Some fabulous men just celebrated their Aquarian birthdays- Dick DeGuerin and Mike Plank- and did it in Western style! They are like fine wine- grow better with age.

Mike’s was at the Firehouse- the stomping ground for Billy Joe Shaver. His fabulous wife Susan brought in Mark Chesnutt and the most fabulous BBQ that Richard Flowers said a fireman in a nearby city prepared. There was the always popular, but inevitable mechanical bull. Since I have a torn ACL I thought it best not try to it.

As for Dick, Janie asked for Dick’s favorite- Billy Joe Shaver. He sang a duet with his sure to be a star seven-year-old grandson. I didn’t know Dick could sing that country music the way he did. Billy Joe even wrote a song about his Waco travails.

Legendary pals like Racehorse Haynes attempted to roast- it’s hard to get the best of Dick.

Both of my friends have beautiful families and there was lots of love and friendship in the air. 

Chili Cook Offs are happening soon. It’s a great time to get your Western  going. Pinto Ranch has some wonderful offerings. 

Birthday Bash

The dilemma- to celebrate or not one’s birthday. At first, I thought well, I’ll just spend it with Lucas and Max, my Father and Son Lucas Terriers. Then at the urging of friends, I got into gear. It was Monday and the birthday was Tuesday.

So I called Tony’s and found that their Wine Celler miraculously was available. It was the perfect size room, not too big and not too small. I made a list- I actually wished I could have had more of my friends, but then it would have grown too large. What I really wanted was a small intimate evening with good friends, stimulating conversation, a menu to comfort paired with fine wines- and that’s what we had! How does French fries and cocktails, a salad that I deem to be my own, short ribs, mac and cheese, and the most divine praline cheesecake sound? It was very nostalgic because there were old friends, new ones, and memories.

http://www.culturemap.com/newsdetail/02-11-11-city-slickers-ride-the-bull-for-a-50th-bday-bash-carpenter-hunk-carter-oosterhouse-munches-at-hugos/

A Sight to Behold- Worse Than Texting

While driving down Westheimer with a friend, we witnessed the “latest not to do” in the car- especially while driving! (At least she was stopped at a light.) A woman was heavily engaged in scrubbing her teeth and swishing the saliva and paste about with her Starbucks coffee! Just imagine the next sequence. She didn’t look to the left or the right. Starbucks- to some is the end all coffee fantasy- but this was too much. I’m not sure even her dentist would approve!

A Bit of Sharing

Last night, the Studio Group from the Contemporary Arts Museum Houston rocked at a Mixing the Medium exhibit and event at the Colton & Farb Gallery. Fortunately, no one listened to the weather reports. There was a crowd of close to 300 impassioned collectors sipping Hudson Ferus Vodka and Saint Arnolds to the sound of DJ “The Dakota.” The exhibit was curated by Philip Berry and Philip Beck.

Artists included were Paul Horn, Angelbert Metoyer, Roberto del Rio, Michael Meazell, Katy Anderson + Patrick Medrano- Mary Ann Strandell’s work was exhibited, but she was unable to attend. What a great mix of art to feast the eyes upon! Other gallery artists present were - David Graeve, Rania Daniel, Sharon Kopriva, and Alfredo Scaroina. Faces in the crowd- Jo and Jim Furr, Artists Nancy Kienholz and Dan Allison, Juanita King and Ewing King, Susan and Art Seifert, Rowena and Buddy Steves, Poppi Massey, Craig Massey, Alice and Frank McWilliams, Terri and Gordon Goodman, and so many more.

The exhibit will up through March 5^th and we invite you to stop by on Saturday from 10- 5:30 pm at 2445 North Boulevard.

 

This was supposed to be my getaway weekend to Los Angeles. At a Neurofibromatosis event at the Junior League, here in Houston, I bid on this fabulous package to travel to LA and spend Valentine’s Day at the Ellen DeGeneres Show taping and have a fabulous VIP Warner Brothers Lot Tour. Mea culpa, something came up- and I had to change my plans. Not to worry. Now, I don’t have to miss the Dominic Walsh Dance Theater perform at the Hobby Center. Their performances are so special! I’ve been a fan of Dominic Walsh since he was a principal dancer with the Houston Ballet.

We are so fortunate to have so many talented individuals living, working, and staying in this city. I urge everyone to take advantage of the opportunities we are afforded here- some of the best are free.

Lucas Comes to America

 

Be on the lookout for which Lucas hopes will become a classic children’s book. It's his book- Lucas Comes to America lovingly translated by me, Carolyn Farb. You’ll follow Lucas and his adventures from his birth at a farmhouse in Manchester, England to the great state of Texas. Our publisher AuthorHouse says our book should roll out soon. We hope you will enjoy the read. Look for us at local bookstores and on Amazon.

Right now, Lucas and I are trying to decide where to donate our proceeds from our book sales- because we really care about those who can’t care for themselves. Check out the cover and one of Lucas' favorite illustrations as he dances with the dragonflies. Enjoy!

Becoming Kinky… The World According to Kinky Friedman

Fellow Bloggers please join us on March 28, 2011, 7:00 PM for the World Premiere of Becoming Kinky… The World According to Kinky Friedman with the fabulous Jesse Dayton, Alan Lee, and Ross Bautsch. This will be a benefit for Kinky’s beloved Utopia Animal Rescue Ranch at one of his favorite venues McGonigel’s Mucky Duck. Each guest will receive an autographed copy of Kinky’s “Heroes of a Texas Childhood.” The two heroes remaining are Willie Nelson and “Racehorse” Haynes. Kinky promises to be there and has given a thumbs up to Ted Swindley’s brilliant play for all seasons. Little Jewford hasn’t been cast yet and threatens to be cast as himself.

For $100, you get to see the Kinkster in three phases of his life, hear your favorite signature songs “They Ain’t Makin’ Jews Like Jesus Anymore,” “Get Your Biscuits In The Oven (And Your Buns In The Bed),” and “Marilyn and Joe”(my personal favorite). You'll enjoy a three course dinner and pay a little cash for your drinks. Just think you’re helping those special creatures who give unconditional love and joy. Below is Kinky’s eulogy to his cat Cuddles.  

"Dogs have a depth of loyalty that often we seem unworthy of. But the love of a cat is a blessing, a privilege in this world. They say when you die and go to heaven all the dogs and cats you've ever had in your life come running to meet you. Until that day, rest in peace, Cuddles."

For reservations and information, please call 713.528.5899 or email TheDuck@McGonigels.com. It will be an intimate evening at the Mucky Duck located at

2425 Norfolk Street, Houston, Texas, 77098.

Jesse Dayton as Kinky 2