Just in case you didn't believe me from my Letter From The Editor in the Jan/Feb issue of INsite (on-stands 1/18/08)... here is me and my friend PBR... and Aaron.
January 15, 2008
January 10, 2008
TLC's What Not To Wear in Austin @ Red Eyed Fly 1/9/08
First.. the show... Adam Donmoyer and the Naughty Bits
...then Velvet Brick
Then the unsuspecting person in the crowd..can you pick her out? (Hint:The band's former bassist's fiancee)
OK.... the ambush complete!
Stacy London and Clinton Kelly of TLC's "What Not To Wear" at Austin's Red Eyed Fly on January 9, 2008.
...then Velvet Brick
Then the unsuspecting person in the crowd..can you pick her out? (Hint:The band's former bassist's fiancee)
OK.... the ambush complete!
Stacy London and Clinton Kelly of TLC's "What Not To Wear" at Austin's Red Eyed Fly on January 9, 2008.
December 17, 2007
2007 Totally Austin Gift Guide
(This originally ran in the December issue of INsite Magazine - insiteaustin.com)
The 2007 Totally Austin Gift Guide
The 2007 Totally Austin Gift Guide
By Sean Claes
So, it's mid-December and you've still not figured out what gifts to get everyone on your list for the holiday. Maybe you need a quick gift for a company party, or that perfect something for that special woman or man in your life. If you're like me, you may have had over a dozen friends who have recently had children, so you're scrambling to pick something out to give them.
INsite took the liberty to collect some things that are true Austin originals. All of the following items are made in Austin by Austinites and sold in local shops and online. Many of these items cost less than $50, so you can pick up something for everyone and still be able to afford the gas to deliver them.
On The Body
This beautiful blue dress is 100% linen and made by All Dressed Up and Shy (alldressedupandshy.com ). It sells for $108 and can be found at Parts and Labour (1604 S Congress Ave)
These hoot-eriffic hand-stitched owl designs are from kid-clothing designer Jody Haller. She owns One-Eared Cat. You can find her designs at Moxie and The Compound (909 W. Mary Street).
If you've been asked to be a Godparent of any child, you should think about picking one of these great mafia-movie inspired shirts - "The Godchild." It's by Huge Wonder (hugewonder.com) and can be found at Moxie and The Compound, Parts and Labour, Ecowise (110 W Elizabeth), Kismet Boutique (4410 Medical Parkway), and Austin Baby Store (505 W. Mary Street)
With a 7 month old daughter, I can tell you our pouch-style baby sling we have has been a livesaver. These slings, by Emily Funderburg - owner/designer 360 Bebe (360bebe.com), are stylish and extremely practical. Find them at the Austin Baby Store, and Due Maternity (3801 N Capital of Texas HWY)
Their Website calls this funky poncho a marriage of Austin's slack attitude and swanky clothing - a slank ($210). It comes from Cathie Hutchins of Austin Yarn Company (austinyarncompany.com). Also pictured their scarf ($70) and Market Bag ($235). Online orders only.
This colorful burst of tie-dye goodness is by Daniel "Juju" Meeker, owner of Hippie Juju Magic (hipforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=415). This guy is a one-man traveling show. You can catch him on 12/8 at the Pine Street Market Days in Bastrop and December 15 & 23 at Austin's 23rd Street Artist Market.
These hand-crafted leather cuff bracelets from Merchant Ship Collective (merchant-ship.com) are a sight to behold, and even more of a great thing to wear. The designer is Lisa Knorra and they can be founds at Parts and Labour, Sticky Fingers (2209 S 1st), Blue Velvet (2100 Guadalupe # B), and Lowbrow Emporium (2708 S Lamar)
This funky wool yarn bag made by Danielle Smith of Fabulous Frills (fabfrills.etsy.com) is just $20 and can be found online.
This awesome handcrafted Pierced Box Ring ($165) is by Austin metal designer Carianne Schulte (bycarianne.com). Another item I found on their Web site is a coin created to thank the fne folks of the U.S. Armed Forces called "A Pocket Full of Thank Yous Coin" ($5). You can find these designs by appointment (call 554-1351) at the studio on E. Franklin Avenue.
Another in the line of cool kidswear, check out the rockin' designs by Kandle Kidswear (kandlekidswear.com/). Other designs include a cowboy dinosaur, Bluebonet, and an Austin Bat. Stop into the following stores to check them out for yourself - Parts & Labour, Eco-Wise, Moxie and the Compound, Waterloo Records and Video (600 N. Lamar), and Prima Dora (1912 S. Congress, 78704)
Kyle Gross and his Stones Throw Studio (stonesthrowjewelry.com) has a wonderful assortment of earrings, necklaces, and rings. My personal favorite... for the pet on your list, is his really cool pet tags. There's no reason your dog shouldn't be wearing an Austin original as well.. right? You can find these items on Saturdays at The Artist's Market (Mother Egans, 715 West 6th Street) and on 12/8-9 at the Cherrywood Art Fair at Maplewood Elementary School (38 1/2 Street @ Maplewood)
Michiel Rushing,does business as Masterpieces By Michiel, (masterpiecesbymichiel.com)You can see his unusual stone jewelry at The Artist Market and the Artisan Stroll in Round Rock (Main Street and Mays).
The beaded and copper jewelery of Kathy Sahagian (localartmarket.com/artistpages/kathysahagian) is a sight to behold. Other than because she's so damn good at it, she explains why she makes jewelry "There is real magic in making a person feel beautiful. When a client gazes into my full-length mirror and smiles and I know they fell good about themselves, I feel good about myself and my place in this community," she said. Sahagian's jewelry can be found at The Artist Market.
Bonnie Martin-Hudson owns Miaya Wear (miayawear.com). You can find her unique pants, skirts, baby clothes and cloth pocketbooks at the Austin Farmer's Market (422 Guadalupe) every Saturday and The Artists Market each Sunday in December.
In The Body
The Independence Brewing Company (independencebrewing.com/) has been around for over three years year now. It's been told to me that a favorite is the Bootlegger Brown Ale, but I swear by the Freestyle Wheat. Either way, it's a neat way to bring Austin to a friend. You can find this brew all over - Central Market, Grape Vine Market, various HEBs, various Twin Liquors, Wheatsville Co-Op, Whole Foods, Whip In, and many neighborhood convenient stores like Bread Basket, C-Mart, etc.
Looking for a good Australian Meat or Veggie pie with an Austin twist? I knew that you were... and look no further than Boomerang's Gourmet Veggie & Meat Pies (boomerangspies.com/). Eat or buy frozen at the restaurant (3110 Guadalupe), buy them at Central Market or have them shipped by the dozen to Utah (or any other state).
Kerbey Lane Cafe (kerbeylanecafe.com ). A restaurant that is known as much as an Austin Original as the food it serves. They've put together gift baskets for the holidays. Remind the Texas-Ex of their college days by sending them some gingerbread pancake mix. Four locations around Austin: 3704 Kerbey Lane, 2700 S. Lamar, 2606 Guadalupe, and 12602 Research.
Have you ever had Sweet Leaf Tea (sweetleaftea.com/)? I must admit, I'm not a fan of the sweet tea, so I never thought I'd enjoy this product, but I got my hands on some of their Raspberry Tea and MAN it was slap-your-grandma good. You can find it at all the major shopping centers. Everywhere that sells drinks... really. 
Paula's Texas Orange and now Paula's Texas Lemon premium liquers (paulastexasspirits.com). Now you can get both in a neat gift basket at Twin Liquors, Spec's, and Western Beverage (Costco). Pick up some Tito's Vodka while you're there... I hear they make a wicked good combination.
Add a little Austin-made spice to someone's life. Spiceburst Gourmet Spices (spiceburst.com). These are an assortment of infused sea salts. The photo is of their Garlic Saltburst, but they also boast Chili Lime, Chipolte, Cracked Malabar and many others. You can find these products at Central Market, Whole Foods, Grapevine Market, Farm to Market (1718 South Congress), East Side Cafe (2113 Manor Rd), and Sunset Valley Farmers Market (4100 Westbank Dr). 
Ever wanted a fantastically cooked meal custom-ordered and delivered to your door from a place that doesn't have "Pizza" in it's name? Everyone else has too. Why not get them some gourmet food from ATE Foods (atefoods.com). It's a different menu each week. Go onto their site and check it out for yourself. December 17 boasts chicken curry, ricorra and feta skillet pie and the one that stands out to me... Hunter's stew with creamy polenta. Yum.
In The House
On July 11 of this year, Claudia Alta "Lady Bird" Taylor Johnson passed away. She was and remains an icon representing the beautification of the nations public areas... Keep Texas Beautiful (ktb.org) has commemorated Lady Bird with their 2007 Ornament. According to their press release "Proceeds from sales of the fourth edition ornament help fund KTB's statewide network of affiliates who focus on litter prevention, waste reduction, and community beautification programs." Purchase it (along with the three previous years ornaments if you like) online, or at the Texas Highways Gift Shop (Riverside Office Complex, 150 E. Riverside).
Ricardo Acevedo has done it again. I enjoyed the 2007 calendar.. and he has made the 2008 She Rocks Calendar even better. One Eyed Doll, SINIS, Deb O'Keefe, and Patrice Pike are just a few of the talented women who grace the new edition... and the bonus is the sales benefit the Austin Music Foundation (austinmusicfoundation.org.). Awesome. You can find it at: Book People, The Calendar Store in Barton Creek Square Mall and their kiosk at Highland Mall, Cheapo Discs, Prima Dora, Waterloo Records and CDFuse.com.
Who can resist a candle? Especially ones made in Austin with such wintery names as "Icy Peppermint," "Caramel Cinnamon Latte," and "Christmas Past?" These are made by Angie Pearson throught her company called Simple Southern Scents (simplesouthernscents.blogspot.com). You can find them at Parts and Labour for about $7 a piece.
GNOMES! Why buy something premade when you can create it yourself! The Work*Shop (theworkshopaustin.com/) is a walk-in arts and crafts studio. Remember, if you're looking for something for me... I like gnomes. Not creative enough to do it yourself.. they actually DO sell pre-made stuff too. Check out the funky vinyl record-bowls. NEW location: 2438 West Anderson Lane, Suite C-5, Right Next to Terra Toys
If you really want to make a bold statement this holiday, pick up an amazing acrylic (Like this one entitled "Vita Selvaggia") by Austin painter Candace Carlisle (jadedmonkeydesigns.com ). Her art can be purchased at IF+D Austin (208 Colorado).
The Austin Fun Stuff 2008 Calendar (austinfunstuff.com) comes with over 200 things to do in our great city... from the Polar Bear Swim at Barton Springs to Eeyore's Birthday to First Thursdays to the Capitol 10k. The photos, by Marrick Ales, each month depict Austin scenes like Frisbee golf, The Broken Spoke, and The Umlauf Sculpture Garden. 10% of the profits go to Keep Texas Beautiful. Purchase online and at Whole Earth Provision Co (1014 North Lamar, 4477 South Lamar, and 2410 San Antonio) 
Artist Jamie Rood (jamierood.com) creates art pieces fit for hanging. Many of his pieces are digital photos that have been enhanced and hand embossed. The print here that shows a frozen Crape Myrtle flower is entitled "Ice Pod." You can find Rood each Saturday at The Artist's Market (715 West 6th Street).
One of the people in the East Austin Studio Tour (which has about 120 studios represented), Peter Staats (peterstaats.com) is known as a Wedding photographer, but he also specializes in oversized photographic prints of local flora on metallic paper. His studio is located at 1150 San Bernard.
Odds and Ends
These guitar lessons are for the girls - really. Emily Marks has created an 8-week group setting (at Ventana Del Sol) for learning guitar that only includes women - Girl Power Guitar School (girlpowerguitarschool.com). Don't worry guys, her private lessons includes anyone. But why not encourage the future Carolyn Wonderland on your list to chase her dream? Call to inquire: 512-809-7799
Austin Band Swag! OK, you're in the live music capitol of the world (you don't believe me, just ask me again) and you need to get that person on your list updated on the local music scene. What better way than BAND SWAG? From lighters to posters to t-shirts to CDs... support local music. Swag above come from She Craves (shecraves.com)), Call The Circle (callthecircle.com/), Butcherwhite (butcherwhite.com/), The Banner Year (myspace.com/thebanneryear ), Latin At Heart (latinatheart.com), The Derailers (derailers.com/), or Ghost of Nithera (myspace.com/ghostofnithera13) play in December.
Sean Claes (http://www.seanclaes.com) is a freelance entertainment writer in Central Texas.
He also was the mind behind the infamous 2005 Totally Austin Gift Guide).
December 13, 2007
November 13, 2007
Commemorate Lady Bird This Christmas...
A Gift that Keeps Giving
Keep Texas Beautiful Wildflower Ornament Dedicated to Lady Bird Johnson
(AUSTIN, TEXAS) – Looking for the perfect gift for those on your holiday shopping list? Want to give something meaningful and beneficial to the state of Texas? The 2007 Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) ornament is the perfect solution.
In honor of her commitment to preserving our country’s wildflowers, the fourth edition KTB ornament is dedicated to the late Lady Bird Johnson. More than any other person, Lady Bird inspired not only Texans, but every American, to treasure wildflowers and value the uniqueness they bring to their community. Honoring Lady Bird is especially relevant at this time of the year as December 22nd would have marked her 95th birthday.
The ornament, made of 24 karat plated gold, features a colorful bouquet of wildflowers imposed over the state of Texas. They make beautiful gifts and can be used as holiday decorations, tree ornaments, or collectables to display year-round. Each ornament includes a pamphlet detailing Lady Bird’s dedication to preserving our country’s wildflowers and native plants. Now, you can order your own copy and remember “Texas’ own Wildflower.”
The purchase of the ornament truly is a gift that keeps on giving back to the state of Texas. Proceeds from sales of the ornament help fund KTB’s statewide network of affiliates who focus on litter prevention, waste reduction, and community beautification programs
The ornament was designed by Nelda Laney, who has designed ornaments for numerous Texas organizations and causes over the years, including KTB’s first, second, and third edition ornaments.
Orders for all four editions of the KTB ornament can be made online at www.ktb.org or over the phone at 1-800-CLEAN-TX.
# # #
Keep Texas Beautiful, a statewide grassroots community improvement and environmental nonprofit, strives to educate and engage Texans to take responsibility for improving their community environment. KTB and its more than 340 affiliates work with government, businesses, civic groups, and volunteers to ensure that every Texan has the opportunity to take individual responsibility for making Texas the cleanest, most beautiful state in the nation. For more information, visit www.ktb.org.
Keep Texas Beautiful Wildflower Ornament Dedicated to Lady Bird Johnson
(AUSTIN, TEXAS) – Looking for the perfect gift for those on your holiday shopping list? Want to give something meaningful and beneficial to the state of Texas? The 2007 Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) ornament is the perfect solution.
In honor of her commitment to preserving our country’s wildflowers, the fourth edition KTB ornament is dedicated to the late Lady Bird Johnson. More than any other person, Lady Bird inspired not only Texans, but every American, to treasure wildflowers and value the uniqueness they bring to their community. Honoring Lady Bird is especially relevant at this time of the year as December 22nd would have marked her 95th birthday.
The ornament, made of 24 karat plated gold, features a colorful bouquet of wildflowers imposed over the state of Texas. They make beautiful gifts and can be used as holiday decorations, tree ornaments, or collectables to display year-round. Each ornament includes a pamphlet detailing Lady Bird’s dedication to preserving our country’s wildflowers and native plants. Now, you can order your own copy and remember “Texas’ own Wildflower.”
The purchase of the ornament truly is a gift that keeps on giving back to the state of Texas. Proceeds from sales of the ornament help fund KTB’s statewide network of affiliates who focus on litter prevention, waste reduction, and community beautification programs
The ornament was designed by Nelda Laney, who has designed ornaments for numerous Texas organizations and causes over the years, including KTB’s first, second, and third edition ornaments.
Orders for all four editions of the KTB ornament can be made online at www.ktb.org or over the phone at 1-800-CLEAN-TX.
# # #
Keep Texas Beautiful, a statewide grassroots community improvement and environmental nonprofit, strives to educate and engage Texans to take responsibility for improving their community environment. KTB and its more than 340 affiliates work with government, businesses, civic groups, and volunteers to ensure that every Texan has the opportunity to take individual responsibility for making Texas the cleanest, most beautiful state in the nation. For more information, visit www.ktb.org.
October 7, 2007
Kyle, Texas - Do You BBQ? CONTEST 10/13
Who: OPEN to the PUBLIC
What: The competition includes Meat Categories of Chicken, Brisket, Pork Spare Ribs, and Chili. Other categories include beans, potato salad, and cobbler or pie! Entry fees range from $5 to $15.
When: Saturday, October 13th
Where: Plum Creek - Fergus Park and Soccer Fields - Corner of Haupt and Fairway
Why: Have fun! Eat great food! Win prizes and more!
How: Complete the attached entry form (click it to download full-page PDF) and send your form and entry fees to Brandee Otto, Plum Creek Recreation Committee, 1251 Fairway, Kyle, TX 78640
Other questions ???
Email Brandee Otto at recreation@plumcreektxhoa.com or call 512-405-0159
What: The competition includes Meat Categories of Chicken, Brisket, Pork Spare Ribs, and Chili. Other categories include beans, potato salad, and cobbler or pie! Entry fees range from $5 to $15.
When: Saturday, October 13th
Where: Plum Creek - Fergus Park and Soccer Fields - Corner of Haupt and Fairway
Why: Have fun! Eat great food! Win prizes and more!
How: Complete the attached entry form (click it to download full-page PDF) and send your form and entry fees to Brandee Otto, Plum Creek Recreation Committee, 1251 Fairway, Kyle, TX 78640
Other questions ???
Email Brandee Otto at recreation@plumcreektxhoa.com or call 512-405-0159
October 1, 2007
Kyle Fair and Music Festival 10/19-21
Do you know about the FREE Kyle Fair and Music Festival?
October 19th-21st, 2007
Location: Gregg-Clarke Park (8 blocks west of the City Square on Center St.)
Full Schedule of events: http://www.cityofkyle.com/parks/fairschedule.php
FREE Music on October 20, 2007! Featuring
Kyle Park @ Noon
Jason Allen @ 2:00p.m.
Rick Treviño @ 4:30p.m.
David Ybarra and the L.A. Blues Band @ 6:30
Hayden Vitera @ 8:30
PLUS
BBQ Cook-Off
Parade
Arts and Crafts Show
5K Run
Carnival
Texas Hold'em Tournament
October 19th-21st, 2007
Location: Gregg-Clarke Park (8 blocks west of the City Square on Center St.)
Full Schedule of events: http://www.cityofkyle.com/parks/fairschedule.php
FREE Music on October 20, 2007! Featuring
Kyle Park @ Noon
Jason Allen @ 2:00p.m.
Rick Treviño @ 4:30p.m.
David Ybarra and the L.A. Blues Band @ 6:30
Hayden Vitera @ 8:30
PLUS
BBQ Cook-Off
Parade
Arts and Crafts Show
5K Run
Carnival
Texas Hold'em Tournament
September 18, 2007
The great mind dump 9/18/07 edition
It's come to my attention that I have a very short attention span.
I mean, I like peanut butter pie, and I really think the one at the Texas Pie Company in Kyle, Texas takes top prize, or is at least in the top 5 peanut butter pies ever. It's certainly the best I've had from a store. No, they aren't paying me a dime, I just thought I'd bring it up.
You see, I like things that not too many people do. There aren't too many PB Pie lovers in the world... but if you think you could be one... that's where you should start.
Speaking of liking things not too many people like, I'm a big fan of putting soy sauce on my macaroni and cheese. Now, before you gasp and envision a horrible taste.. hear me out. Just try it one time. I am of the belief that you'll love it too. If you don't, well at least you can mark off that "do something new today" line off your list for the day.
The soy sauce on mac and cheese is something that my dad taught me. I'm not sure where it came from, I used to think it was a "north thing" since my dad grew up in Ohio, but once I talked to a few people from Ohio they debunked that theory right off. It's a Claes thing.
Another food item that is a bit weird to describe but tastes oh, so good, is "corn in a cup." I grew up in Laredo, Texas and this is something that people who are from that area (or "The Valley") will recognize, and salivate over. In spanish it's called "elotes en vaso" Check this one out... you start with hot corn (preferably cut off the cob)then add a layer of butter and cheese, then another layer of corn, a layer of sour cream and cheese, layer of corn, layer of butter, then corn, and top it with cheese and chili sauce.
I know, it sounds a little gross, but trust me, it's fantastic. Wish I could find somewhere in Central Texas that sold this delicacy. It reminds me of growing up.
When I was growing up, my parents rarely bought popscicles, instead we poured sugarless Kool-Aid into ice racks, covered them with saran wrap and stuck toothpicks in them. It was the best thing for a hot day. Never knew what I was missing with "real" popscicles until one day when my parents came home with the creamsicle... wow... popscicles filled with ice cream. Maybe that's why I find it hard to eat popscicles other than the ice-cream filled ones these days. Hmmm.. If I had a therapist, I'd call because I may have just had a breakthrough.
But, I don't have a therapist, I write. This blog is actaully my therapist, I'm just throwing things that are rattling around my head out on this blog for no other reason than I can. I have to make room for other things, so corn in a cup, peanut butter pie and things like that have to be taken out.
Remember at the beginning I said I had a short attention span? Well... welcome to my mind. Tuesday, September 18, 2007 edition. Thanks for reading.
I feel better now...
I mean, I like peanut butter pie, and I really think the one at the Texas Pie Company in Kyle, Texas takes top prize, or is at least in the top 5 peanut butter pies ever. It's certainly the best I've had from a store. No, they aren't paying me a dime, I just thought I'd bring it up.
You see, I like things that not too many people do. There aren't too many PB Pie lovers in the world... but if you think you could be one... that's where you should start.
Speaking of liking things not too many people like, I'm a big fan of putting soy sauce on my macaroni and cheese. Now, before you gasp and envision a horrible taste.. hear me out. Just try it one time. I am of the belief that you'll love it too. If you don't, well at least you can mark off that "do something new today" line off your list for the day.
The soy sauce on mac and cheese is something that my dad taught me. I'm not sure where it came from, I used to think it was a "north thing" since my dad grew up in Ohio, but once I talked to a few people from Ohio they debunked that theory right off. It's a Claes thing.
Another food item that is a bit weird to describe but tastes oh, so good, is "corn in a cup." I grew up in Laredo, Texas and this is something that people who are from that area (or "The Valley") will recognize, and salivate over. In spanish it's called "elotes en vaso" Check this one out... you start with hot corn (preferably cut off the cob)then add a layer of butter and cheese, then another layer of corn, a layer of sour cream and cheese, layer of corn, layer of butter, then corn, and top it with cheese and chili sauce.
I know, it sounds a little gross, but trust me, it's fantastic. Wish I could find somewhere in Central Texas that sold this delicacy. It reminds me of growing up.
When I was growing up, my parents rarely bought popscicles, instead we poured sugarless Kool-Aid into ice racks, covered them with saran wrap and stuck toothpicks in them. It was the best thing for a hot day. Never knew what I was missing with "real" popscicles until one day when my parents came home with the creamsicle... wow... popscicles filled with ice cream. Maybe that's why I find it hard to eat popscicles other than the ice-cream filled ones these days. Hmmm.. If I had a therapist, I'd call because I may have just had a breakthrough.
But, I don't have a therapist, I write. This blog is actaully my therapist, I'm just throwing things that are rattling around my head out on this blog for no other reason than I can. I have to make room for other things, so corn in a cup, peanut butter pie and things like that have to be taken out.
Remember at the beginning I said I had a short attention span? Well... welcome to my mind. Tuesday, September 18, 2007 edition. Thanks for reading.
I feel better now...
September 11, 2007
Reflections on 9/11
As I sit at my desk on Tuesday, September 11, my mind wanders to the last 9/11 that occured on a Tuesday, the day that the World Trade Center and Pentagon was attacked.
I was on my second day at a new job... I was the new Communications Specialist on a federal grant called the National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research at the Southwest Educational Development Laboratories. Shortly after I got to work, I was settling into my cubicle just trying to figure out what exactly my role in this position was going to be, my boss came out of his office and quietly said "A plane just hit the World Trade Center."
Talk about a million thoughts racing in my head. In the following days as the news continued to pour in, I found out that the folks I knew in Washtington DC were all safe. That was a bit of a personal relief... but how devastating was this to every person in the world. A friend who was visitng Europe and France was consoled and embraced as she was their link to "America" in the days following... it was an amazing response of a mix compassion for Americans and rage against whomever did this injustice.
Now it's six years later.
I'm not the kind of "wave-the-flag-yee-haw" American, but I have pride. I am all for the things this country was founded on and I try to live my life embracing the melting pot idea.
So.. I sit at my desk (yes I came to work as did all my co-workers) and reflect. I popped in one of my all-time favorite CDs that I haven't listened to for a long while... Darrell Scott's Aloha From Nashville.
While doing some work, the song "Life is Cheap" began...
"She's awakened every morning with her baby down the hall
and when he's cried to sleep, she's staring at the wall.
And in that wall she sees the devil staring out of knotty pine
Though she speaks out loud, he will not get behind.
She's a woman with wounded spirit. She's a woman who loved too much.
Like Mama always said, she's such an easy touch."
Suddenly a meaning that was never intended came through this song (It was recorded in 1997) and it sent chills down my spine.
I guess I'm effected by music as much as many are. As Darrell Scott said when I interviewed him earlier this year:
"Music is universal language. It is frequencies and vibrations that effects me in deep ways I do not understand. I feel them and it resonates and sticks with me. Somewhere in me is all that I have heard, sounds endlessly gathering. "
I transcribed the lyrics above because they don't actually appear anywhere online that I could find.
I did find a link to a little bit of an mp3 though if you care to listen. The chorus is on the link and it's what actually effected me....then I started the song over with a new mindset.
http://www.echotunes.com/mmTHEECHOPLEX/audio/mp3/dscott_lifeischeap.mp3
So... I'm sitting here.. reflecting. Thought I'd share. I don't need a big american flag sticker or a magnet on my car or a day off work to remember... I don't need a political comment or a stance to champion or a people to parade around.
Thanks for reading.
I was on my second day at a new job... I was the new Communications Specialist on a federal grant called the National Center for the Dissemination of Disability Research at the Southwest Educational Development Laboratories. Shortly after I got to work, I was settling into my cubicle just trying to figure out what exactly my role in this position was going to be, my boss came out of his office and quietly said "A plane just hit the World Trade Center."
Talk about a million thoughts racing in my head. In the following days as the news continued to pour in, I found out that the folks I knew in Washtington DC were all safe. That was a bit of a personal relief... but how devastating was this to every person in the world. A friend who was visitng Europe and France was consoled and embraced as she was their link to "America" in the days following... it was an amazing response of a mix compassion for Americans and rage against whomever did this injustice.
Now it's six years later.
I'm not the kind of "wave-the-flag-yee-haw" American, but I have pride. I am all for the things this country was founded on and I try to live my life embracing the melting pot idea.
So.. I sit at my desk (yes I came to work as did all my co-workers) and reflect. I popped in one of my all-time favorite CDs that I haven't listened to for a long while... Darrell Scott's Aloha From Nashville.
While doing some work, the song "Life is Cheap" began...
"She's awakened every morning with her baby down the hall
and when he's cried to sleep, she's staring at the wall.
And in that wall she sees the devil staring out of knotty pine
Though she speaks out loud, he will not get behind.
She's a woman with wounded spirit. She's a woman who loved too much.
Like Mama always said, she's such an easy touch."
Suddenly a meaning that was never intended came through this song (It was recorded in 1997) and it sent chills down my spine.
I guess I'm effected by music as much as many are. As Darrell Scott said when I interviewed him earlier this year:
"Music is universal language. It is frequencies and vibrations that effects me in deep ways I do not understand. I feel them and it resonates and sticks with me. Somewhere in me is all that I have heard, sounds endlessly gathering. "
I transcribed the lyrics above because they don't actually appear anywhere online that I could find.
I did find a link to a little bit of an mp3 though if you care to listen. The chorus is on the link and it's what actually effected me....then I started the song over with a new mindset.
http://www.echotunes.com/mmTHEECHOPLEX/audio/mp3/dscott_lifeischeap.mp3
So... I'm sitting here.. reflecting. Thought I'd share. I don't need a big american flag sticker or a magnet on my car or a day off work to remember... I don't need a political comment or a stance to champion or a people to parade around.
Thanks for reading.
September 8, 2007
San Marcos Naturescapes Contest...
So much of my time is spent shooting bands in dark places... it's nice to take something in the light. It is just fun to be able to get out there and try my hand at nature photography. Three years ago, the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance and the Hill Country Photographers club established the "San Marcos Naturescapes Photography Contest and Exhibition.
And...for the third year in a row, I've entered. Every year, I've been excited to find that some of my photos were chosen to be displayed in the Exhibit.
The first year, I actually got 3rd place for a photo I took of some canoers (that my wife has hanging in her office now). Last year I had 3 shots in the show, but nothing placed.
This year's contest winners were announced last night with a reception at the San Marcos Recreation Center. I was very pleased to have two shots in the show. A photo of some tubers I took, and a photo of a flower I saw down by the river.
After they went through the "Honorable Mention, 2nd and 1st Place" of each catagory, I thought the night was over except for the Best of Show... so I thought "At least the fried mushrooms rocked and I enjoy seeing everyone's photos and chatting with folks" but then My name was called along with 3 others.
My River Flower won the "Award of Excellence" meaning it was the top rated photo in my category of "Wildlife and Plants." I'm amazed. I almost didn't enter the photo... but my wife pretty much begged me to. I should listen to her more often.
So here's the shot.
You can see it in person at the San Marcos Activity Center Walker's Gallery until October 26... for details, go to: http://www.smgreenbelt.org/PhotoContest.htm
You can also see some of the winners from the last 2 years (including my Canoers shot.. and a root photo) on that site.
Oh.. my other shot in the show hanging right now - "Tubers Tubing":
And...for the third year in a row, I've entered. Every year, I've been excited to find that some of my photos were chosen to be displayed in the Exhibit.
The first year, I actually got 3rd place for a photo I took of some canoers (that my wife has hanging in her office now). Last year I had 3 shots in the show, but nothing placed.
This year's contest winners were announced last night with a reception at the San Marcos Recreation Center. I was very pleased to have two shots in the show. A photo of some tubers I took, and a photo of a flower I saw down by the river.
After they went through the "Honorable Mention, 2nd and 1st Place" of each catagory, I thought the night was over except for the Best of Show... so I thought "At least the fried mushrooms rocked and I enjoy seeing everyone's photos and chatting with folks" but then My name was called along with 3 others.
My River Flower won the "Award of Excellence" meaning it was the top rated photo in my category of "Wildlife and Plants." I'm amazed. I almost didn't enter the photo... but my wife pretty much begged me to. I should listen to her more often.
So here's the shot.
You can see it in person at the San Marcos Activity Center Walker's Gallery until October 26... for details, go to: http://www.smgreenbelt.org/PhotoContest.htm
You can also see some of the winners from the last 2 years (including my Canoers shot.. and a root photo) on that site.
Oh.. my other shot in the show hanging right now - "Tubers Tubing":
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