Backroads and Barstools: 2009

Thursday, December 31, 2009

what to do with your old Christmas cards

Send 'em to St. Jude's Ranch for Children Recycled Card Program.

photo from Shop Across Texas

St. Jude’s Ranch for Children rescues abused, abandoned and neglected children of all races and faiths from the vicious cycle of child abuse. The Ranch provides healing and nurturing in a safe home-like environment where children can learn life skills to start new lives with new chances, new choices and new hope.

The children participate in making the new cards by removing the front and attaching a new back. The result is a beautiful new card made by the children and volunteers. The benefits are two-fold: customers receive "green" holiday cards for use and the children receive payment for their work and learn the benefits and importance of "going green."

With most people now using photos of their children/families as their annual Christmas greeting, you may not have many "traditional" cards; but for those few you do have, I think this is a terrific way of passing along the spirit and miracle of Christmas all year long.

To participate, send cards to:

ST. JUDE’S RANCH FOR CHILDREN
CARD RECYCLING PROGRAM
100 ST. JUDE’S STREET
BOULDER CITY, NEVADA 89005

Click to learn more about St. Jude's Ranch for Children Recycled Card Program.

out with the old

The end of one decade and the beginning of a new one brings on a state of serious reflection. It's more than a little mind-boggling, overwhelming, and staggering to think of the past ten years. I have regrets. A fuckload of 'em.

I also have a boon of blessings. No need to dwell on maudlin ruminations of days and people gone by; rather, I will endeavor to shatter expectations--others' and my own.

In that spirit, I think these book boxes are scandalously fun. They're the perfect place to hide a whole new year's worth of treasures, pipe dreams, prospects, and/or perhaps something(s) naughty.

Cheers. And HNY.

Wednesday, December 30, 2009

le mistral ... chez delish

Lunched today at Le Mistral in West Houston. Fantastic. Was totally blown away ... from the warm, crusty bread to the impressive lunch/dinner menu to the criminal desserts (oh, yeah).

I had an all too brief, yet beautiful relationship with their Filet de Boeuf: a 6oz. filet mignon, bathed in Roquefort bleu cheese and a cognac sauce. The waiter brought me a swell knife; but none was needed. And though I limited myself to a lovely mid-day California Chardonnay, the cocktail selection and overall ambiance of the bar (nestled away in an entirely different part of the restaurant) looked saucy.

Those silly French. Lord knows they have their faults (that's another post), but they damn sure know how to eat.

Below are some shots from their facebook page; but honestly, the photos don't do it justice. I'll definitely be returning soon to sample what this tasty little Houston gem has to offer during the evening hours ....

textured tights

These patterned tights from Garnet Hill are perfect. They were inadvertently left out of my Christmas stocking; but I'll be remedying the situation imminently.

Monday, December 28, 2009

best 2010 calendar ...

... under $30.

2010 Canvas Wall Calendar

"The 2010 canvas wall calendar is today’s take on that hanging linen version your mom used to have in the kitchen. This one is modern and clean … and not fussy at all. The whole year staring you in the face!"

Sunday, December 27, 2009

twenty-ten

“The beginnings and endings of all human undertakings are untidy.”

Etsy seller: NumericDesign

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

November 18, 1999 -- 2:42am

Ten years.

Still so painful.

Went out to the site last night ... listened to the wind blowing through the monuments, snapped a few photos, had a good cry.

Miranda Adams.
Christopher Breen.
Michael Ebanks.
Jeremy Frampton.
Jamie Hand.
Christopher Heard.
Tim Kerlee.
Lucas Kimmel.
Bryan McLane.
Chad Powell.
Jerry Self.
Nathan West.

HERE.

Wednesday, November 11, 2009

saluting our veterans

Undying gratitude to those who have served in the armed forces. Freedom isn't free.

Friday, November 6, 2009

flags at half-mast; hearts in full mourning

"U.S. and Texas flags on campus have been lowered to half-staff to honor the memory of the personnel killed in the Fort Hood tragedy Thursday (Nov. 5) and in respect for the others who were injured. The flags on campus and at all state offices and facilities elsewhere throughout the state will remain at half-staff through Sunday (Nov. 8) on the order of Gov. Rick Perry, who also encouraged such action by individuals, businesses, municipalities, counties and other entities. 'Anita and I send our deepest condolences and prayers to the soldiers, families and support personnel touched by this terrible event,' Gov. Perry said in his statewide directive.

'We join all Americans in paying respect to the memories of those killed in the shooting tragedy at Fort Hood and extend our best wishes for speedy recoveries to those who were injured,' said Interim President R. Bowen Loftin. 'Our hearts and prayers go out to their families and everyone affected by that horrendous event. This is particularly heartfelt and personal for many of us here at Texas A&M, given our military tradition and close ties in many ways to the nearby Army installation.'