An Airplane Ride Away

2011-11-15T23:48:00.001-08:00

2011-11-01T18:41:00.000-07:00

Hanna's Egyptian Bazaar & Fashion Show at New York Exchange

Saturday, November 19th 4:00pm - 9:00pm

Sunday, November 20th 12:00- 5:00pm

2241 Northwest Military Highway Ste #104 San Antonio, TX 78213

San Antonio, TX

Save the Date!!! Just in time for Christmas!!!!

Saturday November19th from 4-9pm
Food Served at 6pm
Fashion Show at 8pm

I am very excited to announce that Barbara and Amanda Alarcon with New York Exchange and Mr.John & Imelda Hanna will be hosting an Egyptian Bazaar and Fashion Show. Come and shop some of the most exquisite imported dresses, blouses, shoes, scarves, jewelry, handbags, frames, original papyrus Egyptian art and many more unique and fabulous merchandise.

There will be an array of authentic mediteranean food and savory wines. We will also be raffling off several items to the lucky ticket numbers. DJ KB* will be there to musically entertain. We will also have and Egyptian themed Face and body painting artist as well.

We look forward to seeing each and every one of you so come out and enjoy a festive day at New York Exchange Saturday and Sunday, November 19th and 20th and bring the kids!

This is a kid friendly event!

If you have any questions please feel free to call Imelda Hanna 210-625-1661 or New York Exchange at 210-366-0038 or 210-367-7080

mel.lagunas@gmail.com

nyexchangesa.com
newyorkexchange@att.net

For your convenience Hanna's Bazaar will be accepting Cash and Checks.
New York Exchange will be accepting all forms of payment.

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201763539893319

2011-11-01T18:32:00.001-07:00

http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=201763539893319

Ashamed by Jamestown Story Lyrics

2011-10-01T17:07:00.000-07:00

Adele - Someone Like You (Live in Her Home)

2011-09-28T15:28:00.000-07:00

Gym Class Heroes: Stereo Hearts ft. Adam Levine (LYRIC VIDEO)

2011-09-28T15:27:00.000-07:00

Love this song!!!!! Great Dance Beat!!!!

So I went to Egypt in 2008 and this is what I saw.....

2010-12-29T22:52:00.000-08:00

I miss you. Where did the time go?

2010-05-27T16:07:00.000-07:00

I feel like I am running out of time. Am I? I have that nervous feeling in my stomach. Do I need to be? I feel rushed, like I need to hurry up and jump in the shower and start getting ready. Do I?

I look in the mirror daily, it's unavoidable when I'm getting out of the shower, and I do appear to have aged quite a bit. All my friends have aged too and now I'm sad. I think of them all so often if they only knew. They might feel bad and I wouldn't want that.

So it's time to take care of some "inner" business and start anew. I hope I see my friends again and we laugh like we used to. I hope they think of me too and we will have fun again.

Where did the time go. So foolish we are to let it pass us this way. So, so naive not to appreciate one another more.

So I guess it's true then....I should be more conscious of the time and feel a bit nervous not to let it slip by. I need to get myself in the shower and start fresh, AGAIN, needless to say.

Life is TOO short to work at a call center

2010-05-04T13:05:00.000-07:00

I'm mean seriously!!!! It is a freakin joke! Talk about being a "work horse" for someone else, making them millions upon millions of dollars while they "strive" to pay you the very least possible. Every other day there's a new meeting about how your not offering enough, selling enough, not contributing enough, not positive enough, not a team player enough, blah, blah, blah! Need I go on?

This is "call center" life. Get your bum to work on time and don't be even a minute late, jump on the phone and start taking the one billion calls that are waiting in que, maximize that call now! Don't take too long on each call but yet don't rush through it. Don't forget to offer additional products and OH! That new "security" feature we are now adding on to every order, don't forget to offer it and follow the "legal" jargon or else!!! OH! Did you make sure and verify everything?? What about those pens, labels, stamps? Don't forget we have a contest this quarter. That $5 Walmart gift card could be yours!!! Again, don't forget to verify everything but not to much. Don't forget to project a smile while you talk and be sure and use those niceties. OH! and did you thank the customer and close that call properly??

Give me a break!!!!! ALL that and I'm not even allowed to use the restroom when I want. Got to make sure and watch that personal idle!

Oh! And when you speak up, complain or make a suggestion your black listed and everyone hates you. God forbid you wear a cute outfit to work because all the guys will want you and look at you with those eyes like he's undressing you and all the girls will look you up and down like "who does SHE think she is." It's ridiculous I mean realy.

High stress, high burnout and there is no vacation time in the system to take, it's always in the negative! Heaven help me if I have a Dr.'s appointment and need to renew my medication cuz that for sure is not gonna happen.

Oh and don't even get me started on how ALL the Supervisors have their favorietes. It's ridiculous it's like whose arse do I have to kiss to get a freakin mental health day!

I'd rather pump gas in the hot sun all day in the Sahara desert.!

Ok, I'm done :)

Even the nights awake

2009-03-26T23:38:00.001-07:00

So here I am up late again sitting in he dark with just the glow of my laptop, listening to the crickets chirp the night away. Lately I can not sleep well. I seem to toss and turn all night. My back is killing me and I feel anxious, nervous, scared. I'm wondering what is causing this and I am thinking that I really should see a doctor about this. I do not have a job therefore I do not have medical insurance so I hesitate. I'm thinking that my recent unemployment status is what is plaguing me.

Although I have earned two degrees and traveled the world I feel as though I have failed in life and perhaps that is what is keeping me up nights. I am 36 years old and have not even gotten my professional career started. I feel like I am running out of time. I feel desperate, scared, anxious. I want to purchase a home, have a child, help my husband start his business, travel, put away money and none of this can happen until I get a job. I have had the most horrible luck this year. I have been applying and applying for jobs, going to interview after interview and still nothing. I do this over and over until I get burnt out and then I retreat within myself until I have the courage to start again. I do not know how much more rejection is ahead of me nor do I know how much more I can take but I do know that it is real and it is hard and I am lost.

My anxiety seems to be getting worse and worse and it seems to hit me at night when I am ready to go to bed. Around two or three I finally fall asleep but then I end up sleeping the following day away. I am totally aware that this is unhealthy but I am paralyzed in this cycle. I am waiting for that breeze of luck, for that moment that the Universe finally begins to subtlety turn in my favor and I am hypnotized by it's lure.

My Experience as a Volunteer at the Museo Alameda

2009-03-11T18:49:00.000-07:00

Day One: Wednesday, March 11, 2009

"Docent" Training :

Today was one of those days where one would slip on the comfy pj's, fuzzy slippers and grab a warm blanket and curl up on the sofa or bed in ones cozy home, BUT NOT ME!

Let me back track a bit. In an effort to empower myself and make myself useful while also learning about something that I am passionate about,art. I decided amidst my "between job" status I would either intern or volunteer somewhere I could gain working knowledge in my field which is Communication/Public Relations. What I really would like to do is work in Events Management, Special Events or something in that realm. So one day I picked up the phone, called the Museo Alameda, asked to speak with someone in Events, PR or Marketing, and basically just flat out asked if they needed any help with some of the up and coming events I saw on their website. Luckily for me they did. So here I am now writing a blog about it.

It turned out to be a dark gloomy, cold, wet, rainy and sloppy day. I was super excited about all the cool and amazing things I would learn at tonight's "docent" training, not to mention all the interesting people I would meet, so I got dressed and put on the trusty black velvet blazer, twisted up the scarf and slipped on the gloves as I ran out the door.

I got to the museum 10 minutes early and feeling good about myself. I walked into the kitchen, where some of the others where gathered and to my surprise there was a nice spread of goodies for us to snack on. While we waited for others to show up, some where late due to the weather conditions, we delighted in punch, cake, trail mix, cheese and crackers. Angel, the Volunteer Director, briefed us on the event, the anticipated "busy" times, the layout, where food and beverages will be housed out of and where the DJ and dancing will be situated amongst other important factors for Friday night's art opening. .

Ok so I thought "docent" training would involve someone giving us a tour of the exhibition and talking about the artist, the art work, the medium used and what the artist was trying to convey. But no, I was in for an even bigger treat! I am always up for trying something new, learning, growing, absorbing, etc. hence this volunteer job. So I was excited and delighted to find out that San Antonio native,Rita Gonzalez, from the Los Angeles county Museum of Art would be giving us a lecture and showing us a slide show on the exhibition. Which proved to be even better than a tour because it was more intimate and in depth.

Now the good stuff. This is what I learned according to the lecture by Rita Gonzalez and the FAQ sheet I was given buy the Museo Alameda:

The name of this weeks art opening is called "Phantom Sightings: Art After the Chicano Movement." The show originated in Los Angeles and has made way to Mexico City and now San Antonio. According to Rita Gonzales the title alone has created some exciting controversy and has raised some eyebrows in the Latin/Chicano community. Some are angry about the "After the Chicano Movement" portion of the title. Questions have been raised as to the Chicano movement. Is it over? Who said it's over? Is it still a movement? None the less people are moved either way and a relevant and worthy commotion is being made and in my opinion is just adding to the excitement, controversy and momentum of this movement or non-movement so-to-speak.

The title has a deep and important meaning. "Phantom Sightings: Art After the Chicano Movement" was inspired by Harry Gamboa, an artist, political activist, solo artist, writer, photographer, film maker, performance artist and teacher who lives and works in Los Angeles. The name was resurrected out of the theory that Chicanos/ Mexicans/ Latinos had a sored of "phantom culture" because they were not represented in media or politics during the "Chicano movement."

The Chicano movement, according to the Museo Alameda FAQ sheet and lecture, "was established as a politically and culturally inspired movement during the counter-culture revolutions of the late 1960's and the early 70's, stressing the ethnic pride and political empowerment of the Chicano community." I learned that in the past Chicano art had often been "represented by paintings, murals and graphic arts." If I think about this I can say that when one mentions "Chicano art" I would almost immediately associate it with graffiti (yes I agree that this is an art form too) murals and political propaganda signage, murals of the Virgin Mary and Native American images.

Now as I have always identified myself with being a "Mexican-American", which traditionally means a Mexican who has migrated to America, I have come to the realization that because I was born here in America that "identifier" is not best suited for me and that perhaps "American-Mexican" does. According to the Museo Alameda FAQ sheet, Chicanos identify themselves as "politicized Mexican-Americans who identify with a distinct cultural nationalism over a hyphenated or assimilated identity. Chicano is a term strongly connected to political and cultural activism."

So now I think you see what I meant when I said that the title had a "deep" and "important" meaning.

Phantom Sightings showcases a "newer breed" of artists who are aw inspiring mixing a new age of multi media, hand held tangible pieces, 2-D sculpted graphic constructions just to name a few. These artist are playing with the idea of a "customized or simulated culture" according to Rita Gonzalez. Some artist focus on the recycling, re-purposing and reuse of everyday household items while others photographs deal with the absence of things in their photographs and with the act of witnessing history, according to Rita Gonzalez.

There is so much more to be said and observed about this showing. My advice would be to come out and see it for yourself at the Museo Alameda in San Antonio, Texas which is located at 101 S. Santa Rosa.

Well this is just a very small portion of what I learned today at my "docent" training class. I am very excited about Friday's opening which I will be working.

Stay tuned there's more to come!

For more information about the Museo Alameda go to www.thealameda.org

One of my prouder moments in college. :)

2009-02-28T21:14:00.000-08:00

Scroll down to the second page and ta da!
http://www.utsa.edu/sa/news/documents/WhosWhoNationalRecipients.pdf

Government Canyon!!!

2009-02-28T20:23:00.000-08:00

http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/government_canyon/

Quotes of which I live buy

2009-02-27T15:40:00.000-08:00

"An original does not conform to our expectations, she changes them, forever."~Unknown

"An original is hard to find but easy to recognize."~Anonymous (One of my favorites: I was given this quote on a plaque by a cousin of mine.)

"I do not seek, I find." ~Unkown (Given to me by my mom)

"Life is not about perfection, it's about completion." ~Jane Fonda

"Only those who dare truly live."~ Unknown (My personal favorite.)

"Evil is powerless if the good are unafraid."~Unknown

"Where ever you go, go with all your heart." ~Unknown (Another personal favorite.)

"I got a brand new attitude and I'm gonna wear it tonight." ~Pink

Examples of my work: Blue Star Contemporary Art Press Releases 2007 (in raw form & w/o logos)

2009-02-26T13:56:00.000-08:00

For Immediate Release

ARTS AND EATS 2007
The best of the best in culinary and original art was reason to celebrate

San Antonio, Texas- The ballots are in! This year’s Arts and Eats winners have reason to celebrate. Thirty of San Antonio’s top chefs showcased their best of the best in culinary art and cuisine at the beautiful grounds of the Tobin Estate. The food, wine and art gave this years festival attendees a lot to eat, drink and talk about.

As part of the event 28 restaurants premiered their culinary art by serving and competing for best appetizer, entrée and dessert. Original artworks decorated the festival grounds, Armin Marmolejo Quintent supplied the music and a silent auction made for a fun filled night.

· Grand Prize Restaurant, Las Ramblas
· Stuffed Calamari with Chorizo
· Best Appetizer, Azuca
· Arepada
· Merit Appetizer, Piatti
· Gorgonzola Custard with shaved pear, baby greens and balsamic drizzle
· Best Entrée, Bistro Thyme
· unknown
· Merit Entrée, Ranch 616
· Venison Chili “Frito Pie”
· Best Dessert, Silo
· Malted Milk Chocolate Panna Cotta with Vanilla Café Reduction Cinnamon Chantilly Cream, Chocolate Biscotti
· Merit Dessert, Paloma Blanca
· Coconut Flan
· Best Dish Presentation, Café Paladar
· Bacon wrapped Quail with Blackberries and Blue Cheese Cobbler
· Merit Dish Presentation, Beto’s Latin Grill
· Caldo de Cabrito en Sope
· Most Creative Booth Design, Ranch 616
· Merit Creative Booth Design, Paloma Blanca

Dias De Los Muertos came alive at the 13th Annual food, wine and art festival at the historical Tobin Estate on November 1, 2007. An oak tree laden, grassy path and cobble stone road played as a romantic backdrop for the Day of the Dead theme and led the way to San Antonio’s original food and wine festival. Ornate altars dedicated to Linda Pace, Reginald Rowe, Danny Geissler, Alberto Mijiangos and Steve Reynolds were beautifully displayed at the festival entrance and set the mood for the night’s events.

Amongst the medley of art, wine and haute cuisine were some of San Antonio’s finest celebrities. There to judge the food and overall presentation of each restaurant were Tommy Lee Jones, Dawn Laurel Jones, Ron Bechtol, Thomas & Cristina Gibson, Sean Elliot, Claudia Zapata, Pat Sharpe, Charlie Robinson, Mike & Mary Bet Budenholzer, Julio Cesar Cedillo, Alex Rubio, Harold and Barbara Wood, Edmund & Lupita Tijerina.

The tradition of Arts and Eats acts as Blue Star Contemporary Art Center’s premier fundraiser and contributes significantly to the organization and it’s operational budget. The continued support of its patrons makes contemporary art exhibitions and special new educational programs much more possible. Through the participation of San Antonio’s festive community atmosphere this year Arts and Eats was a phenomenal success.

Blue Star Contemporary Art Center
Blue Star Contemporary Art Center is a non-profit, non-collecting, contemporary art center in San Antonio, Texas that advances the growth and understanding of contemporary art, artists and the curatorial process. Through exhibitions and a variety of programs, Blue Star is an active participant in the development of regional, national and international contemporary art and provides a lively forum for the visual arts dialogue. For more information visit http://www.bluestarart.org/.
###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Media Contact:
Zinnia Dunis Salcedo Exhibitions and Program Manager
(210) 227-6960
zinnia@bluestarart.org

EDUCATION BUILDS MOMENTUM AT BLUE STAR
BLUE STAR COLLABORATES WITH SOUTH SAN ANTONIO CHAMBER OF COMMERCE AND THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT SAN ANTONIO TO HOST AN EDUCATIONAL COMMUNITY OUTREACH PROGRAM

WHO: Blue Star Contemporary Art Center
WHAT: Business of Arts Symposium
WHERE: Blue Star Contemporary Art Center
116 Blue Star
San Antonio, TX 78204
WHEN: Saturday, November 17, 2007, 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m.
(Open to the Public)
CONTACT: Roland Mazuca, Assistant Director/ Education at
210-227-6960 or e-mail at roland@bluestarart.org

Blue Star Contemporary Art Center’s is proud to announce the Business of Arts Symposium, which is the first of its kind in the Alamo City and will be held on Saturday, November 17, 2007 from 9:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. The symposium is part of Blue Star Contemporary Art Center’s ARTSmart Program. The Business of Arts Symposium is made possible by generous funding from H-E-B.

The Business of Arts Symposium is culminating in an Art Panel Discussion and Workshop for aspiring artists. The Symposium is an opportunity for student artists to learn about issues facing artists today and hear professional artists and art professionals present personal insight on the topics of marketing, resume and portfolio development, gallery politics, community involvement, networking, money and how to support yourself on the journey to success.

“This Symposium is valuable and unique in that professional artists will give personal stories on how they developed their careers,” said Roland Mazuca, Assistant Director/ Education at Blue Star Contemporary Art Center. “The biggest difference is that students will be learning from working artists about the various paths to success.”

This September Blue Star celebrated the premier of the Business of Arts Program, the opening of its brand new educational facility, the hiring of Roland Mazuca, Assistant Director/ Education. ARTsmart is an exciting way of creating community interaction
EDUCATION BUILDS MOMENTUM AT BLUE STAR CONTINUED…

around art and is dedicated to effective hands-on arts education, community outreach and more.

The Business of Arts Symposium will focus on career issues facing artists. Panelists Alex Rubio, Kathy Vargas, Kathy Armstrong, Bill FitzGibbons, Andy Benavides, and Trent Harkrader, will discuss topics ranging from career development, the curatorial process, business resources, public art, gallery politics and portfolio development.

In addition to the Saturday symposium and kicking off the festivities is a reception honoring the South San Antonio Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday, November 14 2007, at 7:00 p.m. with Keynote Speaker Felix Padron, Director of the Office of Cultural Affairs for the City of San Antonio. Mr. Padron will address the role of art in building wealth and dynamic communities and the value of business support for the arts.

Please do not miss this opportunity to be a part of Blue Star’s growth and momentum as its educational programs and facility continues to expand and build lasting relationships with the Alamo City’s vibrant arts community through the ARTsmart and Business of Arts program.

Blue Star Contemporary Art Center
Blue Star Contemporary Art Center is a non-profit, non-collecting, contemporary art center in San Antonio, Texas that advances the growth and understanding of contemporary art, artists and the curatorial process. Through exhibitions and a variety of programs, Blue Star is an active participant in the development of regional, national and international contemporary art and provides a lively forum for the visual arts dialogue. For more information visit http://www.bluestarart.org/.
###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

NEIGHBORHOOD ARTS EDUCATION AND OUTREACH EXHIBITION
Bryan Rindfuss: PHOTOGRAPHS: 1997- 2007 at the Semmes Library

WHAT: Bryan Rindfuss: PHOTOGRAPHS: 1997-2007 at the Semmes Library: October 3- November 26. The exhibition, organized by Blue Star Contemporary Art Center made possible by generous funding from the Office of Cultural Affairs, is part of a neighborhood arts program focusing on education outreach through contemporary exhibitions at the Semmes Library. The photographs, inspired by forgotten places and fashion photo shoots, are a collection of two bodies of work that were created over the past decade. Places and objects, the first series, features landscapes, facades, and oddities that tell their own story. Magazine works, the second series, reflects the Artist’s obsession with youth, fashion, and storytelling. The collection tells a story of its own by contrasting patterns and color palettes, while suggesting relationships between subjects and locations.

WHERE: Julia Laura Yates Semmes Library
15060 Judson Road
San Antonio, TX 78247
210-650-9540

WHEN: October 3rd- November 26, 2007
Opening reception Wednesday, October 3rd
6:00 p.m.-8:00 p.m.

WHO: Bryan Rindfuss- Bryan Rindfuss was born in San Antonio, Texas, where he attended Alamo Heights High School. He studied photography at Sarah Lawrence College in New York, Paris and in Italy at Studio Art Centers International, Temple University and Tyler School of Art. He interned with Mary Ellen Mark and with Richard Avedon, later working as an assistant during the Avedon retrospective, "Evidence." His photography was featured in the 1996 group show,” Home is Where the Heart is," at the Woodstock Center for Photography and The Print Club in Philadelphia, and in the 2001 "NATOarts" collective, which opened in New York and traveled extensively in Europe. His work has appeared in publications including The London Independent, Interview, Harper's Bazaar, Vogue Australia, Cosmogirl, and Jane, as well as volumes "Lujo" and "The best is yet to come," both published by El Tiempo Celeste, Mexico City.

INFORMATION: For additional information please contact:
Zinnia Dunis Salcedo
Blue Star Contemporary Art Center
Exhibitions and Program Manager
(210) 227-6960
zinnia@bluestarart.org

Blue Star Contemporary Art Center
Blue Star Contemporary Art Center is a non-profit, non-collecting, contemporary art center in San Antonio, Texas that advances the growth and understanding of contemporary art, artists and the curatorial process. Through exhibitions and a variety of programs, Blue Star is an active participant in the development of regional, national and international contemporary art and provides a lively forum for the visual arts dialogue. For more information visit http://www.bluestarart.org/.
###

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 4th, 2007
CONTACT
Zinnia Dunis Salcedo NEWS
Public Relations and Membership Manager
Blue Star Contemporary Art Center
San Antonio, TX 78204
Phone: (210) 227-6960
E-mail: zinnia@bluestarart.org

BLUE STAR CONTEMPORARY ART CENTER OFFERS ART FOCSED SPANISH CLASSES

New Educational Facility at Blue Star Contemporary Art Center offers Art Focused Spanish Classes

Learn Spanish and talk about art! Blue Star is proud to announce the Art Focused Spanish in 90 Days course starting Tuesday June 12th. Spanish in 90 Days is designed to meet the corporate need to do business in an increasing bilingual marketplace with Spanish quickly becoming the second most spoken language in the country. The class will meet twice a week starting June 12th- August 24th on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00-8:00 p.m. at Blue Star Contemporary Art Center. Spanish classes taught in a creative and engaging gallery setting help cultivate a creative conversational environment. For more information on enrollment call 210 227 6960 ext 208 or e-mail zinnia@bluestarart.org

Hurry! Class space is limited. International linguist Mark Norton, originator of the acclaimed Spanish in 90 days program, will be teaching this special art focused Spanish class.

Spanish in 90 Days is a 3-month course, using commercially available training materials combined with individualized study aids to provide special clients with language instruction tailored to their particular industry. Lessons are tailored to meet the needs of the students, to include vocabulary lists, situational training (dialogs), and Spanish grammar. Classes are held within the client’s own training facilities and scheduled to meet the needs of the client. Spanish in 90 Days is designed to meet the corporate need to do business in an increasing bilingual marketplace with Spanish quickly becoming the second most spoken language in the country

Blue Star Contemporary Art Center Blue Star Contemporary Art Center is a non-profit, non-collecting contemporary art center in San Antonio, Texas that advances the growth and understanding of contemporary art, artists and the curatorial process. Through exhibitions and a variety of programs, Blue Star is an active participant in the development of regional, national and international contemporary art and provides a lively forum for the visual arts dialogue. Blue Star Contemporary Art Center’s mission it to inspire the creative genius in us all by nurturing artists in an innovative contemporary art center. For more information visit http://www.bluestarart.org/.
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How I met my husband

2009-02-21T20:23:00.000-08:00

As I start this blog tonight I know that I will not finish it tonight. There is so much to cover here but I will attempt to make a dent.

So I met my husband in Madrid, Spain in the summer of 2006. I had been there for the third time since the summer of 2005. I had been on a study abroad program a year earlier and had met and fell in love with a Moroccan/"non practicing Muslim" man (those were his words.) After the program had ended I stayed on and moved in with him. We spent the rest of the summer getting to know each other better and even spent a week at my families condominium in Marbella which is in Anda Lucia, the south of Spain. When summer came to an end we made a commitment to each other and planned to see each other again when I had my next break from school.

I returned to school and we kept it going. Do not get me wrong, it was tough and there was little communication at times but we kept it going. I guess each of us assumed the other was still in it. I kept the faith even though it was tough to go weeks even months without talking. As the holidays neared we made plans to see each other again. He purchased my ticket and flew me to Madrid for New Years. I was sooooo excited I could hardly wait to see him. I was nervous because I had put on a few pounds being winter and all but I sucked it up and flew with my heart pounding every mile we got closer to Spain.

Abdel, that was his name was a little late picking me up from the airport and I was seriously nervous. I turned around and saw him walking toward me and I rushed over to him and jumped to give him a huge hug because he is very tall. All the feelings I had been suppressing since our last goodbye came rushing over me and then I felt calm and relaxed.

To Be Continued.....

Holmes High School Talent Show 2009

2009-02-20T19:04:00.001-08:00

OMG! I have one word to say and that is WOW! WOW! Seriously WOW! What in the world happened to high school?

I was invited to go to my nephew/godson's talent show at my old almamater. I was excited about the evening because I had been to previous Christmas concerts of his at the school and was always pleased with the performances and impressed with the talents of my nephew and the other students.

My nephew Jeremy, in addition to being in the top 5% of his class is a talented musician which can be attributed to my brother who is also a talented musician. It does run in the blood.

So as we ventured out to start our evening, Mom, Dad, me and my brother (Jeremy's dad) climbed into the car and headed toward the campus. I always get this indescribable feeling as I head up the campus drive way. A bit of nostalgia, anxiety, excitement and sadness overcomes me. Everything still looks pretty much the same which adds to the rush of emotion. We park the car and head into the auditorium and take our seats. It's still the same ole dingy musty auditorium as I remember. Not even new carpet and seat cover can cover up the smell.

As I pick up a program the lights dim and a hush comes over the crowd. The curtains fly open and at the same time a rif of the guitar hits the audience and breaks through the silence. What I then saw was the most amazing rock band burning up the strings of their guitars and a drummer with his hands flying through the air. The players have long hair, skinny jeans, cool t-shirts. I think WOW what the hec is this? Is this really high school am I really at my old school? Are these students? I felt like I was at a Green Day concert. What happened to the nerdy kids, the awkward zit faced kids, the shy goofy kids? The sounded professional, AMAZING! The first word out of my mouth was WOW, I am impressed!!! It was one fantastic performance after another. Once girl sang a Taylor Swift song and nailed it! Another guy danced to Brittany Spears "Circus" and out shined even her. And yet another talented you man sang a Mariachi and nailed it! And then it was time.

My nephews band was next. Anticipation was building as we waited extra long for them to come out. The crowd was starting to get impatient. People were shuffling around in their seats getting antsy. Then the curtain slowly opened and a full on band stood before us. My nephew started the music with the most amazing crowd arousing rumble of the drums and I jumped out of my seat as they began to rock out Jon Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer." The whole crowd cheered, yelled and applauded with excitement. It was an impressive rendition as we all sang along to those all familiar lyrics. I did not want it to end it was so good. I was so impressed I could hardly believe my eyes and ears. As the song ended the crowd bursted out in louder screams, cheers and howls. Everyone was standing up now and just full of life and excitement. My mom, dad, brother and I were hi-fiving each other it was great just great.

As we left the auditorium I told my family WOW what the hec happened to high school? This is nothing like when I used to come here. We were scared, shy, nervous, unsure, insecure. When there was a talent show or a Christmas concerts kids were scared, they had sullen look on their faces. They had talent don't get me wrong but there was no stage presence. These kids had stage presence!!! I told my family that it takes a lot to have stage presence and that performing is 10% talent and 90% stage presence. I just could not believe the amazing talent of these kids. I could not believe how much passion these young kids have. What ever talent, hobby or skill they possessed they have really just taken control of it and honed, worked on it, perfected it and at such a young age.

I remember when I was a kid and I had dreams they were always shot down, laughed at or just ignored or I was made to feel bad about what it was I wanted to do by my parents. I just wanted to say that whoever is behind these kids pushing them, encouraging them, giving them positive reinforcement good for you man! Good for you!!! Keep it up!! It's working!!! Your kids are amazing just amazing. I was so proud to be there audience for that little while. That little while that felt so amazing. Yes I was there I witnessed it, your kids rocked and you have sooo much to be proud of. I am truly inspired.

I just want to say that MAN those kids had PASSION! REAL PASSION and TRUE talent. I do not remember having passion for anything at that age. Not like that. Even now I wish that I had just 10% of what those kids have. Wow, high school kids have come a looooong way.

Here's to a great night and to the kids of the Holmes High school 2009 talent show who rocked out the house !!! GO FOR IT MAN! JUST GO FOR IT!

My Intro: Introducing Meeeee!

2009-02-20T15:35:00.000-08:00

Well hello there. I am happy to announce that today is my first day at blogging. I was introduced to bloggin about four years ago while I was earning my Associates degree. I had no earthly idea what the hec the lecturer was talking about and felt very inadequate as I was listening to him explain to us that it was sooo easy that even his tween daughter was doing it with video uploads and all.

Anyway here I am four years later after having lunch with a good friend who urged me that this would be another great way to market myself. I can say that I am finally at a point where I feel confidant enough to do this. So thank you dear friend, thank you.

I am excited about what's to come and look forward to my future blogs and subscribing to other inspirational blog writers.

Here's to you and me!