ROUTE DU ROC

Local Natives | Who Knows Who Cares | A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY

"I have lived temperately . . . I double the doctor's recommendation
of a glass and a half of wine a day and even treble it with a friend." Thomas Jefferson

A LIGHT IN THE ATTIC

One of my favorite Johnny Cash songs written by Shel Silverstein. Enjoy and Happy Friday:

MI COCINA

So I am having a party this weekend. Others may call it having people over for dinner since there's going to be approximately 5 people (and I might be related to half of them) but I say it's going to be a party. What constitutes a good shin dig you ask? Three 3.5 lbs. lobsters on a plane to Spearman as we speak accompanied by 20lovely oysters still in their shells, pizza dough from 575 pizzeria, lit fireplaces and fire pits, good friends and a lot o vino. Once in a blue moon (or in this case full), I will order up some lobsters and deem the weekend COOK YOUR BOOTY OFF.

It sounds expensive but it's really not. Well compared to the fresh selection of seafood at Lowe's Market. And it's fun. It's fun to do it up right and cook great food paired with even better wine.

I am fortunate enough to have a dear friend who is a chef and has cooked at some really cool joints in his day.

Me: So how is the menu coming?

Chef James: Butter poached lobster with a chile butter monte. Oysters on the halfshell with a serrano mignonette and green olive aioli. Any other requests?

Me: I think you nailed it on all accounts....

Pics to follow

SOMETIMES IT'S JUST FOREVER

My stepdad is at the Capitol in Austin talking legislative banking businasssss....

My mom just left and said, "Good night. I'm going home"...

Betty is on her way to ski in Taos with her dad and could not be more excited....

I sit alone....

Several years ago my parents made an offer on a Castle that was not for sale. In fact, not for sale at all *insert offense. But now it belongs to them. It was meant to be their home. The owner of 822 knew it should be in their care. It will be their home for the rest of time. Gina has spent every waking moment of the last 48 hours making their project a place that is home. She wants B to come home to HOME. She wants nothing more than to be at home with B.

I walked in tonight and there was a tiny table set up amongst the demolition, a roast cooking and candles aglow. He will walk in tonight and never forget the effort she has made on behalf of his happiness. A bed, clean sheets, soft curtains, candlelight and a blazing fire. It is perhaps the most romantic thing I have ever encountered *insert THANK THE LAWD I NOW LIVE ALONE AT 1107.

My heart did a back flip, tears in fact. True love? The path of true love? Bumps, bruises, forgiveness, and APPRECIATION FOR ONE ANOTHER. I'm not exaggerating when I say she lit 157 tea light candles in preparation for his return *insert "It's like he's been off to war and I'm just waiting for him". Their first night together in a new home. "Doesn't it remind you of when Mary fixed up the old home for George in It's a Wonderful Life? Don't you think about the chicken cooking on the old record player? That old home that became their honeymoon?"

My parents have been on a journey, epic I would say. Breathe it all in, let it all go. They have been there.

Tonight I sit alone. My heart swelling.....knowing that it exists.

BREAK OUR HEARTS

300 DAYS OF SUNSHINE

Facebook message from Manuele Loddo:

ciao Grace i'm Manuele form sardegna,i'm friend of giulia,she tell me you want visit sardegna wow nice idea,giulia was many times in my farm...i have bed&breakfast in the south of sardegna near to the beach only 500 mt,we have a farm with 300 olivs tryes and orange ecc, http://www.bed-and-breakfast.it/pagina.cfm?ID=7014&idregione=14 one more important news is in sardinia we have in the uear 300 days with sun :) and is very intresting our story...uff if i start to speak about sardegna i finish next year ciaoo Manu

Ciao indeed.

THE NEWEST CONTRACTION

Me: Betty, you are too close to the pond.

Betty: No, I amn't (am ent).

BRILLIANT!

I FELL IN LOVE WITH BEING DEFIANT

In an attempt to save for Sardinia, I have decided not to travel until this summer. Period. None. No mas. Doneskis. Unless we can drive there or um, maybe if Betty begs to go to Galveston or..... Well, I'm cutting back. Final answer. So I canceled my trip to see this rocker chick in Austin but you can bet she'll be blarin' on the iTunes all day. Man, I love me some hippie rocker chick jams. Enjoy.

TAKE ME AWAY

Some days are long and hard. Some evenings your 3 year old acts like a crazy Choc Taw banshee and you are forced to put her to bed 20 minutes early to prevent busting her tail. Actually, some days you bust her tail AND put her to bed 20 minutes early. Some times you just want to crawl into a hot bath with matcha tea salts and a fat glass of wine. A moment of silence and relaxation. Hot bath, bubbles, let it go, lean back.......

And get JUDO CHOPPED by whichever the hell Princess Barbie this is.

MY PEEPS

About a decade ago (ok not even close but it sounded good), I sat down next to a beautiful Hungarian gypsy wearing a black bandana and the biggest diamond earrings I have ever seen. “Hi(which was probably more like word, whatup or heyooooooo). I'm Liz. "Hi(which was probably more like word, whatup or heyooooooooo). I'm Grace." And it began...


You see, with Liz aka The LizBiz aka Lizzie came the introduction to a group of girls that totally rocked my world. Candace aka Hot Candace aka The Corndog, Anne aka Annie aka Lady Lawyer, Leah aka Lolly, Elaine aka The Mean Jean Green and Jess aka Jessica aka SallingFam.


Wild, crazy, sharp, sassy, lovely. Absolutely lovely. And oh boy, did we know how to have a good time. Many a Friday afternoon spent on the Golden Light Cantina Patio cold beer in hand and many a night spent dancing in barefeet to our favorite BSATBAAGB (please see video below or pic of man in speedo below whichever you prefer). AHEM. So many memories, wood carving in Spearman, lake days, wine clubs, dinner, drinking, dancing, imaginary fiddle playing, laughing and L-I-V-I-N.IT.UP. Those days are long gone now and I think we are all glad for the most part. Well, our livers are anway.

These ladies provided me with an infinite supply of life lessons. They taught me to love myself. They loved the raw, eccentric, quirky side of me. It was the beginning of Grace being comfortable in her own skin. They taught me this country bumpkin isn't all cornbread and chicken and that I have a lot to offer this big ole world. I don’t see or talk to the clan often enough. We all have crazy busy lives but I consider them my best best friends and they are always in my thoughts. I talked to The Mean Green for two hours last night about her new book. AHEM. We talked about wind energy and her grandpa in Floydada and her kickass town in SC. We didn't miss a beat. There was a bond formed between us that we all recognize and appreciate. We meet again here and there, we catch up, we chat, we miss one another and reminisce. And we remind each other how special we are……

Lady Lawyer, Missoula, MT, Attorney/Ranch Hand: Lovely, bold, dreamy, enchanting and smarter than hell.

The Mean Green, Columbia, SC, Author/Pilates Instructor: Wise, independent, fearless and smarter than hell. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_31?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=the+adventures+of+abigale+green&sprefix=the+adventures+of+abigale+green

Lolly, Tyler, TX, Foam Sales/Mommy-to-Be: Spiritual, supportive, profound, astute and smarter than hell.

The LizBiz, Galveston, TX, Marketing/Writer: Strong, unforgettable, passionate and smarter than hell. www.iheartgalveston.blogspot.com

Corndog, Austin, TX, Photographer/World Traveler: Hilarious, beautiful, kind, caring and smarter than hell. www.creativeammo.com

Jess, Amarillo, TX, BEST.MOM.EVER.: Religious, inspiring, selfless and smarter than hell. www.sallingfam.blogspot.com

Talented, wonderful, brilliant, game changers. Each one of these women have made an impact in my life and make this world a better place each and every day!

JOHN MAYER WHO?

LOOK AT THE STARS. LOOK HOW THEY SHINE FOR YOU.

http://www.agweb.com/multimedia/high-plains-success-story/

I have typed and erased a million things that could potentially screw up the awesomeness of this video. Nothing needs to be said except I am honored to know this family. I am honored to have known Adam and I am honored to be Becca's best friend. They are all the most wonderful stars I have ever encountered.

LIFE'S A GARDEN. DIG IT.

I have had the overwhelming urge to write lately. I feel moonbeams shooting out of my fingertips. I think, for the most part, the rough waters of project transition have subsided and it is time to embark on a new journey or maybe it is time to conquer being still. I feel something wonderful waiting around the corner or perhaps I am already living it and just beginning to recognize its presence. Perhaps, I have found peace or it has somehow found me.

Many days, I close my eyes and envision myself in a sun dress walking through my herb garden, Betty following closely behind picking flowers. I let her smell the rosemary on my hands and we sit under the big oak. We plant. We grow. We feel warm sunshine on our necks. We wash. We cook. We read. We sleep. Betty and me. I know it sounds dreamy and perhaps too simplistic but these thoughts have been drifting around in my head for months now. They are kites waiting for a string. I feel my dreams becoming a reality. I feel myself taking these tiny seeds of thought and planting them firmly in the ground of our life. I feel a new beginning in store.

It’s as if one day I finally woke from a deep slumber and said to myself, “Self, you can BE more than you ever thought possible. You have endured and there is a fantastic life before you. BE a haven for Betty. Self, it is time to begin again.”

Betty has a house with a Koi pond and a garden; a house with a pink room and a princess bed. She is a very happy, well-adjusted 3 year old and I am constantly amazed by her resilience and contagious spirit. She laughs and pretends and loves and dances and holds my hand.

I have a wood burning pizza oven and a new kitchen window. I have a turquoise front door which will soon be yellow. I am the owner of a strong spirit and repaired core. I feel so incredibly blessed and happy to live my life. I feel that each and every day is a gift.

So on this cold winter day, I remind you to wonder what waits around you soul’s corner. What winds will fill the sails of new voyage? I urge you to enjoy the new buds of spring and invite you to plant a seed and help it grow.

To my tiny seedling, I love you more than you will ever know.

FELIZ CUMPLEANOS CARLOS!

On this day 27 years ago, a wrinkle faced baby boy was thrust into this earth and didn’t seem to be one bit happy about it.

I will never forget holding him for the first time. I will never forget how much he resembled a little old man, his brow crinkled and face puckered post-lemon style.

Since that day my brother has become my very best friend. Each and every day, I am inspired by him and in awe of his compassion and generosity. He touches those around him in such a profound way. He gives and gives and gives a little more. He is kind and caring and listens with an open heart.

It is a rare occurence in this world to find a person of the heart; a person in tune with his sensitive side and unscathed by ego or selfishness. He has taught my sister and me a deeper meaning of love and how to be proud of each other. I can only hope that someday Betty finds someone so good, so protective of other’s feelings, and so incredibly endearing.

I chose this picture because it is here he is the happiest. He has always been at ease and good with the world on a beach or in a tree. He adores a dip in the ocean or flying through clouds in the sky. He has a deep appreciation for nature and all that she has to offer and loves nothing more than to have his toes in the sand.

Happy Birthday to my baby brother! You are one helluva guy.

HONEY