Has it really been 4 whole years? My how time flies. The RoadBroads Blog is actually 4 years old. Wow! No wonder I am feeling older all the time.
This project started out as a writing diversion for a couple of writers who were headed for Boulder, Colorado. That’s where Max Reagan lives and that’s where he used to always hold his June Writing Intensives in person. In 2018 a group of Houston writers made the trip out west. This was my first time to stay in an Air B&B. We would enjoy group meetings in the Boulder Bookstore. Post COVID I understand that this establishment is still going strong. Just like I have attempted to support local bookstores here in Houston during times of lockdown, the people of Colorado have supported their bookstore as well. I can’t wait until the day when I can see it in person again.
In 2018 when it came time to have one-on-one meetings with Max, we always met at the Dushanbe Tea House. Whether we sat inside or outside, this was the most relaxing place full of wonderful teas and good food. Of course in Boulder, unlike Houston, it was very comfortable to sit outside and have a meeting during the middle of the day. Good times. Last I heard, this restaurant is also still open like the bookstore.
It seemed like that wherever I was in Boulder, I could always look up and see the flatirons. I saw other mountains as well, but I had no idea what their names were.
Strolling on the Pearl Street Mall was always an interesting excursion. On the weekends there would be street performers that always drew a crowd. Back in 2018 there was no need for social distancing or masks. I understand that Pearl Street is coming back. I hope it continues. Again in Boulder, unlike Houston, one can walk around during the day without risking heat exhaustion.
We enjoyed writing for this blog so much that we continued with it after returning back to Houston. In 2020 writing a blog about road trips became quite tricky during lockdown. That’s when I started writing about the Pandemic Road.
Four years ago, I was so proud of myself for learning how to write and produce a blog. Now I have also added zooming to my technical repertoire. That is how I am attending this year’s June Writing Intensives. The first one begins this Friday. I’ll catch up with you in two weeks to let you know how it is going.
Happy Birthday to RoadBroads!
Also many thanks to everyone who has worked with this endeavor and helped to make it a success!
Until next time.…..
Last Saturday I spent a good bit of time outside, which was surprising since the weather has turned quite warm. However, I met up with some of my WiVLA (Women in the Visual and Literary Arts) sisters in the pavilion located at Smither Park on Munger Street. This park is an ongoing living, breathing and growing art installation. WiVLA has been working on a design for a small part of the wall. We hope to design in the summer and actually create it in the fall (hopefully with cooler temperatures). All materials used in the creation of artistic pieces in this Park are made with recycled and found materials.
There are also 3‑D and life sized pieces of art to enjoy. Rumor has it if you sit down at this table, the nice couple will actually talk to you while you enjoy a refreshing beverage. While we were there enjoying the scenery, a couple of artists were working on some on-going projects. I can’t wait to see what WiVLA comes up with for their section of the wall. In the warehouse next to Smither Park, I think I saw some folks working on an Art Car for next year’s Art Car Parade. So much color and so much creativity.
I even managed to get a selfie of sorts while I studied my reflection in a large mirror. This is located in a second pavilion where music plays and if you stand in the right spot you can hear echos. How do I look? I feel quite Picassoesque. If you look closely you can actually see my feet and maybe a hand. My face is there somewhere. See if you can find it.
Spare time? Does that even actually exist? My schedule is of my own making so I suppose I need to take responsibility and make some spare time for myself. Now, where can I squeeze some out?
In the middle of all of the sad, depressing and aggravating news that is floating around the internet and air waves, I have one piece of really good news. In August of 2021 I ordered a Witch’s Hand Candle Holder that was sure to arrive in time for Halloween. Pandemic was still going strong and I needed a good Witch’s Hand to cheer me up. I ordered it through Amazon. There were many stories about supply chains and shortages. Who knew all that would disrupt my Halloween happiness? It never arrived. Amazon closed the order. I was bereft and forlorn.
In addition to this wonderful arrival today, I also went for a brief tour of downtown Houston. It was interesting in some parts and sad in other parts. I walked past all of the restaurants I used to enjoy when grabbing a quick meal before the Ballet or a play at the Alley. I’m still live streaming many performances so dinner is now dependent on my kitchen and my cooking skills. Ugh.
I also spent some time walking around the Market Square section of downtown Houston. It is a very historic section,. Many of the original buildings still stand, but have been repurposed several times. Many of these buildings are known to be haunted and I love to research those stories. Since I am working on a story that involves Market Square and ghosts, I am particularly interested in which buildings are still original and which ones floated away during the big flood in 1935. The Majestic used to be a popular movie theater back in the day. Now it is event space up for rent. It might have been called The Ritz once upon a time.
There are several spots where you can see a blending of the old and new buildings. I hope some of the older buildings stay even if they get renovated and change owners several times. It’s the older buildings that are the most haunted. If all of the old buildings get torn down, where will the ghosts have to go? Maybe they’ll come and visit me for Halloween.
It is fun to work with the kids and to see how they begin to integrate the skills and lessons you’ve taught them into thier writing pieces. One thing that frustrates me is having the selected sample for the anthology be less than a page long, including whatever artwork the student wishes to have go with their piece. If the goal is to get students to write and to write more abundantly, limiting the showcase piece to a single page feels counterproductive.
The downside to all this is that the books get longer and harder to compile. Plus, the celebration of its publication lacks the cool element of the kids signing each other’s copies on the pages where their work appears. You know like a real writer giving out autographs.
Question: What kind of Texas blogger would I be if I did not include an annual picture of some Bluebonnets. Forget budding trees and warmer temperatures. It is the blooming of the Bluebonnets that hearkens the official arrival of spring.
This year, while strolling the Arboretum, I found a most unusual sign. No, I don’t consider it a sign from the Universe, but an interesting sign to be sure. In case you can’t read this, it says, “We Are Using Prescribed Fire To Manage This Landscape”. I have never seen this sign before during all of my nature strolls in this lush landscape. I have to admit it was a lot cuter when they brought in goats to trim some of the wild growth around the area. Goats draw crowds of walkers, hikers, and families. Fire is not so cute, but apparently necessary. I only worry that this is a sign that Houston is flirting with drought conditions and we are preparing for possible wild fires within city limits. My, what interesting times we live in here in 2022.
To calm my worries and anxieties, I went to my new favorite coffee and tea spot. It’s called 7 Leaves and it’s located in the strip near the corner of Richmond and Weslayan across from the Costco. This delightful beverage is a large Sea Foam Black Coffee with an added shot of espresso. Yum! They also serve Vietnamese coffee, Thai green tea and macaroons. Every table is close to an outlet so all of the students and young professionals can plug in their laptops or tablets or whatever. At this point I have been going there a couple of times a week. Service is great, staff are friendly and java is delicious. What more could I ask for?
This is the eye chart that is hanging on the wall. It definitely spells out the vibe of the establishment. Why don’t you go to 7 Leaves and let me know what you think?
My first pet was a a Netherland dwarf bunny. Her name was Georgina (for those who might try to use this information to hack me: I never use my pets names in passwords. Foiled you!), and she was absolutely adorable. I bought the best crate so she wouldn’t have her feet on wire all the time and could still poop to her hearts content. At the time, we lived in Meyerland and had a home with a beautiful atrium that was fully enclosed. We would let her loose in there to run and enjoy. Sometimes we would watch her pirouette.
Eventually, I got a dog. I always wanted a dog, but my mom was scared of them so we were not allowed to have them growing up. Arwen Undomniel was my first dog. I found her at the 
Later, I got my now, ex, husband Grace. She was a pure-bred German Shepherd and absolutely gorgeous. A bit of a dumb blonde, Grace often got scared of her own shadow, but she was a sweet girl. Some time towards the end of my marriage, we adopted Merlin, a Great Dane/Lab/Bloodhound/Possibly other mix boy. He has been a fun dog to have because of his sweet personality and energy.
Thanks for reading about my pets. Share with me your pets on my author Facebook page:
As I walked around my neighborhood the other day, I was struck by one of the very first signs of spring, besides enjoying all of the wonderful pollen in the air. There is a certain tree that, when the time and temperature is right it becomes a home for hobbits and fairies. During the warm months the little town grows, includes bridges and water features, and any number of the little magical creatures. Since several of my short stories of late have involved Leprechauns, butterflies, fairies and such, I always find this tree as a small stop along my walk that provides inspiration. Soon, I will put aside all of the short stories and get back to a much longer story that involves many grim reapers, ghosts and things that go bump in the night.
Several days later, I walked around Hermann Park. This is another location where there are many signs of spring renewal. Although there are also a lot of signs telling me what I can or can’t do wherever there is grass. For starters there is a big hill next to Miller Theater where folks can attend musicals and shows while sitting on the hill side. During the day when there isn’t a performance, the hill is just a nice place to sit, relax and enjoy your time in the great outdoors.
Finally, I am making small movements back towards the wonderful fine arts offerings in this city. I am still enjoying the Houston Symphony via a live stream. That is also how I am enjoying some of the plays at the Alley Theater. Last week, I actually ventured out in person to see the latest production at Stages. The play was held in a small theater on a Wednesday evening (smaller crowds than weekend nights) and when I purchased the tickets, I talked to the nice gentleman about getting seats that were socially distanced. I still wore my mask and noticed that about half of the audience members wore them. Even though I am vaccinated and boosted, I still prefer to wear masks anytime I am indoors and wish other folks felt the same. Oh well. The play was great and I recommend it to everyone. I believe this is the last weekend it will be showing.
