Once in a Blue Moon

The moon turns full at 8:45 p.m. this evening. It's a blue moon, which just means that it is the second of two full moons this month. 

Just for fun you could listen to Christine Albert and Chris Gage sing "Full Moon NIght" while you read my blog! Click Here!

I subscribe to the belief that the full moon marks a time for cleansing and a time to let go of things of the past that are no longer working for us. So there ya go. The full moon happens at least once a month and therefore cleansing and letting go is a constant in our lives. I can handle that. Then there are the BIG changes and issues to clear up. I woke up this morning with a sort of a bitter sweet, heavy heart realizing that today is a day to push through my personal boundaries and breathe through one more opportunity for self improvement. Oh but wait.... It is August 20. 

Twelve years ago my father passed away August 20, 2001. I just looked at the clock and it is exactly this moment that he passed.  Five years ago my dear friend, Danny Roy Young passed away August 20, 2008. Both of them kind, friendly men. Neither of them knew a stranger. My dad's birthday was May 26 and Danny Roy's was May 29. I met people at my dad's funeral that said they never would have made it without his encouragement and help. He took care of every stray cat and fatherless child that he encountered. Everyone at Danny Roy's funeral raised their hand when asked by the preacher "Who thinks you were Danny Roy's best friend?" 

Click here for more photos of Danny Roy Young

My dad was a good one, that doesn't mean I don't have issues but I won't bore you with our family dynamics. As Oprah says "Forgiveness is giving up the hope that the past could've been any different." It is what it is. My point being is that tonight is a full moon and sometimes the power of a full moon night and some candles helps me to push through some old stuff that I have been holding onto. My father issues are at the top of my personal list. And man wouldn't Danny Roy be upset by what has happened on South Lamar. I keep reminding myself that change is good but really, why did they have to build condos on top of the Broken Spoke? That was the last place I danced with my dad to the music of Don Walser.

I have spent my day in my studio creating, mediating, painting and breathing through all the thoughts going through my head. Lots of letting go, forgiving. It's all good.....and speaking of BIG CHANGES,  today is my grandson's first day of first grade. Change is a wonderful thing. One day this little man will be going off to college and he will look back on this day as one big step forward in his life. I love my life and I am grateful for this full moon night.

Dylan's Summer Vacation in Dallas

My dear friend Danny Roy Young used to say that if he'd known being a grandfather was going to be so much fun, he would have done that first. I have to agree. My adorable 16 yr old grandson Dylan went to Dallas this week to hang out. The biggest draw was a ticket to go to the Ranger's game with Richard. It has been a blast. He took 30 photos at the game. I think he loved it!

It was a first time experiment with the MegaBus and there was definitely a learning curve observed by all. You have to purchase your tickets online because there is no bus station. In most cities there are tents set up on a street corner. In Dallas, the Dart Transfer Center on Olive Street downtown is used. If you purchase your ticket early, you can get it for as little as a dollar, full price is $25. The buses are nice, double decker with WiFi. Again, no bus stations so bring food and drinks with you and tag you luggage before you leave home. 

So the night after the Ranger's game, Kathy came by and we went to Torchy's Tacos and then for a late night ride around Dallas. She showed us all the buildings and places that meant something to her in her childhood as well as the new stuff in Dallas. What fun! 

Yesterday we spent the day at the Arboretum, walking around in the 102 degree heat.... it was lovely. Absolutely the most amazing gardens I have ever seen, however I think that maybe a stroll around the gardens in October might be a little more pleasant. We cooled down with a smoothie that was more like a slushy.... nice! 

It has been a fun summer vacation. We made lots of memories. We had Hypnotic Donuts, went to White Rock Lake, Dylan and Richard saw a Ranger's game, Dylan ate sushi twice, we made our obligatory trip to several athletic stores to find the perfect Ranger's jersey, we ate Torchy's Tacos, we drove around Dallas at night, we spent 3 hours walking around the Arboretum in the 104 degree weather looking at flowers, took a trip to the Army Store and a LONG Saturday afternoon drive by the location where "Gas Monkey" is filmed.... and fun was had by all making memories.