Maya Angelou

One of my clients called me a few weeks ago and offered me the absolutely incredible opportunity to see Dr. Maya Angelou speak today. I jumped heartily at the chance, because even though I stink at writing poetry, I absolutely love reading it - and especially hers. If seeing Dr. Angelou isn't already on your bucket list, it should be. She was absolutely spectacular. Inspiring. Beautiful. Graceful. Amazing.


The large screen was right next to my table, so I took this shot since it was better than what I could get on my own.


Here's what I could capture with my camera phone. Not a great shot, but you gotta admit...I was pretty close!

The Happy Couple

My good friend Jame Venhaus had his first full-length play put on right here in our city, so I actually got to see his work. He asked me to help promote the show and get lots of people in to see it so the theater would look at staging more of his work. So, I invited the San Antonio Social Media Club to do a preview of it before opening night and just asked them to blog, Tweet and Facebook about the show.

What an amazing experience! The Happy Couple is the story of newlyweds who return to the home they rented while in law school. The come back to the house to find squatters living there. After an evening in the house, their lives are changed forever. I am so proud of my friend James for his amazing playwrighting ability, and I loved getting to see this show without even having to travel the distances I thought I would.

The San Antonio SMC had a great time, too. They told all their friends about it, and the show did amazingly well. Congrats, James!


A couple of the SM folks hanging out before the show.


The cute little bar they have set up in the Overtime Theater Lobby. All drinks are free with donations taken. When you factor in the incredibly reasonable ticket prices, this is a GREAT option for a night out!


The set for The Happy Couple.


Director Matthew Cassi speaking before the show starts.


The absolutely amazing cast of The Happy Couple.

An Apple A Day...

Time to take Addison for her two-year well check. Ok...so, it's really way past time to take her, but this was the first chance we could get in with her doctor. No shots for her today...just making sure she's as perfect as think she is!


Addison with her now ever-present bunny, which she received from the Easter Bunny in her basket.


Climbing on the train car/exam tables in the office. Both of the girls love coming here!

Legos

We took the girls toy shopping today and told them they could pick out whatever they wanted. Interestingly, they both migrated toward the same thing...Legos. Of course, Addy picked out the larger Duplo version for her little hands, and Ainsley was very excited to find "girl" (read, pink) Legos. Way fun.

South By

Armed Forces Entertainment does a fair amount of recruiting of new, up-and-coming bands to entertain troops, and one of those methods is music festivals like Austin's incredibly famous SXSW Music/Film/Interactive Festival. Held each year in March, it's a 10+ day assault on the senses.

We saw a ton of great bands and comedians and made contact with some of them to hopefully go on tour with us.


My first view of our Capital City in some time...that's the Capitol Building at the end of the street. I've been meaning to bring the girls up here for a tour...I really need to do that.


A great Hawaiian group playing in the tradeshow at SXSW. They had a great sound and were really fun to listen to.


Yes, it's Eric Estrada. My CHiPs memories took over my camera and wouldn't let me walk past without snapping this picture.


Vern Troyer...no idea what he's doing here.


A really bizarre street performer on 6th Street. Enough said.

Legends of Aerospace

I had a really cool opportunity, through my client Armed Forces Entertainment, to head to Chicago to see off a tour we sent to Southwest Asia. The tour, called Legends of Aerospace, included some amazing men who have done some incredible things in the field of aerospace. Astronauts and pilots, these men truly are legends, and it was an honor to spend some time with them before they headed overseas to meet some of our brave men and women in uniform.


The view of the awesome Chicago skyline from my hotel room at the Fairmont.


The "Legends" at a luncheon in their honor before they left for Southwest Asia.


Pat Quinn, Governor of Illinois, who stopped by the luncheon to thank the Legends for their service to the country.


A press conference at Chicago O'Hare Airport. From left to right: David Hartman, former Good Morning America Host; Bob Gilliland, test pilot and the first man ever to fly the SR-71 Blackbird; Gene Cernan, the last man on the moon; Neil Armstrong, the first man on the moon; Captain Jim Lovell, Commander of Apollo 13 (standing at podium); and General Steve Ritchie (Ret), the last Air Force Pilot Ace.

Giddyup, y'all!

We decided to take the girls to the San Antonio Rodeo today. We thought we'd visit the animals...maybe see the petting zoo. We obviously hadn't been to the rodeo in quite some time, because there was a ton of stuff to do - even for little Addison.


Addison wasn't quite sure what she thought about the huge longhorn steer in the first area we entered. She stood WAY back and refused to get too close.


Addison not *quite* understanding the idea here of putting your whole face in the hole...


Ainsley getting in on the act...and Addison still not quite getting it. In addition, she refuses to smile.


Ainsley had a ball playing this fishing game and even won a prize by snagging a fish!


Ainsley was so excited to ride this pony right before we left. Why do I have a feeling I have a very expensive hobby in my future?