport.
Joy and I went house hunting. It was so hot and the air conditioning went out in the car. We were so miserable.
The apartments just didn't appeal to us. When we finally found one that might meet our needs and wants, within walking distance of the beach,--there was a waiting list.
We looked for lofts and no one would return phone calls. Realtors only had info about the apartment complexes--could not find anyone in the know about downtown lofts.
While walking the streets one day, on the Strand and Post Office, I lost my car. I felt as if I were in the Twilight Zone. Downtown Galveston is quite small -- four streets east/west, and five streets north/south. My car was no where to be found. I was hot. I was miserable. I ask a policeman for help--I found him at the cigar bar. He made a call and found it had not been towed. But I was on my own--walking up and down streets, in search of the elusive car. And low and behold, it was right where I left it.
The next trip downtown, I locked my keys in the car. This is something I have done several times. I was at MOD. A very nice gentlemen offered to unlock it for me with a coat hanger. Of course no one has coat hangers any more so that took an hour to find. And then another two and one half hours to unlock the car. This poor guy was not going to give up and call it quits. He was so sure the next hook of the hanger would pop that door right open. I have to admire him for his persistence. And he did finally succeed.
Nope---moving to Galveston???? Just not sure the fates were on our side.
Then there was the little thing called hurricanes. First Gustav then IKE.
Joy and I and her first "real" boyfriend, Ben, headed to Galveston from Shreveport for Spring Break. We spent the first 4 days in Galveston. We rode around downtown. We took the kids to ride horses on the beach. We collected seashells. We ate at Tortouga's. We looked at houses--Lou, thinking about purchasing a third home on the beach,was in sticker shock. We had a great time.
So in '98, everything was in chaos. There was a change in principal. Joy had a tough freshman year at college. Our personal lives were boring. It was time for a change for both of us. So we headed to Galveston and spent a week at the Flag Ship. We began our search for jobs and a place to live.
And everything or the fates or God or karma--all ganged up against this move.
I thought I had the best resume of my life. I interviewed with Galveston ISD. My transcript from the University of Houston showed F's for four classes I had dropped in 1982. This was the first thing human resources showed me from my file. I was so embarrassed. (I'm still trying to get this corrected!). My teacher test scores from TEA showed failed--this has since been corrected. And the Director of Fine Arts would not consider me for an art position because I did not have an art degree. It did not matter that I was certified with 10 years experience. It didn't matter that I had earned teacher of the year awards and national grants.
I was not going to get employed by GISD. And I had already resigned my job in Shreveport.
Joy and I went house hunting. It was so hot and the air conditioning went out in the car. We were so miserable.
The apartments just didn't appeal to us. When we finally found one that might meet our needs and wants, within walking distance of the beach,--there was a waiting list.
We looked for lofts and no one would return phone calls. Realtors only had info about the apartment complexes--could not find anyone in the know about downtown lofts.
While walking the streets one day, on the Strand and Post Office, I lost my car. I felt as if I were in the Twilight Zone. Downtown Galveston is quite small -- four streets east/west, and five streets north/south. My car was no where to be found. I was hot. I was miserable. I ask a policeman for help--I found him at the cigar bar. He made a call and found it had not been towed. But I was on my own--walking up and down streets, in search of the elusive car. And low and behold, it was right where I left it.
The next trip downtown, I locked my keys in the car. This is something I have done several times. I was at MOD. A very nice gentlemen offered to unlock it for me with a coat hanger. Of course no one has coat hangers any more so that took an hour to find. And then another two and one half hours to unlock the car. This poor guy was not going to give up and call it quits. He was so sure the next hook of the hanger would pop that door right open. I have to admire him for his persistence. And he did finally succeed.
Nope---moving to Galveston???? Just not sure the fates were on our side.
Then there was the little thing called hurricanes. First Gustav then IKE.
Thursday, August 5, 2010
Typical Island Thursday
Woke up at 7 to the sun streaming through the patio doors of my bedroom. Of course Mindy was yelping---she is so afraid of shadows. From the patio I can see downtown, Moody Gardens, and the ocean. At night I count the ships lined up waiting their turn to enter the harbor and head for the Houston port, lights look like little stars along the horizon.
Started the morning at MOD with coffee and a bagel. Joined by Sheila and Calvin-island artists and commercial painters. They are always such fun to talk to and Sheila has such a great personality. They are a cougar couple and they smile all the time. I call them a set of Galveston angels.
Fred joined us. We probably spent three hours discussing the strangest things. Like what part of the brain causes someone with turrets to yell such profanity and the sadness of schizophrenia. James walked by still fussing and cussing the wind I think he is the reason we began the conversation.
We worked a crossword puzzle--one of my favorite pasttimes.
Heat overtook us and we all headed for air conditioning.
A couple of hours later Fred called and suggested Starbucks for a smoothie. He had 2 free coupons. Then more conversation. We are too interesting--lol. Conversations about architecture licenses, certifications, National Teacher Exam. Really exciting stuff.
Then we took our second tour of the island--looking at architecture and landscaping (is there a blue lantana on the island) and reading historical plaques. We found the Hutchings historical home and even drove down a dead end ally to get a good look from the back side. Next we found the ex-mayor's home. Both are gorgeous.
We sound like two old people but it was fun and educational. And Galveston has great architecture--Colonial, Victorian, Modern, Craftsman.
Next it was the pool. Fred swam two laps and I ate Otis raisin cookies. Just too much heat.
Called it a day. Needed some ac.
Now watching Project Runway. I love the creativity of these designers. I took tailoring in college but I can't imagine sewing without patterns or at least a pattern book.
Life is good on the island.
Started the morning at MOD with coffee and a bagel. Joined by Sheila and Calvin-island artists and commercial painters. They are always such fun to talk to and Sheila has such a great personality. They are a cougar couple and they smile all the time. I call them a set of Galveston angels.
Fred joined us. We probably spent three hours discussing the strangest things. Like what part of the brain causes someone with turrets to yell such profanity and the sadness of schizophrenia. James walked by still fussing and cussing the wind I think he is the reason we began the conversation.
We worked a crossword puzzle--one of my favorite pasttimes.
Heat overtook us and we all headed for air conditioning.
A couple of hours later Fred called and suggested Starbucks for a smoothie. He had 2 free coupons. Then more conversation. We are too interesting--lol. Conversations about architecture licenses, certifications, National Teacher Exam. Really exciting stuff.
Then we took our second tour of the island--looking at architecture and landscaping (is there a blue lantana on the island) and reading historical plaques. We found the Hutchings historical home and even drove down a dead end ally to get a good look from the back side. Next we found the ex-mayor's home. Both are gorgeous.
We sound like two old people but it was fun and educational. And Galveston has great architecture--Colonial, Victorian, Modern, Craftsman.
Next it was the pool. Fred swam two laps and I ate Otis raisin cookies. Just too much heat.
Called it a day. Needed some ac.
Now watching Project Runway. I love the creativity of these designers. I took tailoring in college but I can't imagine sewing without patterns or at least a pattern book.
Life is good on the island.
One last adventure for this old fat lady
When Joy and I went to Manhattan, I was not invisible. People visited with us in lines, in restaurants, in museums--whereever we went. It was great. (Of course it was Christmas season and two months after 9/11.)
In suburbia there are few outdoor restaurants. People tend to socialize with family and a few old friends. We get up, go to work, come home, cook super, watch tv, go to bed. And the cycle repeats day after day. One can add a little volunteering and chauffeuring a child to all of her activities. We are distrustful of strangers on the street. We don't strike up conversations with people sitting next to us in restaurants--there must be an unwritten rule.
I wanted the Manhattan experience. But on a teacher's pay it was not possible. I dreamed of winning the lottery. Seven years passed and nothing changed.
In suburbia there are few outdoor restaurants. People tend to socialize with family and a few old friends. We get up, go to work, come home, cook super, watch tv, go to bed. And the cycle repeats day after day. One can add a little volunteering and chauffeuring a child to all of her activities. We are distrustful of strangers on the street. We don't strike up conversations with people sitting next to us in restaurants--there must be an unwritten rule.
I wanted the Manhattan experience. But on a teacher's pay it was not possible. I dreamed of winning the lottery. Seven years passed and nothing changed.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Attend college for free!!! So your child is entering high school!
Attend college for free!!!
So your child is entering high school! You need to start planning now to get those college scholarships especially if he or she is NOT a straight A student or the star quarterback or star forward or star pitcher.
Colleges and universities are looking closely at resumes---and it is imperative that you begin to build your child's resume ---you only have 4 years to make it the best---make it standout so that colleges will pay to have your child enroll.
1. Join clubs that are not just on the school campus. Colleges look for leadership skills!
For example, my son was a member of his school's 4-H Club studying photography----he was a member of the parish 4-H Leadership club serving as secretary/treasurer---and he was Historian for the Louisiana State 4-H Club. He attended every camp and went back often as a counselor.
Many of the graduates in my son's class had better grade point averages, held positions like class president, yearbook editor, student council president, yet they received no scholarships and he received 5 valued at over $400,000. They limited their leadership experience to just the local high school where often times those positions went to the most popular and not necessarily the brightest or the best qualified.
2. Play sports even if you are not the star. Sports builds confidence, keeps the body and mind in shape, and teaches children to be part of a team. My son played five sports but was not an athletic star. My daughter did gymnastics but she was only a beginner. So, she ran 5K races (which she never won). Colleges looked at their physical stamina and their ability to work as a team.
3. After school jobs--- Look for employment with companies that offer scholarships to their seniors (like McDonald's). In addition to working at the mall or the local fast food place---create a job. My son used the photography skills he basically taught himself to work for two local papers---one was a weekly and one was a daily. He wrote articles and submitted photos of school and community events. He was also the photographer for his high school yearbook.
So your child is entering high school! You need to start planning now to get those college scholarships especially if he or she is NOT a straight A student or the star quarterback or star forward or star pitcher.
Colleges and universities are looking closely at resumes---and it is imperative that you begin to build your child's resume ---you only have 4 years to make it the best---make it standout so that colleges will pay to have your child enroll.
1. Join clubs that are not just on the school campus. Colleges look for leadership skills!
For example, my son was a member of his school's 4-H Club studying photography----he was a member of the parish 4-H Leadership club serving as secretary/treasurer---and he was Historian for the Louisiana State 4-H Club. He attended every camp and went back often as a counselor.
Many of the graduates in my son's class had better grade point averages, held positions like class president, yearbook editor, student council president, yet they received no scholarships and he received 5 valued at over $400,000. They limited their leadership experience to just the local high school where often times those positions went to the most popular and not necessarily the brightest or the best qualified.
2. Play sports even if you are not the star. Sports builds confidence, keeps the body and mind in shape, and teaches children to be part of a team. My son played five sports but was not an athletic star. My daughter did gymnastics but she was only a beginner. So, she ran 5K races (which she never won). Colleges looked at their physical stamina and their ability to work as a team.
3. After school jobs--- Look for employment with companies that offer scholarships to their seniors (like McDonald's). In addition to working at the mall or the local fast food place---create a job. My son used the photography skills he basically taught himself to work for two local papers---one was a weekly and one was a daily. He wrote articles and submitted photos of school and community events. He was also the photographer for his high school yearbook.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
Friends and acquaintances--the best of Galveston
I took my daughter to New York for Christmas, right after 9-11. We love Manhattan.
I cannot afford Manhattan. But I discovered Galveston has a great downtown and the friendliest people. I have been visiting here for 50 years. So I decided to move here for my last big adventure.
So please allow me to tell you, my future readers about the wonderful and unusual friends and acquaintances I am sharing this adventure with.
First is Brenda. We met on the Strand sharing a bench. She has a magnetic personality, a generous spirit. She has taught me how to smile. We are often known as the "TWO BRENDAS" and I wonder if she is asked as often as I am "Where is the other Brenda."
Next are the Taylors. I am not their favorite person because I had to break my lease but I loved living in their loft. And their son Guy owns Stork Club, restaurant and bar. I met so many interesting people there. Of course, having moved here two months after the storm, Stork was the only place open. Guy's dad is friendly, outgoing, knows everyone and everything going on around town. Guy Jr. is quiet and shy but really, really smart.
Ian is from "Down Under" and is my encyclopedia for everyone and every business on the island. He is a good friend to my daughter. For his birthday, he asked people to bring gifts for the Shriner's Burn Unit. His friends did, to the tune of about $7000. Another generous soul. My favorite story of Ian is ---One day we were gathered at the Stork Club. A cute pug came to the door. Ian jumped her and went outside. He began to tend to the Pug--giving him food and drink. Not finding a collar, he took him home. He took the time and trouble to find the owner all the while caring for this pup for days. There was never a hesitation. He didn't ask others to take on the responsibility. He just did what was in his heart. It may be why he is sharing his one bedroom apartment with three others. He steps in when others would shy away.
Bud and Laci are two young artists. I admire their courage to follow their dream, for believing in themselves and their creativity. Bud's art is very abstract--very large. I like it. Lacy makes jewelry that is fun. She created the most beautiful tiara for my daughter to wear at her wedding. Unfortunately, UPS or FedEx never delivered it. I saw it when it was finally returned to Laci.
Sheila and Calvin are two of Galveston's angels. They have taught me relationships know no age.
Patti is another angel. She is the most positive, friendly person I know. She has more frienda on facebook than most teens. She knows everyone on the island. She opens her heart and home to anyone in need.
Ken is angel number three. He is MOD (my favorite place to hang). He and his wife graciously hosted Thanksgiving for all of us Islanders by Choice. He makes everyone feel special. I'm particularly fond of his hugs.
Angela and Craig own the building where Mod is located. I kind of think they own lots of buildings. I mistook Craig for a landscaper. He politely answered my questions. I enjoyed talking gardening with him. Who knew he owned the place. Angela ran for city council--missed by 4 votes. She should run again. I think she would be an asset. She never stops moving.
Fred is another favorite. He is more northern than southern in speech and mannerism. He is one of the most brilliant men I have ever met. He hurts my feelings sometimes but he is a straight shooter and makes me laugh. He definitely won't let me have a pity party. He and his long time girlfriend are restoring a house on the East End. No doubt it will be a show piece when finished.
Trevers is another character restoring his home---for the second time thanks to IKE--on the East End. If he is in a room, you will know because of his loud, boisterous voice. He tells great stories. His facts may not always be right on, but his enthusiasm always is.
Clyde owns the Witchery with his wife. He strolls Post Office Street and plays the bagpipes beautifully.
Then there is Eric --more than 20 years younger. He hits on me. I don't take it seriously but he does great things for my ego. He is a brilliant history buff.
Tim is a great caricaturist. And a talented artist with a great sense of humor. He also treated my daughter well. You can catch him outside on the Strand most summer days, drawing away.
Dani is a young kid with the attitude of a young kid. Always has something to say. Her heart belongs to the animals she cares for and the pup she adopted.
Coffey is marvelous, another Galveston angel and his heart belongs to Dani. He makes great coffee at MOD and is always polite.
Leslie has been nice since the day I met her and she shares a love for crosswords. She is also my source for current events. She is an animal lover and told the story of stopping in the middle of the street to gather dogs roaming among traffic. She uses her own funds to feed and care for strays. She introduced my daughter to Shawna--love at first site--and Joy adopted the pup immediately.
Tommy, an elderly gentlemen and a little hard of hearing, knows more Galveston history than anyone I've met. He rides his bike all over downtown and on the seawall. When he dies, I hope he leaves me his energy in his will.
Ara is a dynamic new author. It is fun to ask him questions about his books. Only in Galveston.
Ginny--what a great artist. I love her studio and her gallery and her home--all in one and downtown. Another Galveston angel. A generous spirit. On art walk Saturday, she is the gallery with people gathered inside and out. Karoke is going. Food and wine are abundant. She is in the middle of the melee meeting and greeting all who entered. I hope she is making a bundle of money because she deserves it.
Ann is tall and elegant. I feel old, ugly, and fat around her. But she is the epitome of a lady. Her loft will be on this year's tour. She is busy everyday, every minute, planning and getting ready for the big event. I congratulate her on her courage to volunteer to allow strangers walk through her home. I plan to be one of the first in line.
Stefan is loud and opinionated. He is friendly and fun and the second smartest person I have met. He loves his Mercedes. I heard him say if he gets some new contract, he is going to law school. That will be his 4th or 5 degree maybe.
John is opinionated and bull-headed and so much fun to debate.A true Northerner with a son Shane who is a tremendously talented painter. His pup has hip dysplacia. It breaks my heart.
Cash--an older surfer dude. Friendly and polite to all. He sings for his supper with talent and a lot of fun and a great smile.
Lynn is an ex-seal and a great drummer. He rides his bike when he is not in his big truck. (I need a bike, too!!)
Phil has moved to south Texas but with his PdDs--he was so smart and fun to talk to. He knew politics and conspiracy theories.
Originally I ended here but then Brenda read my blog. She reminded of several interesting people I had left out.
There is mother and son duo, Sheila and Chris. He is a teen-ager and handsome and plays computer games almost non-stop. Sheila may be from The South but she is a straight shooter and a great bartender.
Another mother and son duo is Chris and Shaun. Chris lives up to her bright red hair--funny, talkative, out-going, grinning all the time. And her son Shaun is handsome and a world renown judo or tai kwan do or whatever type of martial arts artist.
There is the duo of Ginger and John. John is BOI, big and friendly. Ginger is New Yorker all the way ---one word and you'll know. She can do a crossword in 5 minutes and never struggle over a clue.
Then there is Tom--construction, handyman--he has his own business with Ginger's John. He came to my rescue when I needed a "home-made" table for my loft.
Young Brandon drives me crazy. He rides his skateboard all over town and calls me mom. He has carried many a bag of groceries up and down stairs when I lived in the loft. We have shared many a breakfast at Stork. I keep my fingers crossed for Brandon.
We met Donald briefly. He claims to be a doctor of home medicines and certifies other such doctors. He did buy us a great bottle of wine to share while we sat on the Strand meeting more new people to turn into friends and acquaintances. He is the proud father of a yellow VET and he tells everyone about is true love--the car!!
Ryan was Mediterranean Cafe. He waited on us every time we went--a couple of times a week.. The food was good and Ryan was great!!! He carried a mattress down my stairs by himself and helped take it to a friend's loft (she had an elevator).
Cowboy was the sweetest, most polite, homeless person I ever met. He wore his hat and boots proudly. He was an older version of the Marlboro man. He insisted I borrow his prize photo to show my students--a photo of a painting of a dolphin. He tried going to Waco but didn't like it. He returned to the island. Haven't seen him in a while. I hope wherever he is, he is safe.
The island's favorite character is Kiwi. He is supposedly the nephew of TV's "Mona". He paints himself with shoe polish. He walks the downtown streets. He almost never speaks to anyone but himself.
Another celeb is James. He is allegedly the son of great Hollywood hairstylist "Hebert"?? James is always neatly dressed. He walks around waving his arms and fussing to the wind. But he always stops his tirades to say hello to me.
Sherry is our nurse. She lives with loads of cats. She is a great photographer. She is opening a new business selling lp's and 8 track tapes on her off days from the hospital.
John is a Brit and a minister. He marries couples on the beach. He would have married my daughter if she had been married in Galveston. She likes him.
Robert is a hoot. You hear him first. He knows everyone. A true BOI. He loves his bikes and collecting guns. He is becoming a good friend. He invited me to go to pawn shops to find me a bike. I will soon!!
Michael and Nancy--the first "couple" I met in Stork. They finally became engaged this summer. You can't look at him and tell he has a Ph.D. (You can't look at anyone here and guess their jobs!! I love this about the island.) And she is a banker. Both are sweet and nice and fun.
And there is Ralph, an elderly black gentleman with gray, middle of his back in length, dreadlocks. He is smart. Don't know if he got his education on the streets or in college but he can discuss just about anything--history, politics, current events. Sherry gives him rides to Walmart now and then when he gets low on supplies.
If you are old and fat, then you probably know what it is like to be invisible. I am going to mention Tim because, although I don't know him well, he is the only person who has made me feel invisible since moving to the island. I stayed away from MOD for several weeks because of him. I am not sure he intended such because the other week, he got my dog water and brought me a tea--while we (Mindy and I) were sitting outside. I was not expecting him to be so gentlemanly. I am glad I have returned to Mod.
I have to mention one of my students--Sara. If I could predict the future, of all the students I have taught, she is one with art in her soul. With a little guidance, motivation, and belief in herself, she will be world renown. This is one student I hope to follow through her successes. This is one child I truly believe has greatness waiting for her.
And of course Lou. He is my best friend of almost 30 years. He doesn't live here buts owns condos and visits often. He takes me to dinner or brings me lunch. We watch golf on his big flat screen--he hates Tiger and I love to watch Tiger. He walked my daughter down the aisle at her wedding. He is her dad in word and deed.
There are so many others I have briefly met. Jennifer is a great photographer. Gabe is a great young artist/surfer. Debbie sings karoke with Ian. I keep trying to set up Becky with Eric with no success. Klaus owns the Courtyard Cafe and rides his bike around town. Derek has a van painted in art history. Tabitha or whatever her name is puts her turtle on a leash. I don't want to leave anyone out nor do I want to offend anyone. Galveston is the only place I have ever lived where one can actually get to know everybody--at least everybody who visits downtown. Some friendships will be life long and others short lived--but all are fun and interesting. I have learned so much from each of my new friends and acquaintances.
I cannot afford Manhattan. But I discovered Galveston has a great downtown and the friendliest people. I have been visiting here for 50 years. So I decided to move here for my last big adventure.
So please allow me to tell you, my future readers about the wonderful and unusual friends and acquaintances I am sharing this adventure with.
First is Brenda. We met on the Strand sharing a bench. She has a magnetic personality, a generous spirit. She has taught me how to smile. We are often known as the "TWO BRENDAS" and I wonder if she is asked as often as I am "Where is the other Brenda."
Next are the Taylors. I am not their favorite person because I had to break my lease but I loved living in their loft. And their son Guy owns Stork Club, restaurant and bar. I met so many interesting people there. Of course, having moved here two months after the storm, Stork was the only place open. Guy's dad is friendly, outgoing, knows everyone and everything going on around town. Guy Jr. is quiet and shy but really, really smart.
Ian is from "Down Under" and is my encyclopedia for everyone and every business on the island. He is a good friend to my daughter. For his birthday, he asked people to bring gifts for the Shriner's Burn Unit. His friends did, to the tune of about $7000. Another generous soul. My favorite story of Ian is ---One day we were gathered at the Stork Club. A cute pug came to the door. Ian jumped her and went outside. He began to tend to the Pug--giving him food and drink. Not finding a collar, he took him home. He took the time and trouble to find the owner all the while caring for this pup for days. There was never a hesitation. He didn't ask others to take on the responsibility. He just did what was in his heart. It may be why he is sharing his one bedroom apartment with three others. He steps in when others would shy away.
Bud and Laci are two young artists. I admire their courage to follow their dream, for believing in themselves and their creativity. Bud's art is very abstract--very large. I like it. Lacy makes jewelry that is fun. She created the most beautiful tiara for my daughter to wear at her wedding. Unfortunately, UPS or FedEx never delivered it. I saw it when it was finally returned to Laci.
Sheila and Calvin are two of Galveston's angels. They have taught me relationships know no age.
Patti is another angel. She is the most positive, friendly person I know. She has more frienda on facebook than most teens. She knows everyone on the island. She opens her heart and home to anyone in need.
Ken is angel number three. He is MOD (my favorite place to hang). He and his wife graciously hosted Thanksgiving for all of us Islanders by Choice. He makes everyone feel special. I'm particularly fond of his hugs.
Angela and Craig own the building where Mod is located. I kind of think they own lots of buildings. I mistook Craig for a landscaper. He politely answered my questions. I enjoyed talking gardening with him. Who knew he owned the place. Angela ran for city council--missed by 4 votes. She should run again. I think she would be an asset. She never stops moving.
Fred is another favorite. He is more northern than southern in speech and mannerism. He is one of the most brilliant men I have ever met. He hurts my feelings sometimes but he is a straight shooter and makes me laugh. He definitely won't let me have a pity party. He and his long time girlfriend are restoring a house on the East End. No doubt it will be a show piece when finished.
Trevers is another character restoring his home---for the second time thanks to IKE--on the East End. If he is in a room, you will know because of his loud, boisterous voice. He tells great stories. His facts may not always be right on, but his enthusiasm always is.
Clyde owns the Witchery with his wife. He strolls Post Office Street and plays the bagpipes beautifully.
Then there is Eric --more than 20 years younger. He hits on me. I don't take it seriously but he does great things for my ego. He is a brilliant history buff.
Tim is a great caricaturist. And a talented artist with a great sense of humor. He also treated my daughter well. You can catch him outside on the Strand most summer days, drawing away.
Dani is a young kid with the attitude of a young kid. Always has something to say. Her heart belongs to the animals she cares for and the pup she adopted.
Coffey is marvelous, another Galveston angel and his heart belongs to Dani. He makes great coffee at MOD and is always polite.
Leslie has been nice since the day I met her and she shares a love for crosswords. She is also my source for current events. She is an animal lover and told the story of stopping in the middle of the street to gather dogs roaming among traffic. She uses her own funds to feed and care for strays. She introduced my daughter to Shawna--love at first site--and Joy adopted the pup immediately.
Tommy, an elderly gentlemen and a little hard of hearing, knows more Galveston history than anyone I've met. He rides his bike all over downtown and on the seawall. When he dies, I hope he leaves me his energy in his will.
Ara is a dynamic new author. It is fun to ask him questions about his books. Only in Galveston.
Ginny--what a great artist. I love her studio and her gallery and her home--all in one and downtown. Another Galveston angel. A generous spirit. On art walk Saturday, she is the gallery with people gathered inside and out. Karoke is going. Food and wine are abundant. She is in the middle of the melee meeting and greeting all who entered. I hope she is making a bundle of money because she deserves it.
Ann is tall and elegant. I feel old, ugly, and fat around her. But she is the epitome of a lady. Her loft will be on this year's tour. She is busy everyday, every minute, planning and getting ready for the big event. I congratulate her on her courage to volunteer to allow strangers walk through her home. I plan to be one of the first in line.
Stefan is loud and opinionated. He is friendly and fun and the second smartest person I have met. He loves his Mercedes. I heard him say if he gets some new contract, he is going to law school. That will be his 4th or 5 degree maybe.
John is opinionated and bull-headed and so much fun to debate.A true Northerner with a son Shane who is a tremendously talented painter. His pup has hip dysplacia. It breaks my heart.
Cash--an older surfer dude. Friendly and polite to all. He sings for his supper with talent and a lot of fun and a great smile.
Lynn is an ex-seal and a great drummer. He rides his bike when he is not in his big truck. (I need a bike, too!!)
Phil has moved to south Texas but with his PdDs--he was so smart and fun to talk to. He knew politics and conspiracy theories.
Originally I ended here but then Brenda read my blog. She reminded of several interesting people I had left out.
There is mother and son duo, Sheila and Chris. He is a teen-ager and handsome and plays computer games almost non-stop. Sheila may be from The South but she is a straight shooter and a great bartender.
Another mother and son duo is Chris and Shaun. Chris lives up to her bright red hair--funny, talkative, out-going, grinning all the time. And her son Shaun is handsome and a world renown judo or tai kwan do or whatever type of martial arts artist.
There is the duo of Ginger and John. John is BOI, big and friendly. Ginger is New Yorker all the way ---one word and you'll know. She can do a crossword in 5 minutes and never struggle over a clue.
Then there is Tom--construction, handyman--he has his own business with Ginger's John. He came to my rescue when I needed a "home-made" table for my loft.
Young Brandon drives me crazy. He rides his skateboard all over town and calls me mom. He has carried many a bag of groceries up and down stairs when I lived in the loft. We have shared many a breakfast at Stork. I keep my fingers crossed for Brandon.
We met Donald briefly. He claims to be a doctor of home medicines and certifies other such doctors. He did buy us a great bottle of wine to share while we sat on the Strand meeting more new people to turn into friends and acquaintances. He is the proud father of a yellow VET and he tells everyone about is true love--the car!!
Ryan was Mediterranean Cafe. He waited on us every time we went--a couple of times a week.. The food was good and Ryan was great!!! He carried a mattress down my stairs by himself and helped take it to a friend's loft (she had an elevator).
Cowboy was the sweetest, most polite, homeless person I ever met. He wore his hat and boots proudly. He was an older version of the Marlboro man. He insisted I borrow his prize photo to show my students--a photo of a painting of a dolphin. He tried going to Waco but didn't like it. He returned to the island. Haven't seen him in a while. I hope wherever he is, he is safe.
The island's favorite character is Kiwi. He is supposedly the nephew of TV's "Mona". He paints himself with shoe polish. He walks the downtown streets. He almost never speaks to anyone but himself.
Another celeb is James. He is allegedly the son of great Hollywood hairstylist "Hebert"?? James is always neatly dressed. He walks around waving his arms and fussing to the wind. But he always stops his tirades to say hello to me.
Sherry is our nurse. She lives with loads of cats. She is a great photographer. She is opening a new business selling lp's and 8 track tapes on her off days from the hospital.
John is a Brit and a minister. He marries couples on the beach. He would have married my daughter if she had been married in Galveston. She likes him.
Robert is a hoot. You hear him first. He knows everyone. A true BOI. He loves his bikes and collecting guns. He is becoming a good friend. He invited me to go to pawn shops to find me a bike. I will soon!!
Michael and Nancy--the first "couple" I met in Stork. They finally became engaged this summer. You can't look at him and tell he has a Ph.D. (You can't look at anyone here and guess their jobs!! I love this about the island.) And she is a banker. Both are sweet and nice and fun.
And there is Ralph, an elderly black gentleman with gray, middle of his back in length, dreadlocks. He is smart. Don't know if he got his education on the streets or in college but he can discuss just about anything--history, politics, current events. Sherry gives him rides to Walmart now and then when he gets low on supplies.
If you are old and fat, then you probably know what it is like to be invisible. I am going to mention Tim because, although I don't know him well, he is the only person who has made me feel invisible since moving to the island. I stayed away from MOD for several weeks because of him. I am not sure he intended such because the other week, he got my dog water and brought me a tea--while we (Mindy and I) were sitting outside. I was not expecting him to be so gentlemanly. I am glad I have returned to Mod.
I have to mention one of my students--Sara. If I could predict the future, of all the students I have taught, she is one with art in her soul. With a little guidance, motivation, and belief in herself, she will be world renown. This is one student I hope to follow through her successes. This is one child I truly believe has greatness waiting for her.
And of course Lou. He is my best friend of almost 30 years. He doesn't live here buts owns condos and visits often. He takes me to dinner or brings me lunch. We watch golf on his big flat screen--he hates Tiger and I love to watch Tiger. He walked my daughter down the aisle at her wedding. He is her dad in word and deed.
There are so many others I have briefly met. Jennifer is a great photographer. Gabe is a great young artist/surfer. Debbie sings karoke with Ian. I keep trying to set up Becky with Eric with no success. Klaus owns the Courtyard Cafe and rides his bike around town. Derek has a van painted in art history. Tabitha or whatever her name is puts her turtle on a leash. I don't want to leave anyone out nor do I want to offend anyone. Galveston is the only place I have ever lived where one can actually get to know everybody--at least everybody who visits downtown. Some friendships will be life long and others short lived--but all are fun and interesting. I have learned so much from each of my new friends and acquaintances.
Blogging
All of this blogging is new to me. If you reach my blog, I would love for u to join. If you notice mistakes, bear with me. I have yet to learn how to edit from my iPhone. And those instant pop-up words sometimes get by me. Be patient and I will get it together. Please add posts freely. This is one more step in new experiences.
My Dog Ate My Wedding Cake
My daughter was married in May. We were on a very tight budget. I am obsessed with Cake Boss and Martha Stewart. They make cake baking and decorating look so easy. And when I taught Home Economics, I had a cake decorator spend three days teaching my students to make flowers, and leaves, and scallops. So I felt imminently qualified to make my daughter's wedding cake--large enough for 175 guests..
I went through bridal magazines and took pictures of cakes and sent them to my daughter. I searched the Internet and sent more photos for her approval. Then we went shopping for the supplies at Michael's. We bought round pans (I could not talk her into columns). We bought turquoise and white candy melts to make sea shell candy and we bought a fancy cake cutter to take off the tops of the baked cakes for leveling.
Next we went to Walmart for the 7 boxes of cake mixes, the 4 bags of powder sugar, (I had decided fondants would be difficult without Buddy's big machine to roll it out flat), the butter, the vanilla, a mixer, etc.
The day before the wedding, I was ready. My daughter decided to trade the round pans for paisley shaped pans--no problem. She decided on live flowers and ribbons. Ok. No problem. I even spent hours watching U-tube videos on cake decorating.
I baked the cakes without burning any of the six layers. I sliced off the tops. I made butter cream icing. I gave the layers a crumb coat. I was a pro. The layers didn't quite match and I was afraid to trim. I decided to fill in with icing.
Then I began the icing for real. I used tons of icing. It was hell getting it smooth. I tried the paper towel trick -- laying a paper towel over the icing and lightly rubbing--a trick I learned from U-tube. I had quilted marks all over the cake. Apparently there is a special brand of paper towels for this to work. The icing was too thick and because of the heat and humidity it began to sag.
I walked away to destress, to figure out my next move.
Fifteen minutes later, I had all the answers (not) and was ready to try again to try and smooth and put on the finishing touches.
And there was Mindy, my two year old Morkie, on the table, licking all the icing from the top two layers. I started screaming and she started running.
No problem. I had time to remake the two layers --go to the store for more cake mixes, time to bake and cool and ice and smooth and....I got busy.
While the new cake was cooling, I thought I would take a nap. Oh no!! My pup had regurgitated a pound of butter cream on the bed. I am just a little intimidated by my future so- in-law --I had to clean the bedding before he found out!!
As I am tripping from the bedroom to the laundry room with an armload of bedding, I discovered another half pound of regurgiated icing on the den rug. I had to roll up the rug to take outside for a thorough cleaning.
Ok. Everything was ok. Had it all under control.
Wedding Day!!
The Internet didn't explain well the transporting of a 6 layer three tier cake. I was smart enough to keep the layers separate. I wasn't smart enough to get to the wedding early. And the bumping of the car on the road wrecked my cake
While my daughter was walking down the aisle and exchanging vows, I was reicing and decorating the cake. Thank goodness my daughter-in-law was there to help. Did I mention it was an outdoor wedding. I could work on the cake and watch everything.
I think I should not have snubbed my nose at a Walmart wedding cake.
I hate Cake Boss for making it seem so easy.
And Martha Stewart is on my persona non grata list!!!
I went through bridal magazines and took pictures of cakes and sent them to my daughter. I searched the Internet and sent more photos for her approval. Then we went shopping for the supplies at Michael's. We bought round pans (I could not talk her into columns). We bought turquoise and white candy melts to make sea shell candy and we bought a fancy cake cutter to take off the tops of the baked cakes for leveling.
Next we went to Walmart for the 7 boxes of cake mixes, the 4 bags of powder sugar, (I had decided fondants would be difficult without Buddy's big machine to roll it out flat), the butter, the vanilla, a mixer, etc.
The day before the wedding, I was ready. My daughter decided to trade the round pans for paisley shaped pans--no problem. She decided on live flowers and ribbons. Ok. No problem. I even spent hours watching U-tube videos on cake decorating.
I baked the cakes without burning any of the six layers. I sliced off the tops. I made butter cream icing. I gave the layers a crumb coat. I was a pro. The layers didn't quite match and I was afraid to trim. I decided to fill in with icing.
Then I began the icing for real. I used tons of icing. It was hell getting it smooth. I tried the paper towel trick -- laying a paper towel over the icing and lightly rubbing--a trick I learned from U-tube. I had quilted marks all over the cake. Apparently there is a special brand of paper towels for this to work. The icing was too thick and because of the heat and humidity it began to sag.
I walked away to destress, to figure out my next move.
Fifteen minutes later, I had all the answers (not) and was ready to try again to try and smooth and put on the finishing touches.
And there was Mindy, my two year old Morkie, on the table, licking all the icing from the top two layers. I started screaming and she started running.
No problem. I had time to remake the two layers --go to the store for more cake mixes, time to bake and cool and ice and smooth and....I got busy.
While the new cake was cooling, I thought I would take a nap. Oh no!! My pup had regurgitated a pound of butter cream on the bed. I am just a little intimidated by my future so- in-law --I had to clean the bedding before he found out!!
As I am tripping from the bedroom to the laundry room with an armload of bedding, I discovered another half pound of regurgiated icing on the den rug. I had to roll up the rug to take outside for a thorough cleaning.
Ok. Everything was ok. Had it all under control.
Wedding Day!!
The Internet didn't explain well the transporting of a 6 layer three tier cake. I was smart enough to keep the layers separate. I wasn't smart enough to get to the wedding early. And the bumping of the car on the road wrecked my cake
While my daughter was walking down the aisle and exchanging vows, I was reicing and decorating the cake. Thank goodness my daughter-in-law was there to help. Did I mention it was an outdoor wedding. I could work on the cake and watch everything.
I think I should not have snubbed my nose at a Walmart wedding cake.
I hate Cake Boss for making it seem so easy.
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