I Need Lucy

It's been a ridiculously tough week. And it's only Tuesday. If we're Facebook friends, you seen my post. About marriage. Yes, I contemplated marriage. So I could run away, from all of this. But we all know, that won't solve anything. Let's just say, it's a good thing, this man, is in Espana right now. :)

So to cheer myself up, I decided to watch a few YouTube videos tonight. More specifically, I Love Lucy. She's my favorite! This is one of my favorite episodes. And it makes me laugh every single time. I hope you enjoy it too!



So what do you do when you're having a bad week. Or when you are just feeling "down in the dumps." I watch YouTube videos, bake yummy cupcakes, and paint my nails. Anything to feel good again. Hopefully, it works tonight. ♫

Mean

It's been 18 months...

He tells people all the good things. Tries to act like "the good guy." But he's not. And there are some people, that can see through it. They call me and ask me. I'm truthful. If you want to know, just ask. I'll tell you.



This song, the moment I heard it, reminded me of him. Because he's mean. Cruel at times. I know. I've experienced it. He knows the most hurtful things to say. And just when to say them.

But like the song says, one day, I'll be doing better. Living a better life. And where will he be? You know, there are already so many people, that don't want to be around him. He's going to be all alone.

It's sad. A person like this can damage so many lives. Hurt so many people. Be so deceitful. Can literally ruin a family. But I won't let him ruin me. I'll prove to him, that I'm a better person. I will make more of my life.

It's horrible to have to feel this way. And to know the real reason. But I can't change it. He doesn't give me reasons to change it. All I can do is, pray. And let God take care of it.

I guess the craziest part is, he wants to go to my house. Yes, my house! Really?!?!?! Because that will never, ever happen. Not when I know the truth. When I know that he sent an ex-con my way. Trying to intimidate me. It didn't work.

But one day, people will know the truth. They'll know the kind of person that he is. The kind of things that he does. They will know the facts. All I really know is, I'm not going to let him get me down. Not for one more day. I'm stronger than this. And I will prove that much. ♫

It's That Time...

You know. It's Summer! And it's time for lots of fun. Long and lazy evenings...with your best friends. The deep belly laughing, that you only do with those few people. Summer nights filled with yummy treats, great music, and the silliest of evenings. Yes, it's that time of year! When I know I'm blessed, with the best friends you can find.

Tonight, I look forward to yummy s'mores. Gooey and warm chocolate, with toasty marshmallows. One or ten...of the best tacos on Earth! And of course, lots of silly laughs. Maybe even A, trying to be a monster. Chasing the ninitos around the yard. Like only their Tio can. He really is the best monster of the group. ;)

Yes, this just might be, my favorite time of year! I feel just like a 5 year old child, on Christmas morning. Because, I get to have dinner at my Compadres' home. And spend a few wonderful hours, with my amigos. We might just add in some music...afterall, we are mariachis! Happy Summer! ♫

Summer Dreaming

It's only 7AM here, and it's a million degrees outside! Yes, this weather is just nuts! And it makes me dream of wonderful things. Like places I could be. Or lovely things, that I want for my home.



Like this yummy summer hideaway. Doesn't it just look amazing? Simple. Elegant. And beautiful. I'm just dreaming of this peaceful setting. A good book, a soft breeze, and a yummy cold drink will make it just magical!

I wish that I could make it a possibility. And that I had the time to leisurely read my favorite books. Wouldn't that be the life? The endless possibilities, of my dreams. Happy Sunday! ♫

Happy Father's Day

This song, since I was an itty bitty girl, reminded me of my Daddy. I used to sing it to my Dad. All those years ago. I remember my Mom buying me the tape, with this song. And I played it over and over. Years later, this would become my favorite song, to sing in the band.

Even way back then, I knew I had a very special Daddy. A Daddy who loved me so very much. That he would do anything for me. Which included all those Barbies, violin lessons, and school trips. But part of my Dad's love, it also included lots of discipline. I'll be the first one to tell you, I'm so grateful for that. At the time, I was scarred of the paddle. I knew when I was in trouble. I knew that I was in for it. But it made me a better person.

As a small child, I also learned the lessons of hard work. Not many kids learn this, as early as I did. Walking up at 4AM to go to Auntie C's house, or Daycare. Seeing my parents work hard. Watching my Dad's literally bleed from hard work. All the hours and hours, that he put into supporting our family. I'll never forget that.

I can tell you so many stories about my Dad. Fun adventures. Even silly things like buying 3 cases of tomato sauce...when my Mom sent us for a can. 1 can! Or distracting another customer at Wal-Mart, so I could get a few packs of notebook paper, from their basket. Come on, they had 2 cases. I just needed 2 packs. :)

Not everything about our relationship has been easy. But I'm grateful for it. I'm so thankful to God, that he gave me my Daddy. The man that loves me. Just because I'm me. Not for any special reasons. I've always known that he loves me and my Mom. And I'm so thankful that as an adult, I'm so much closer to my parents.

I've been so lucky. I've had parents that have seriously supported me. With everything that I've set out to accomplish. Whether it has been moral support for school, or encouragement for my music. I've been lucky. What other Dad, would sit and listen to their daughter, crying on the phone, at 3AM? Not many. But my Dad has been so supportive. Giving me wisdom. Offering advice. Even when I didn't particularly want it...or feel like I needed it.

This year, it's been tough. The last 6 months, they've really tested us. In so many ways. But I'm so thankful to God, for giving me my Dad. For allowing me to be here, when he's needed me the most. And whatever it is, I'll be there for my parents. I owe them so much.

Just 6 months ago, I was pleading with God. Asking for just a little more time. More time with my Daddy. I know that unlike many people, I won't have my Daddy for a long time. He's older than most. But every precious moment that God gives us, I'm so grateful for.

I think about it often. What am I going to do without my Daddy? I'm not sure. But I do know this much, he's given me so much. So much to comfort me, when I need it. Knowledge that will lead me, when he is no longer with me. Love that will always be in my heart.

There are certain things that I wish for. I wish that one day, my Daddy will give me away. That he'll know, I've found a good man, to share my life with. I'd be over the moon, to share my kids with my Daddy. To see the joy that his grandchildren could bring him.

I could go on and on. But more than anything, I want to celebrate, honor, and love my Daddy today. I want him to know, God couldn't have given me a better Dad. My Dad is not just my Dad. He's my best friend. I just hope that he has many more years of love, happiness, and health ahead of him. Happy Father's Day Sunshine! Love, Your Morning Glory! ♫

Being a Girl...

I'm working at the Ranch today. All day. We're really getting swamped. You know, with all the paperwork. All the guys will be traveling again...soon...really soon. So I'm buried in work. Trying to get all the files in order.

And whenever I work at the Ranch, especially doing this kind of stuff, I really just want to go in sweats. Honestly. Hair in a bun. No makeup. Probably because I work in my office, rarely go out, and oh ya, there are at least 200 rough and tough cowboys around.

Especially now. When we're in the middle of a triple digit heatwave. All I want to do, is stay home. Maybe put on some shorts. Forget about hair and makeup. And nice clothes...ugh! But this video has inspired me...



So as to not scare off all the guys at the Ranch, or my boss for that matter, I'm trying to be a girl. That includes a shower, with yummy smelling body wash. I even straightened my hair today. And I may or may not have tried this makeup look. Oh ya, I'm also wearing a dress. Don't tell the guys, it's just easier than jeans and a nice top. Happy Thursday! ♫

Lesson Learned

When I was 16, and a junior in high school, I signed up for a music class. It sounded wonderful! I'd have 3 electives, 2 of which were music classes! This class was supposed to be about ear training, writing music, and learning about music history.

In all reality, we just watched a lot of movies. With really good music. For 90% of the time. But we always knew 1 thing, we'd have to write a song for our final exam. We were told this in August. And we'd have to perform this song, or have someone else perform it for us, in May.

I don't think many of us thought about it. At least until January. It was always at the back of my mind. But I rather enjoyed it, way back there. Then 2 days before our recital, I realized, I had no song.

Yes, I had waited all that time. Not without a plan. Because there was a piece that I was working on. In my violin lessons. I didn't like that song. And I would always make up my own music, on page 3, 10 bars in. My teacher wasn't too thrilled about that. But it got me through my lessons. And eventually, I was given a different piece to learn.

That was the melody I'd use. As inspiration. The one I had made up at bar 10. The one I always got in trouble for. Honestly, I never put pencil to paper. Never had a better plan than that. Didn't practice. Wasn't worried. In the end, it all worked out beautifully. The song was amazing. I received a standing ovation.

But I couldn't repeat it. Not even if my life were at stake. My parents recorded it. With about 15 other families. But I couldn't repeat 10 bars of my composition...



Now 12 years later, I've realized something. You can't put things off. You simply can't put off what can be done today...for tomorrow. That much, I've learned.

And as I pulled out of my driveway this morning, I realized something important. I'm glad I don't put things off anymore. Why? And how does this story all tie up together?

Well, the "Codes Man" was out. At 6AM. Notebook, computer thing, and pen. Happily walking the street, writing tickets, leaving notices, and doing whatever else he does.

I saw neighbors scrambling. You know, trying to get out to their yards. Making an effort to clean, before he got to their home. And I was so happy, to not be them. To know, that just days ago, I cleaned my yard.

Sure, at the time, I had wanted to sleep. To rest. To be lazy. To recover from the graduation party, and the wedding. And to be cool. Instead of sweating in triple digit weather. But I worked. And this morning, I was glad I did.

For me, there are no fines. No notices. None of that. Back in February, a lady was arrested for not keeping up with her property. Crazy! But they're strict out here. And we all know it. We just have to stay on top of. Honestly, I'm glad those crazy days of procrastination are long behind me.

Instead, I'm at work. Getting the payroll ready. Snacking on some pecans and a smoothie. Dogs at my feet, beautiful flowers on my desk, and an easy feeling about my day. It really does pay to work hard first, and play hard later. I'm just happy that I was 1 step ahead of my buddy...the "Codes Man." ♫

I Can Count on Him

It's really funny. The last person I thought I could count on, has really been here for me. If you would have told me this 2 years ago, when we barely muttered hi to one another, I would have laughed! But in the last year, My Music Man, has really stepped up his game.

Let's just talk about the last 48 hours...

Yesterday, I had planned on cleaning my yard. Let's not even talk about the disaster I found, when I got home. You know, last week, we had the graduation party. And I was gone for a few days. I should know better. But when I got home, I found almost all my flowers were dead. The grass was yellow! Triple digit temps are literally killing me.

And for anyone that lives around here, they know that Codes Enforcement is all over these things. So I needed to clean. And I had a crap load to clean! And only days to do it in. Because I'm going back to my hometown, later this week.

My neighbor...well she was on her 3rd day of partying. At 11AM, on a Sunday morning. The street was lined with cars. And I didn't want to "ruffle any feathers." So I put off the cleaning. Because we share a fence. And I really respect her parents. They no longer live there, but they own the house.

So I went in my house. And tried to occupy my time with something else. Until I heard bottles breaking. I found that the party-ers were throwing their beer bottles into my backyard. I didn't go all psycho. I probably should have. But I didn't. I just went back inside. And tried to cool down.

Hard to do, when the outside temps are near 100. You can just imagine what it was like inside my house. With no AC. But I tried. I could feel my blood boiling over. And somehow, he just knew. Before I knew it, My Music Man was at my front door...

He came over to help. He knew I had a lot of work to do. And he is only here, until the middle of the week. So we had sorta planned things out. He'd come over and help for a few hours. Well, nothing was getting done. I was getting madder by the second. And a certain hombrecito, well, he suggested we head over to his house.

You see, last week we made plans. Which included taking Big M out to dinner. That was the plan for Sunday night. So we headed to his house. He put on the NASCAR race, made me lunch, and left me to cool off. I was that mad!

Meanwhile, he left. To go pick up Big M. By the time he got back, he had Mi Princesa, and Little M. Oh, and My Jellybean. :) 4 girls, 3 sisters, 2 Goddaughters. Oh, and Jeff Gordon won the race! Things were looking up.

We went out to dinner. At the Double Eagle. Yum! Everyone thoroughly enjoyed dinner. About 20 people came to our table. To compliment us on our beautiful and well behaved daughters. :) Do I look that nuts? 4 under 5? But we smiled and said Thanks.

And we met my favorite chef...My Music Man's little brother. He works at the restaurant that is 1/2 a block away. He met us at the Candy Store. Where we all had some yummy ice cream. Well, My Jellybean had some leche. :)

The girls ran around. We may or may not have taken a detour. You know, for some new toys. :) There was a little bit of Echo watching. And pleading with a certain uncle for the videos. And eventually, we got them home by 10PM. We're such a bad influence! But their parents' all looked very happy. A few hours without the kiddos...

I got home to find the party in full swing. And my neighbor managed to party until 3AM! I was not a happy camper. At all! Third night in a row! But I had plans on Monday. To CLEAN my yard. I didn't care how it was getting done. Or who was still partying next door. I was going to be cleaning!

At sunrise, My Music Man showed up. And we got to work. Pulling and dragging dead tree limbs. Every single time it is windy, at least 4 big limbs break from my trees. We pulled weeds. Bagged leaves. Where were they from? I have no clue. We picked trash off my fence. Mowed the lawn. Pulled out the grass in the flowerbeds. And did whatever else needed to be done. I had just cleaned my yard. The day before I left for my hometown...

My neighbor, she wasn't happy. At 6:15AM, she was screaming at me. At 6:30AM, she was cussing out My Music Man. By 7AM, I had 3 bags full of broken beer bottles, and 2 of cans. She was also calling her dad.

By 8AM, my old neighbor, was apologizing to me. I wasn't trying to make his daughter look bad. But I wanted him to see what I was dealing with. We had pictures. And bags of trash. She was still screaming. The 2 elderly neighbors, one lives across the street, the other next door, soon joined us. And we all talked.

I think things were sorta figured out. That nut job was still screaming. Her dad was still apologizing. Her little girl was crying, and her ex, well he was just trying to pick up their daughter. And he was thanking me for his daughter's birthday present. The same one, that had been thrown at me, just an hour before. I'm pretty sure, the dresses had gotten dirty. But little A was in heaven with her present.

All this time, My Music Man had my back. He defended me. Kept his cool. And tried to help me keep mine. Which at this point, was tough. After all the excitement died down, we got back to work. And by 1PM, we were ready to die! Red faces, 2 broken shovels, and 20 bags of yard waste, we were done. He went home. I went inside to clean up.

I was gone for days. Yes, days. As in, less than a week! And my yard got that bad. You see, I spend about 2-3 hours working in my yard. Every single day. During the summer. It's that big. And requires that kind of maintenance. Some days, I just wish that it was all dirt...

But my friend, he was there to help. And he even came back...with lunch. This evening, he returned. With Big M, some flower bulbs, and ice cream sundaes. We enjoyed the shady part of the yard. Ate all of our ice cream. Big M helped plant the bulbs. And my psycho neighbor yelled until her roommate came home.

Friends like this, they don't come around often. And I don't just mean the ones that bring you stuff. I mean the ones that are there for you. I can sit here all night, and tell you about the amazing things he does. Like going to Patrick's funeral. Just in case I needed him. Or protecting me from my psycho stalker. Or bringing me chicken noodle soup, when I had the flu.

He's a great guy. An amazing friend. And one of the best people I know. Who else, would spend their days off...helping me with my yard work? Or taking a bunch of kiddos out to dinner. Or putting up with my cranky butt? Not many.

I'm glad that we're friends. I'm glad that we met...almost 10 years ago! And that he talked to me every single day...until I caved. Because My Music Man is much more than a friend. We're starting to feel a heck of a lot like familia. More than family. You know, we were just meant to find each other. ♫

He Still Has My Heart

No matter how much I try, he has my heart. My whole heart. Yes, he does. No matter the distance, the time that passes, or the things that happen in our lives. He has my heart in his hands. And honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way. Who knows...one day...he might just be the one. :)

Maybe it's my humbug attitude as of late. Or my unwillingness to go home. The fact that I just don't want to be around other people. Whatever it is, he understands. Even from 1000s of miles away, he gets that. Has just the perfect things to say. Those things that make me feel better about myself.

And it's when I see him, and my heart does that silly little thing, that's when I know. When he tells me I'm beautiful. You know, when I have the flu, a fever, no makeup, my hair is a hot mess, and I've been wearing the same pjs for 2 days. Yes, that's when it counts the most. That and the chicken noodle soup that he's brought over. Because he is convinced that it will make me feel better.

But it goes deeper than that. He's the man I turn to when my world falls apart. The one person who just lets me cry, when I need it. Who comforts me, as I lose yet another important person in my life. My biggest cheerleader, when all I want to do is give up. He is all those things. And so much more.

It's funny how much we've been through. Sharing a stage. Learning from our mistakes. Challenging each other. Celebrating each other's victories. And helping each other to reach our goals. Money, popularity, and all that crap, it's never mattered. What's mattered, is each other.

Sometimes we falter. Sometimes we fall. We've gone months without talking. At some point, I'll admit it, I hated him. But that's in the past. All in the past. Because every time I've needed him, he's been here for me. Whether I've asked him to, or not.

It's nice to know. Especially when I had a crazy person hunting me down. And no one to depend on. I had him. Who else takes off 2 months of work to just make sure I'm OK? Not many people. But that's the difference. This man has respect, love, and knowledge to share. That's what I need. Along with a sense of security. He provides all of that.

Is it funny that we still argue about cakes? Yes. But eventually, I'll bake him a cake. Maybe even for his birthday. Is it strange that I pick up his mail when he's gone...and on tour? Maybe. But I think it's funny, that his neighbors think I live there. That I'm their neighbor too.

Our relationship is complicated. Strange. And, well not common place. But it works for us. The 2 musicians that grew up, more alike than not. The 2 people that probably should just give in to this thing. But you know, we're both pretty hard headed. For now, this works. In a year...maybe it won't.

You just never know where life will take you. Will he be living in FL again? Will I move to NC? Or we just might be a little nuts and say, both careers aren't the right thing for us. I guess only time will tell.

But today, I'm just happy to know he's on my side. He's still the man that calls to chat at 2AM, because he knows I can't sleep. Or the man who shows up at my house, to help out in my latest round of painting. Ya, it's that time of year. My house needs a new coat of paint.

That's the 2 of us. Singing those ubber romantic duets one minute, the next laughing at some ridiculous thing we seen. What really happens under the sombrero? Nothing. The 2 of us trying not to laugh. Ask anyone in the band. The audience can't see. But we all know. It's part of the act. At least 50% of it.

Chemistry? Well you can't deny that. But it's not the beginning and end of us. We're both more complicated. And a whole heck of a lot funnier. What can I say. And to think, after all this time, I've had this hombre right under my nose. And no matter what we try to do, we keep finding our way back to one another... ♫

A Piece of the Past

There's just something fun about this outfit. A bit of a "throwback." It reminds me of a "Time Past." You know, like you were in a movie or a book. Set a few decades ago.

When life was a bit more simple. More about relationships, than careers. When people enjoyed the simple things in life. Like a cup of tea. Or really sat down, to get to know their neighbors. When books were the "common place past time."



It makes me smile. Just to think, at one time, ladies really were real ladies. Lace, pearls, and high heels. Oh, what I would give, to have lived then. To be a lady. A really lady. When dressing up, wasn't saved for a wedding. It was just an "every day look."

The days of fashion. When slips were commonplace. Women wore gloves. Sunday drives were a regular event. And Sunday dinners were for family and friends to share. Yes, a simple time. Filled with the important things...family, friends, and a little bit of fashion.

Yes, I'm a big fan of vintage clothing, style, and homes. It makes me think of our past. Of our history. I really would give anything to have lived then. Just for a day or two. To really live life. Since I can't, well, I can be inspired. I need to add a few more "ladylike" pieces to my closet. ♫

Happy Birthday...New Blog

Today I decided to start a blog for my family. Yes, I've been blogging for years. My friends like hearing about all of my silliness. And for the last few years, it has helped us to stay in touch. It got me thinking, I should really start a blog to keep in touch with my family. You know, I don't see them much.

So here we go. Welcome to my blog! I'm not sure what in the heck I'm going to post about. But I will try to keep you up-to-date with my life. Because, I know I don't go home much. And when I do, I tend not see many people. But I figured, this is a nice way to stay in touch. I hope you enjoy. I would love to hear from you. Comments are always welcomed. And they tend to make me smile!

But I better get going. I've got a ton of stuff to do today. Yes, I'm working on my birthday. I've been here since Friday. But I don't mind. I get to watch the NASCAR race with the boys. They always make my Sunday! And I'm looking forward to "Pancake Sunday." :) It's pretty exciting...even if I'm feeling old today.

My friends came by...at midnight. And I got a Serenata. They are so sweet. A even brought me a cake. Strawberry and chocolate. The man knows me! M and B had their twins. Yes, my Goddaughter was born on my birthday! And I got to deliver My Lil' Cowgirl! How cool is that? Dr. S and Dr. M got me some neat presents too!

It's only 3AM. And I already feel so blessed. I have so many people that love me. Including Big O. He got up in the middle of the night to wish me a Feliz Cumpleanos! I always wanted real brothers and sister. Growing up, that's all I ever wanted. But instead, God had a different path for me. He included all of these amazing people in my life! Mi hombrecitos...they're the brothers I never had. Thank you for being incredible friends! You know, you're more like family! So Welcome new and old...I hope you enjoy the ride! ♫