A Week in Houston

This was a Houston week, so I'm spending time with my beloved pet Gem.  Together we travel around the neighborhoods: "West U", Montrose, The MedCenter, Downtown, Museum and Theatre Districts and all the other areas to run errands, eat great food and see the interesting sites.  I love that we can walk to a ton of places or drive just a few miles to others.  I've become a Houstonian slowly but recognize that distinction in rooting for the Rice Owls and U of H Cougars as well as all the other teams.  I spend the weekends running, biking or walking with Gem and exploring the Menil, Herman Park, St Thomas University and Rothko Chapel and so many other areas.  

Also spent this week catching up on hobbies and other activities so this post is a potpourri.

I don't go to the movies often but I went to see "When the Game Stands Tall" since football season is upon us (and I decided not to play Fantasy Football this year) so thought it would be a good way to get in the spirit.  LOVED this movie.  Corporations could take a lesson in team building. 

Jury Duty. Every time I receive the summons in the mail I cringe but with an attorney, & soon to be 2, (I heart Gina) in the family I'm considering this civic duty in a more positive light.  Luckily after 1/2 day I was released with no further obligation. 

Reading: "The Art of Possibility" by Ben and Roz Zander.  I like this book for several reasons but one of them is that Ben is also the conductor of the Boston Philharmonic Symphony so it's a good combo (music and reading).  I also ran across a verse this week by James Agee (1909 - 1955), written in 1934 called "Sure On This Shining Night".  The  lines of the verse are about Need, Hope and Despair (it was depression era) and it sounds tragic, but really it's beautiful.  I was initially attracted to it because it's part of a larger poem called Permit Me Voyage which appealed to my 'travelinghoustonian' instinct.  But after hearing the verse put to music it's even more utterly amazing.  My favorite line is "Hearts all whole" which I believe references that there is goodness, and about not being alone.  So I will encourage you to check out composer Morten Lauridsen - the version I like is from the Conspirare Singers recorded for PBS at Long Center for the Performing Arts in Austin, TX in 2008.  http://vimeo.com/68780967

And to close out this week it's Labor Day Weekend.  I'll say it's been nice to keep my feet on the ground for a few days and soak in some of the last days of summer.  And here is to wishing my one and only great niece Vivian Marie Schleutker a very happy 4th birthday.  She's already a shining star.