“storming” bishop arts…food, fun & a concert!!

Saturday night was an adventure south to the bishop arts district: http://bishopartsdistrict.weebly.com/

Kicking off the night w/ a good base of deliciousness for drinks and dinner at Bolsa: http://bolsadallas.com/
I’d recommend the…bruschetta sampler & I really liked the beet salad.

The adventure continued through the rain, into the mud and to the Kessler Theater for the Civil Twilight concert. A great, eclectic and revamped venue with a modern vibe, we mingled and made friends with a few of the expected groupies, hipsters and concert go-ers. Many reasons to warrant a trip back in the future: http://thekessler.org/

We didn’t make it for the opening band: Morning Parade, but I bought their album yesterday in preparation…really good, smooth and a great energy. They were mingling in the lobby when we walked in, and they have GREAT accents ☺
Civil Twilight = a great time! Their set was clean and simple, visually complimenting their sound. “Cameron” from Ferris Bueller IS the piano player, it was awesome!

Kessler Theater promised: “Civil Twilight brings a perfect blend of atmospheric sound and hazy storytelling that transports you to another place.”

Making a stop at Barcadia to round out the fun, and what could be more fun than ol’ school Mario Bros and Dallas’ finest…excellent!!!

We were not disappointed, a GREAT Dallas adventure!

Meet Ian

Meet Ian:
He’s an Aussie
He’s a lady’s hat maker
He’s a costume designer and wardrobe manager for plays
His heart melts when he hears Roberta Fleck’s “First Time I Ever Saw Your Face”
He made is way to the Texas via Australia, Toronto, Calgary, Montana, Colorado and now Dallas b/c he’s niece is here.
And he’s my newest friend.

Last week he “tried” to teach me to make poppies.

I don’t remember exactly how I signed up for making poppies, but within minutes of meeting Ian, he was very specifically giving me the shopping list for the project:
• Red, green and black crepe paper, not that tissue paper crap
• And the green, make sure it’s a good green
• 1 large wooden knitting needle
• 1 small wooden knitting needle, you should be able to buy just one
• cotton backing, you know the kind used to stuff quilts? That’s the stuff
• Green flower wire, well it doesn’t have to be green, we’ll cover it up
• scissors, bring scissors, no one can ever find any around here

He “tried” to teach me, but unfortunately when we tried to improvise with the materials I brought, they were not quite up to par.

Now I’m in search of crepe paper, and not the stuff that comes in rolls for decorating 1980’s proms, but sheets of crepe paper. It’s not at Michael’s, Hobby Lobby or Joann’s . . . tomorrow’s errands include crepe paper searching.

Stay tuned to see the finished flowers!

Making Friends in Unlikely Places

The thing is, everyone has a story – some interesting collection or traveling adventure or unique interest, so I don’t know why I’m so delighted and surprised to unpack those parts of people, but yesterday was a rare gem at the nursing home. I usually walk the halls until I see someone needing help or looks like they’d enjoy a visitor. That’s how I noticed Jeff’s shaking hands and intent effort to make a phone call to a Rachel, who I later learned was a friend he worked with at the Cinema 8 in high school.

Jeff is a newer resident and University of Texas graduate – I know, an unlikely friend for my Sooner blood – but inside of the burnt orange shell – he’s so very interesting. He was telling me about his vinyl collection, which prompted a series of youtube searches of bands he’s seen in concert.

That’s when his across the hall neighbor, Ian, joined our song searches.
Ian’s request was to listen to Roberta Fleck’s “First Time I Ever Saw Your Face” which nonchalantly he reported that he’d given to his lover, quickly followed by saying that a commercial about pet rescue was using it and it melts his heart every time.

Rocky Mountain National Park: Bible Point

The last 2 mornings in Estes Park, I woke up early for a hike to see the sunrise. The first time a storm was rolling in and I wondered if I should turn back, I’m thankful I pressed on, because the view was magnificent. Some may have missed seeing the sunrise, but watching the clouds roll, clash and move through the mountains was spectacular.

Another spectacular sight was that of this headstone.

In 1918, Edwin Bradt, son of world traveling missionaries – died when he was nineteen. This spot was his favorite in all the world and where he asked to be buried. His tombstone touched me deeply – one line reads:

“A Normal Life: And he advanced in wisdom and stature, favor with God and favor with man.”

This verse was taught to me as a nine year old at Kanakuk Kamps: the 4-square life – Luke 2:52: “And Jesus grew in wisdom, stature, favor with God and favor with man.”

Although in this life I will continue to fall short, I chose to live this 4-square life. And the second morning, the sun rose and blanketed over the mountains:

AMEN.

This is not your typical craft room

The craft room at the YMCA of the Rockies was really a craft mansion! Painting, beading, tie-dying, sand art, molding, ceramic painting and what i opted for: mosaic making.

Here is “Jane Swan”

She will hang next to “Jack Sparrow”

Thunder Up! Call him “KD”

OKC Thunder captured my heart from day 1 of seeing the name & uniforms unveiled.
Watching the playoffs, finals & this video provides an instant smile!!

Treasure Hunt: Ask, Seek, Knock, Keep On!

I was up late reading in the lobby when I was spotted for an extra body to help.  And that’s how I ended up running sound effects for the skits each day. This was and still is, totally outside my comfort zone and technical realm, but I learned and did “okay and It reminded me that it’s good to try new things even if I’m not perfect at them.  

Several fun tracks that were theme songs from “Hunt for Red October,” “California Girls,” “Dallas,” “Pink Panther” and “Indiana Jones” – many of the innuendos and music choices are just as much for the kids as the leaders. 🙂

The theme of the skits & lessons was “Ask, Seek, Knock and Keep On!” After breakfast we would start the morning with a few fun worship songs, then we’d watch a skit about treasure hunting. The night before the first day of campers,

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened.”

Matthew 7:7-8

The “Sunshine Girls”

Every group of campers was designated by a color of ROYGBIV…our group was yellow. In a matter of minutes “yellow” became the “Sunshine Girls.” We wore yellow bandana’s in every fashion imaginable…headbands, bracelets, leg bands, hair ties, and woven in with hair braids.

When walking to activities, we enjoyed a sound off of “Everywhere we go, people wanna know…Who we are…So we tell them. We are the Sunshine girls, we’re rough, we’re tough and we love Jesus” chant. This helpful for keeping the girls together (if you were wandering, I’ll go ahead and confirm that 8 and 9 year old girls wander and straggle) and keeping them entertained on the way to putt putt or volleyball. 

One day we had a longer hike to lunch, as a fun conversation starter, I asked: “If you could design your dream castle, what would it look like?” Imaginations & creativity went wild…bunk beds in every room, glass ceilings, full zoo facilities and my favorite: a hot pink polka dotted mushroom roof.

Other great answers came from: “If you could create your ideal kitchen, what would be in it?” Answers included: a s’mores pantry, a refrigerator with just orange juice and a magic pantry of ice cream & sundae ingredients, all within a password protected entry system.

If you could design your dream castle, what would it include? Mine will have a stream running through it and stairs made of natural elements.

Watermark family camp in Estes Park, Colorado

Last week I took vacation from corporate America and went to camp! We spent most of the week outside which provided a picture perfect view with mountain backdrop in any direction.

This photo captures “Dream Lake” one of the most peaceful, awe inspiring moments of reflection. I will tuck away in my memory forever.

About 400 members of our church packed up and made the trip to Estes Park – 11 of those were 2nd and 3rd grade girls (correction, as they would say they are going into 3rd and going into 4th grade girls). My co-leader, Morgan and I had the chance to have fun, teach, love and encourage them, all while giving their parents a little time without kiddos.

I was encouraged (thanks Kelly!) and was hoping to blog while I was there, but the wireless and phone service was terrible. Therefore, to extend the trip, and document some of the moments…I’ll blog this week.

What has been one of your most favorite camp memories?

Idabel: Home of the best annual golf tourney – honoring you Grandpa “Red”

This past Saturday my grandma, mom, sister and I played in a golf tournament in Idabel Oklahoma. I was reminded of several things:

• The golf course is a beautiful place
• I like feeling good about how I’m playing more than winning
• My grandma is the happiest, most active 86 year old I know – I want to be like her in 55 years