Speaking of Pictures

I was going to post a few photographs I took, but I think they got deleted accidentally. Bummer, they were nice. I need to get out and start taking some new ones!

Today...

Today might be a repeat of yesterday, almost.

My friend Windy came over yesterday and we spent the early afternoon poolside with a cooler full of Tecate. The sun was out enough, and we had the perfect opportunity to talk and do some much needed catching up.

After a couple of hours we decided we had to have a Sonic Snicker's Blast, and packed up the pool stuff and left. While we were at Sonic the thunderstorm started with intermittent big fat rain drops splatting on my very cracked windshield. I had visions of big fat hail stones finally finishing what they started a few weeks ago, and my windshield getting shattered while I'm at the Sonic drive through. Ha.

Fortunately that vision didn't manifest. So we got our stuff and went back to the apt. It's pouring rain. The sun is gone for the day. We had only been home a couple of minutes when the phone rang. It was Gilbert. He and his boys were at the sprinkler park not far from me and he asked if they could come by. Of course the more the merrier!

So we spent the rest of the day watching the rain, talking, watching movies, etc... Then Russell dropped off Ben and the kids played games, etc...It was a great day.

Today the sun didn't come out, and we did not go out to play. But I'm content. Gilbert left the boys with me for a sleep over and he went out with friends. Now as I write this, I'm being treated to breakfast. Gilbert is cooking! We're having bacon, eggs, hashbrowns, biscuits, tortillas, and orange juice. Oh and he brought me a latte which I'm currently sipping on. :)

I doubt the sun will be out, so we'll end up just hanging out. We were supposed to camp this weekend but bailed due to the crowds. Good thing, we would have been rained out. This is the second time now we've had to cancel camping. I'm hopeful that we'll get a chance soon to take the boys out. They love to camp too! :)

Cheers to all my friends.

Tomorrow is our pool side bbq. It will be a lot of fun with many friends invited. Hopefully I will get pictures!

Good Times for Sure...

This is in my friends garage/music studio/hang out. A couple of weeks ago my friend Jamie came into town and had a party at her friend Kelly's place. We had a great time. I never did get a shot of people jamming...I was too distracted.

This is Jamie. She is a very good friend of mine. Jamie has been playing guitar and writing songs her whole life. She can play the drums too.

This weekend I am going to hang out by the pool with other friends and we plan on cooking out. I will take some pictures of the festivities, the pool, etc...

Cheers for now!

Making Friends Poolside

I like the apartment complex I live in. I have been taking Ben to the pool now that the weather is good for swimming and I've met about 10-15 people who are regulars at the pool. There is a good community here and these people are fun to hang out with and talk to while we hang poolside.

It's never been difficult for me to make friends and I feel more at home than ever here at "The Ranch". Some of the people who live here have been here for years and they all know each other. I have more community here than I ever did in the old neighborhood! And not only is there community here for me, it's here for Ben too. He has a TON of kids his age to play with and has been having a total blast coming home and heading to the pool after a long day of school for him, work for me, etc...it's become our routine.

I'm hopeful that now Ben lives with easy access to a pool, he will learn how to swim this summer. We'll see how it goes. :)

I was gonna go camping this weekend but I ended up getting sick today at work and had to come home. I'm still feeling crappy but hopefully will feel like doing something tomorrow. We'll see.

Pajama Party with Kimberly

Last night I went to Maryann's place for an intimate gathering of folks to listen to Kimberly's new cd release "Sleep" with Kimberly and good friends. It was a magical evening. Candles were lit everywhere and Kimberly's new cd is incredible.

She told us all about the songs and why they were written and the stories behind them. It was very moving. This girl has had some tragedy in her life and her new album is reflective of that when you know the stories. But even amongst the melancholy there is incredibly beautiful music and then there's Kim's god like voice of course.

After the cd was over we had a lovely time lying about in the living room floor on blankets and pillows talking about stuff. We also got to hear some of Kimberly's new music that she and Jason are working on. Let me tell you, there is some fantastic stuff in store for the fans. Jason is quite the talent himself and I'm anxious to get my hands on the music he is working on as well.

Here is a picture Dave took of me and Maryann last night. I didn't take any photos...I just hung out and enjoyed the company and soaked it all in. I do have a lot of photos to post soon though...

Senior's 44th Birthday

Senior is Elliott's dad. We call him Senior because he is also named Elliott. Usually we call Elliott EO, short for Elliott Oliver...I don't think anyone ever calls him Jr. The birthday party was a lot of fun! We camped outside on Senior's property both Friday and Saturday night...weekend before last.

There were tales of a panther that the locals have been seeing, and Senior was telling me I might not want to go off into the woods alone to pitch camp...I did anyway. I was hoping to see a panther, but never did. Of course I take that story with a grain of salt.

Anyway, here are a couple of pictures taken at the party at Senior's place.

Senior

Senior sitting in my lap

Senior's new bird house...a present

EO
My new hammock. My sister sent this to me for my birthday. I tried it out at Senior's place during his birthday weekend. There are plenty of things to like about this hammock, but there are some things not so preferable as well.

The good news is that it's lightweight and will be perfect for hot summer camping. The bad news is it doesn't give a level sleeping surface...so a bit hard to stretch out. The good news, it makes a great chair to relax in and a great place to put stuff out of sight since it's camo. If I want to leave my camp sight for instance and go exploring, I can throw my gear in the hammock and tie it up in the trees somewhere out of sight. The bad news, it won't do for winter.

So, all in all I think it's a practical gadget for summer. 12 oz is way better than lugging a heavy 5lb tent around in the hot summer. However, I intend to save my money and buy a really well thought out and more expensive hammock sleep system that I can use year round. I will keep this one though for a partner or just to put stuff in or use as a chair.

Great Family Time

Here are the first of several pictures. These are the little girls Ben met on our camping trip. They are all sitting on a downed cypress tree...the thing is huge! Ben had a blast crawling all over it during our stay at Krause Springs.


Three not so small bumps on a log


I will be back a little later this evening to post more...

A Couple of Weekend Events

Weekend before last I went to my friend's birthday bash and camped out. I have a hammock review to post, and pictures of course from that event. Then last weekend I took my son Ben camping with me to Krause Springs. We met up with some of my friends and both Ben and I had a great time. He made some new friends at the camp out and enjoyed the camp fire. It was great watching him discover things out in nature too.

There are stories to tell with pictures. Yet I'm pressed for time right now, and regretably so. I would love to post the photos now...but you know the drill. :)

My Car from Hell

Ugh I'm so pissed at my car. It's just a disaster...I constantly have to have it fixed. Something always happens to it...either some ass hole runs into me, or I get hailed on! Windshield broken, light fixture broken out, dents all over the new hood I just bought, ARGGGGGGGHHHHH what the hell universe? I need this car to run somewhat peacefully for the next year at least while I try to save money for a good used car.

I'm not sure what the problem is this time, but it over heated and is being looked at now by a friend of mine who is a mechanic. Shade tree mechanic...if you've got a good one, they are worth their weight in gold because they have very flexible hours. Ah, speaking of...my car is back!
Now THAT is service! I didn't have to lift a finger. I called my mechanic and said "I have a car 911 I need you", and he came right away to get the car, took it away to fix it, and then brought it back. Done in three hours. WOW! If anyone wants his name and number please do let me know...

...Ok, so it turns out that the wreck cracked the radiator and the thermostat was messed up too. Lucky thing though, he said the engine does not appear to have suffered. Woo hoo good news! Total dollars spent...350 smackaroos. I hope this is it with bad car luck for a while.

Other than that bit of misfortune, I am doing well and looking forward to the weekend camping. I plan on trying out my new back packing hammock! I'm spending two...count 'em...TWO glorious nights outside starting Friday. I can't wait! I should have camping pictures up in the future to show off my hammock. SWEET!

A few of My Favorite Things

My Skull Candy Bandanna I got at SWSW...the were chunking these out a window to the crowd

My colorful rainbow of dannas

My cat Lola...she loves to play with straws

An art book and my Rembrandt oil pastels

Oil Pastels...my sister brought these to me from Germany a long time ago

Pure Pigment Pencils

Paint Brushes and Acrylic Paint

My Drum Sticks

A New Painting I'm working on...this is a close up, it's going to be lichen on a rock

Another close view...this is a large painting...acrylic on canvas

Another Painting in the Works...just a small one

Dude a Whole Month!

Hi Friends!

Wow, I'm behind. A lot has been going on for the last month...primarily work and taking care of my great kiddo. But I've managed to find time to party with friends and enjoy the things in life that make me happy.

I have a lot of pictures to post! I went to SXSW and Texas Rockfest, listened to great live music, hung out with band friends of mine, and met some way cool people. Krash Karma stayed at the house and it was cool having the chance to get to know Ralf and Niki even better. I met their newest band members Zach and Said, both talented musicians. This band kicks ass my friends...their live show always blows me away, but this last one I saw was the best show of theirs I've seen to date.

Of course I saw One Eyed Doll play several times over the past couple of weeks, once at a house party and twice downtown. Their show is always a crowd pleaser and the fan base is growing by leaps and bounds. Kimberly and PJ(Three) are a big talent that begs attention. I adore them.
They will be on tour and missed in their hometown. I'm on their street team and the only "Doll" in North Austin. I need to organize and recruit some new members to help me promote the band in this part of town...(I'm working on it Kimberly).

In other news, my good friends came over to my place to help me celebrate another birthday. I'm getting younger and younger every year! It's so awesome! Then a few days later my good pal Gilbert came over and cooked me a dinner to die for. On the menu was chili and cornbread. It was the best damn chili and cornbread I've ever put in my mouth! Gilbert is a rockin cook. I love it when a man is competent in the kitchen and can rock my tastebuds.

What else has been going on...

Well I got caught in that big ass hailstorm that swept across Texas Hill Country. I was on my way home from work, on the freeway, in traffic, when it hit. It was terrifying because the hail was HUGE! I had round chunks of solid ice as big as baseballs slamming into my car. It was extremely loud and I was scared to death my windshield would be shattered. It almost was, there are terrible cracks all over. And the body of the car took a solid beating too, looks like a baseball bat in the hands of an angry person went off on my car. I'm more determined than ever to see this car to it's death. Hope it's not too soon! I don't want a car payment. I have no coverage for hail damage *sigh*

Ok, enough chatter...it's picture time. :)

a beat up old car...from my wreck

My place...view from my bed

My sitting room

View from my kitchen

From my front door

The bathroom

Lemon Poppy Seed cake...Jerry made this...it was delicious!

Good eats...pears,blueberries, and gargonzola

Some of my friends...I love my friends. :)

Some guy in a band at Texas Rockfest. He gave me a cd, I haven't listened to it yet...

Dave, he is a talented photographer and really nice guy. He produces "Dave's TV"...lots of way cool vids of bands and stuff

Dave's wife and my friend, Maryann. She and Dave are good people.

Kimberly performs at Maryann's place. This was taken a couple of weeks back

This is Roni, she is Kimberly and Three's Street Team President. Roni is a way cool gal and quite talented herself. It was good to meet her. Maybe she can help me organize the North Austin Dolls Street Team.

PJ(Three) Kimberly's drummer. He is a freakin awesome drummer!

Kimberly's rad new boots. I love 'em!

Here she comes...

In my lap going crazy!

And there she goes...off my lap and into a back bend

Perched on the back of the couch for a moment

and down she goes, rocking her little rock and roll heart out...we all love Kimberly's show antics. Dawg she is hard to photograph...always on the move...

Maryann took this of me in her back yard during the Austin Music Award celebration she hosted for OED. Several bands played that evening...it was so much fun!

Crummy Luck!

So on the 23rd I got in a car accident and the insurance companies ruled that me and the other person were 50/50 at fault, which doesn't please me since I KNOW I wasn't at fault. Damn it! But I suppose it could be worse, they could have said it's my fault completely and then I'd really be in a pickle. But as it is now, at least half of my damages will be paid for so that is something. I'm too bogged down with stuff to fight it, so will just let it go. One of these days I'm going to buy a bright red car so people will see me! lol

Today my purse was stolen. I had almost 50.00 in cash in my purse, and of course my credit cards, driver's license, social security card, check books to two bank accounts, and my bank cards were all in it...so I've been busy trying to cover those bases. What a big friggin hassle and I'm so pissed. My purse was stolen right out from under my nose at our garage sale. I set it down for just a minute or two to assist a teen age girl, and I think her friend took the purse while I was helping her. As soon as they left, I noticed my purse was gone. GRRRRRRR

So I called the police, yadda yadda yadda... but I doubt the dirty little theives will be caught. In any case I suppose things could have been worse...I could have had a whole pay check's worth of cash in it or something. Hopefully these brats are too stupid to try identity theft, but I'll cover that base too...gonna call the soc sec. office first thing on Monday.

As for my car, it's fixable and I have a trustworthy mechanic who will do the work. I've already gotten the parts from a salvage yard. I just hope there is no engine damage but am taking it to the dealership as soon as possible to get their opinion and their estimate on the damages. Then I have to take it to the insurance company to get their appraisal. Hopefully they won't try to screw me over...well of course they will try...but I'll have the dealership estimate to come back on them with should the insurance company try to pull a stunt. Ah life is so wonderful! lol

Other than this string of bad luck over the past few days, things are going okay. I'm still loving my job and love my new apartment. :)

I think I'm going to start offering art classes soon to individuals as a way to make extra money and am looking forward to getting my art studio set up. Lot's of work to be done there, but fun work! I haven't been able to paint yet, but am getting close to being in full swing on that. My 43rd birthday is in a few days and I'm hoping to have a party this weekend. We'll see how things go.

I went backpacking with Gilbert last weekend, but we didn't get to hike the next day. One of his kids got sick and we had to cut the trip short, but none the less, it was WONDERFUL getting out in nature. We went to Colorado Bend State Park and had a really good time. There wasn't a soul around and it was incredibley peaceful. I can't wait to get back out on the trails soon.

I guess that is about all the update I have for now. To all my loyal readers, I love you and I'm sorry I haven't blogged much lately. Things are starting to settle down though and I should have more leisure time to blog. I hope all is well with all of you!

Hugs,
Ginny

About Damn Time Right?

Yum!

Pears with gargonzola cheese

Fun with Blurring

fun with spinning the camera while taking the shot

typical moving pictures...

semi moved in...

I sleep on the floor and I like it that way


more typical moving shots

taken at the old place...moving is so much fun!

This is very special glass...it comes from a place in my childhood.


Stained glass from Grandaddy's old studio. This piece used to be part of a wall in his studio.