Oh boy! News and Ideas for a Super Spring!

One of my subscribers called me within minutes of when I published this month's newsletter. She had gotten to the article about how clutter makes your butt bigger and could not quit laughing. She thought it was so funny because she had just seen a photo of herself from behind and wondered how her rear end had gotten so large.

This friend has valiantly battled her clutter since I met her. She has brought in help, had garage sales, and still constantly battles the bulge of stuff that is gaining on her. She is now doing an experiment to see if a solid six weeks of clutter clearing will reduce the size of her butt. Stay tuned. She's keeping records. I'll let you know what she discovers.

I do know that it worked for me. Every time I fold my clothes I look at the size of the spread of the rear end of my jeans and I am truly amazed. Little butt!! Really. It makes me very happy.

The clutter clearing took me years though, so if you're about to embark on the same experiment, be patient with yourself. It's like learning to walk again - baby steps. Or learning to dance - you've got to start somewhere. The more you do, the better you get. But you can't quit practicing.

It's a process rather than a place. Celebrate each drawer, each shelf, each load of stuff you take to Goodwill - bribery works. I particularly like getting a new outfit to reward myself because I can see myself in the three way mirror in the dressing room and see how good I'm looking. Losing the weight of all the stuff you've been hiding behind looks really good in the mirror. Ask anyone who follows you up a flight of stairs.

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TC Bank- Dream Rangers

I just watched this commercial, sitting entranced, intrigued, and then overwhelmed with the sense of joy that comes from living a dream. I invite you to watch it, enjoy it, then, in joy - share it with everyone you care about.

Coolidge Competition or Copycat?

I was driving down the street the other day and noticed this black cat about to cross the Dunlavy bridge over the Southwest Freeway. As a woman who has owned many black cats, I was concerned for its safety. It was scary for me to walk across that bridge with all that traffic and energy roaring beneath me! But as I got closer I realized this was no black cat! This was ART!!



Oh boy!! More random art! And it's so cute. Hmm - and whimsical. Am I recognizing a new piece of Coolidge's art? Is it in progress or is it done? I have checked and there is no cat on the bridges at Montrose or Mandell. I haven't gotten down to the Woodhead or Hazard bridges yet to see if there are other images of the cat moving further across or perhaps with kittens following. There is no signature so perhaps it isn't finished.

Updates to come!

Getting Ready for Spring

In preparation for the Spring Equinox, it is time to begin your spring cleaning. Learn several unusual details you'll want to attend to, including using salt at all your entrances, clearing your crystals, and renewing your intentions for your Nine Star Blessings. I hope you'll post your comments and let me know if you'd like more.

Coolidge Strikes Again

Coolidge never rests, much to my delight. My daughter has pointed out to me that his art is spray-painted! Now I have an even greater admiration for the nuances of his precious contributions that enhance my world.

I cannot imagine how fast he must be to do this and not get caught, but I really like the sheer playfulness and fun of his style. Thanks for the encore, Coolidge. May we have some more, please.

; )

Houston's Halo

There is a building in downtown Houston that has a halo. I believe it is the JP Chase Morgan Tower. There is copy online saying it is the tallest building in Houston and the tallest in Texas. Designed by I.M. Pei & Partners, this 5-sided building is delightfully topped with a halo.

I currently live just west of downtown and my bedroom window overlooks the city. I've been here for over two years and have just begun noticing this halo about November of 2010. It might have been there before and I just didn't "see" it, but I'm seeing it now. The first time I saw it, the halo was all white. A strong steady white ring around the top of the building that shone all night long. The halo only comes on as the sun sets and goes off as the sun rises.

One morning I woke up and looked out the window to see the halo in red and blue. Hmmm, I thought. Wonder what this means? Maybe it was for the New Year celebration. Another time I woke up and opened my eyes in the middle of the night to see the halo flashing all kinds of colors, one after another. Wow - what a light show. Does anyone else know this is going on up there at night?

I don't know who created this art in light, but whoever you are - thanks! This is way cool. On so many levels, this halo and changing color effect is pulsing power into our city. I even took a little video so you can see the halo changing colors. If you know who did this, who made this, whose idea this was, or anything about those responsible for it, please let me know. I'd love to hear their story about Houston's Halo.

Random Acts of Art near the Heart of Houston

First I thought there was a dog by itself - no leash, no owner, and about to step out onto Washington Avenue's 5 lanes of traffic. Then I realized it was actually a drawing. A wall mural. After driving by this little dog several times and admiring how clever the artist was to do such a cool thing, I began to spot other pieces of art.



My next serendipity was the soldier. This photo is taken through a chain link fence. The art is full of emotion so I know the artist has a connection to someone serving in the Middle East. The artwork stands guard facing southeast towards downtown at the corner of Sawyer/Taylor and Washington Avenue. He is never off duty from his watch. It warms my heart with reassurance every time I drive by him. I'm not certain he was done by the same artist as the soldier art isn't signed. It seems to be a different sort of work, but I found them the same day, so I wonder if they are from the same artist.



When the tiny Tyrannosaurus Rex appeared I was so charmed I made myself put my camera in my car. It took me a few days to get myself back over to Sawyer Street, but I captured that T-Rex even though I blocked traffic (3 18-wheelers and a couple of sedans) for just long enough to snap the shot.

Each work of art's position is integral to the realism of the art. The dog looks like he is standing on the sidewalk. The soldier on one knee is staged to be on guard. The dinosaur is running like the raptor that he is, probably after rats at this size, but just so full of life and energy! All three of these random acts of art appear to be done by the same artist: COOLIDGE.

Whoever you are, COOLIDGE, I want to you to know three things: 1) I noticed; 2) I love 'em; and 3) please keep it up. Now I'm always on the lookout for your gifts. I can't tell you how big my grin is, but every time I discover your art, I smile from ear to ear.



Finally, I see that someone else has noticed your work and is following your lead. Knave seems to be angry, however. Dangerous. His art is threatening. Art is art, yes, but the Knave's work comes with a very large hand gun and no whimsy. So if the Knave should happen to come across this posting, I want you to consider three things: 1) you're a good artist; 2) you're getting noticed; and 3) if you please your audience they'll seek you out and ask for more.

I don't imagine the property owners appreciate these fanciful murals on the walls of their property, but I do. This part of town is undergoing a major rebirth. As it is developed, I hope there will be places set aside for artists such as these to continue sharing their random acts of art. They brighten the day of those who actually take the time to SEE what is around them.