journey

"I think joy and sweetness and affection are a spiritual path. We're here to know God, to love and serve God, and to be blown away by the beauty and miracle of nature. You just have to get rid of so much baggage to be light enough to dance, to sing, to play. You don't have time to carry grudges; you don't have time to cling to the need to be right.
- author Anne Lamott, in a recent interview. (Source: The Washington Times)"

The Big Apple

So we took a little break from our Texas "Autumn" to head to NYC for a (real) taste of Fall weather and city livin'. New York was in for some rain that weekend, but luckily, it didn't really RAIN until Sunday. We met up with Lisa & Rich (Scott's sister and her husband) upon arriving and then on Saturday Lynn & Jack arrived (Scott's oldest sister and her husband). It was a party :)
With only one mishap during our stay... I tripped and fell - with my camera around my neck. My knee hit first and then the camera - which led to great shattering of glass and metal noises. I was CERTAIN that I had broken my (very - ouch) expensive lens. After a few (okay, alot) of tears and a few (okay, alot) of margaritas... I was determined to push onward. I changed lenses and continued taking photos. Scott was very supportive of my broken spirit (I mean, lens) and continued to remind me that is ISN'T the equipment, but rather the eye that makes a photographer. (Thank you, Scott!!!)
We had a great time in NYC - spent a lot of time at Times Square - just people watching and seeing the lights. And spent a whole day exploring the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. We did get up to the Top of the Rock (at night) and enjoyed the twinkling lights of NYC from above.
We ate pizza and cheesecake, hotdogs and pretzels... and will DEFINITELY be back!
I heart NY!!

5 great voices

So NPR is asking for our suggestions for your top, best, most beautiful 5 voices. I've compiled my list below. :) who do you love?


*Just HAD to include John Denver... I know he doesn't rank with the "starts" -but he does in my mind... and that's what I'm listing! :)



I am so moved by those with the gift... those who can sing! There are so many more... but this would be my top 5. You can offer up your 5 at GreatVoices@npr.org.

A Photo Collaboration

photo by Jo


photo by Vicki

So this is what we're doing... 2163 miles between friends... but connecting through photography. She'll post a photo. I'll post a photo. The themes will be random, but the force driving this little project is that we both love photography, and we love seeing what will become of our postings. "Thanks, Vic, for being a willing participant in this game!"

Check us out at Twentyone63 Miles Between Friends

Hello October

"October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came -
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band."
~George Cooper, "October's Party"

I just love the Fall... and while we don't experience the same kind of fall that I had in Missouri or Chicago... there's something special in the air when the weather changes. For us, we had a long dry summer. When that first rain hit, and with it, it's temperature drop - I think the city experienced a collective "YES!" along with a fist pump in the air! I love the colors... the honey-crisp apples... the pumpkins... the lovely bounty of nature.
But I would be amiss if I did not shout out my love for sweaters... for boots... for cute scarves and even cuter hats... all of it... I'm in love!

Almost there

Just trying a diptych again... I know there's some tweaks to be made... but it kind of goes along with the theme... don't you think?
We all need new beginnings... a new day to start... a new conversation... a "do-over". That's why I love the start of a new month ~ it just says "try again"... and I will! I'm going to try to be a little bit more loving... a little bit more supportive... a little bit more disciplined... a little bit more attentive... a little bit more giving... a little bit more caring... a little bit more fun... a little bit more laid back...a little bit more creative... a little bit more conscientious... Not alot, mind you... just a little. It's a new day... why not?

These are a few....

... of my favorite things!