Special Events
Designer Bulletin Boards
Thanks to another niece’s birthday, I gathered supplies to make a gift. Since she’s a freshman in college, I researched some DIY ideas and chose to make designer bulletin boards. For the first time ever, I used a spray adhesive and bought four 12″ x 18″ pieces of colorful fabric for less than $2 each. … Continue reading
Violet Crown Hike
I’d driven past this spot many times without once realizing there was a beautiful hike to be had. This part of the trail had been open since last August. How symbolic we all parked near a liquor store and walked over to the entrance since, after this hike, I was properly motivated for a drink! … Continue reading
Middle School Field Trip
Perhaps the highlight of tutoring math at a local middle school was the day I chaperoned the 6th graders on their field trip to the Austin Nature & Science Center and Zilker Park. One of the special ed teachers and I had a dirty dozen of students to keep track of while we toured ANSC. … Continue reading
Carnaval 2016: Texas! A Horse Opera
Unexpectedly, one of my friends treated me to a night out–Carnaval 2016: Texas! A Horse Opera. As soon as we approached the front door to the venue, I saw my “cousin” and former capoeira teacher. Fortunately, a third of my closet is dedicated to costumes. We both went as the entrepreneurial women from “The Best … Continue reading
Vagina Monologues 2016
The last time I had to memorize lines for a stage production was nearly 15 years ago–around the same time I’d seen “Vagina Monologues” in Denver. I’d just barely found out about the auditions the night before they occurred. Despite being the last one to find out. I was among the first to audition since … Continue reading
Braided & Knotted T-Shirt Necklace
Continuing my gift-making quest, the latest effort involved transforming an old, colorful T-shirt into a gift for one of my nieces. I unfortunately have the habit of overthinking some simple things. I won’t even divulge how long I contemplated the best way to make the initial cut. Seems pretty straightforward, but I like to visualize things … Continue reading
How I Spent My Last Day at Work
Last year, I began teaching Adult Basic Education (ABE) classes in the evening, Monday through Thursday on January 5th. At the time, my nonprofit employer had just merged with an alternative, year-long adult education center. As a result, my first day ended with a champagne toast. Of course, this had nothing to do with the … Continue reading
Star Wars Fine Arts Reception
I wasn’t part of the hoopla of moviegoers for Star Wars, but I jumped on the opportunity to attend a Star Wars fine arts opening. This art gallery swooped up two of the officially-commissioned Star Wars artists for this event and, most important, invited attendees to dress up. Oh, boy! I shopped at my favorite … Continue reading
Margaret Atwood Talk @ TX Book Fest 2015
I was the plus one on a special “friends pass” to hear Margaret Atwood in the Texas State Capitol during the book festival. I’d heard other writers speak at this venue before, but always from the nosebleed section. While rifling through her things to get notebook and pen ready, my friend dropped one of my business-card … Continue reading
Halloween Celebration 2015
Unofficially, my Halloween celebration started on a Wednesday, a few days before my favorite holiday of the year. A local library invited the Austin Writers Roulette to perform in their monthly reading. Since I usually dress up to match the roulette theme, I had a myriad of costume choices since this occasion had no theme. … Continue reading