Pirates vs Black Madonna

I could smell bacon and pancakes on my morning walk. It is wafting over from the Taquería a block away.  It smells so warm and like home, even though my mother only made pancakes at Christmas and sometimes in rare moments for dinner. Why is that? Why do I think home?

I am out of cat food so that means today I will be making an excursion to Walmart. Should I take my camera in the hopes of capturing a few shots of some Walmartians? Should I dress like one in the hope of having my photo snapped by someone? Hmmmmm

My mother does not do voice mail on her phone so last night she had me clear her voicemail. There were 7, the first one arriving January 17 and two from yesterday, one from her doctor. She was very puzzled as to why she has voicemail when she carries her phone everywhere. I do not know mom it is a mystery… my phone will download voicemails from 4 days ago out of no-where.  

I have really been thinking about Positano Italy.  A small village on the Amalfi Coast in very southern Italy, it was a larger port in medieval times 

and prospered for several 100 years. In the 19^th century nearly half of the population immigrated to Australia when the area fell into hard times. John Steinbeck wrote an article about Positano and tourists started descending on the village.  There is a legend of Pirates and the Black Madonna. (Of course there are pirates involved…hhah)  

As they were stealing away with her a fearful storm came up on the Mediterranean sea just off the coast of Positano and they heard a great voice say “Posa, Posa (put it down, put it down)”. The pirates brought the Black Madonna ashore and left her in Positano. The storm abated and the sea became peaceful.

Limoncello is found in Positano and is sold in a little shop near the harbor. It is lemon liquor found in southern Italy and very delicious. My first taste of this delightful beverage was in an Italian Restaurant in Campbell California. We had just finished our meal and a cannoli when the owner walked over with two small glasses and poured us a portion and explained the tradition of it being served as an after dinner drink in southern Italy where he was from.  He did not charge us for it. It is tradition he said as he went over to chat at another table. That was a wonderful restaurant experience I shall never forget.  It has never happened at any other Italian restaurant. Sad….

I am feeling Italian for dinner….lasagna anyone?

Titus Pullo

I heard a knock on my door yesterday and as I opened the door there stood a man with flowers and a balloon.  I took them from him closed the door and set them on the table. Took a deep breath and opened the card. They were a birthday gift from Tony. They are beautiful and cheerful. I love them.

I next went and picked up my granddaughter E from her Grammy and then picked up my favorite Shoe.  We met her new foster dog Coolio or Julio, or Titus Pullo. 

He is big dog with a freakishly large head and twice the size of E.

 She walked in and after looking him over shoved him out of the way and walked on in. It was hysterical and slightly surreal.  Titus Pullo was a wee bit afraid of her but curious. He would come in close for a sniff and then when she would reach for him he would quickly retreat.

Upon returning to my house we met up with Lovey. She handed me a dozen roses from her friend Garrett.  We loaded up and headed out for an adventure; the goal: sunglasses for me for my birthday and lunch. 

 We chose Cheesecake Factory and immediately upon being seated ordered Martinis.  

Lunch arrived and we ordered Champagne. 

Next I was brought White Chocolate Blueberry cheesecake and a delicious cup of coffee.

 This is my new favorite cheesecake flavor.

Shopping came next and after trying on Christian Dior, Gucci, Prada and Versace we found none that we were crazy about. 

So we marched off to another store. Here I modeled Channel, Tiffany, Christian Dior, Prada and Gucci. We liked 7 pair. I reapplied my lipstick, some gloss and re-fluffed my hair. 

Phase two of the sunglass show began. We narrowed it down to 3 and then struggled with 2 which we loved both of them for two different reasons. One was serious glamour the other was funky hotness. 

We went with the Gucci because I am dreaming of Positano Italy for a vacation.  I wish I could have gotten both because the funky Channel were more my personality. Gucci glasses do make my face look slimmer though.

We took E over to her Grammy to spend a few more days, picked up Daniel from his mom and got back home about 8. They left for Austin and I finished up the evening watching it rain.

Great 9 Days of Tamara so far. Tonight is dinner with Mother and calling my two California daughters back (phone died while I was out).

We have 4 days left and I want you all to enjoy them with me. 

Happy Birthday Wish

Today is my birthday and I am off to many adventures.

My wish is that all of you have a day filled with Grace and Love. 

Speak only words that will bring happiness. 

Smile and wink at a loved one.

I also wish I could change one thing about my Birthday encounter with Tom cruise those few years ago. Just one thing.... it was the best Birthday moment EVER!

Thanx George

Last week I spent a few hours in a studio with a professional photographer. Captain Scarlet Selkie was the person the challenge was to capture. George Mayo in San Antonio is the photographer. I am stunned; it cannot possibly be me. I was reluctant to go but I am glad I did. It was a fun evening and I chattered aimlessly about nothing much as he watched and clicked and listened. George was kind and thoughtful, approachable, respectful and encouraging. It was a most wonderful experience and I would do it all again. George…. Thank You I have been smiling for days.

The incident that occurred at the Showcase is foremost on my mind and it was difficult to enjoy my weekend. I have waited for five days for an apology. It never came. I suppose I should not be shocked at the behavior of so called professionals after what happened with the Texas Gives Back people, (I still have not received the money they owe me) but I am. I am unsure of their motive or what they believed the outcome would be. What would any of you do in regards to the cruel, deceitful words and actions?

The 9 days of Tamara have been surprising. I have received some fabulous gifts; a vacuum, a photograph, a jade tree, a new name, an Oreo Mania ice cream cup, and poetry. I am excited to see what the rest of the days bring me.

I went out Saturday evening for the above mentioned ice cream and WHOA!!!!! You people are crazy drivers. I thought parents dropping off children at school were foolish and single minded but they are nothing compared to people out on a date in competition with other people out on a date. News flash!!!!  Restaurants, theatres and bars are all open during the week. How about a nice calm quiet date night on a Tuesday? The service is better and the atmosphere relaxing, unhurried and somewhat private giving the illusion you are a rock star. Speaking of rock star I watched Rock of Ages again last night and Pour some sugar on me!

I have to do some research now on hearts in art.

Have a peaceful Monday.

Bail Bond Girl

My day as a Bond girl was interesting. I went to a trade show with my business colleague L.  Neither of us could quite remember how to get there so I told my trusty phone to guide us to The Norris Center. She starts giving us directions that we are sure are wrong. As we pull within 500 feet of the location she informs us that our destination North Center is on the right. No….No you silly phone that is not our destination; L inputs Norris Convention Center into her phone and we again drive on.

 We reach our destination and after getting our rolley box out of the car head inside. She is looking for polo shirt samples and ideas for the Archdiocese and I thinking of an upcoming golf tournament and Gala swag for the 2013 Gala. We find a shirt that will fit the requirements. The only problem is L has a meet with them tomorrow and no way can they get a sample to her from Missouri by then. The rep apologizes but that is his personal shirt and he needs it for a show in Austin the next day. L continues to ask questions about the shirt and reiterates her need for it to be strong enough for the embroidery patch and the price point. Tony is obviously hooked on us and as I smile at him and look at L suggesting this would be an excellent shirt for the golf tournament in late June, he explains that he has another shirt just like it he can wear at the Austin show but he really needs it back by Friday for the Dallas show will she mail it to him after her meet. Why yes she will. He gives us the shirt and hanger and asks us to mail it to the address on the business card. We thank him, take our pirated prize and wander off to the next vendor.

  Lunch is next and our lovely waitress Carol asks us if we want to buy a raffle ticket for the upcoming San Antonio Stock show and Rodeo. Well of course! I hand her a dollar. I then read the list of prizes I might become the proud new owner of. A truck, a trailer, a welder, Stetson his and hers hats, boots, a vacation and a few others, while I am sure a welder is a fabulous prize I am leaning toward the idea that I would much prefer to win the 1 carat diamond earrings.

Off we go to the printers to pick up business cards. We had to wait and a steady stream of men came and went. None of them were of interest to me but it was a showcase atmosphere. Who knew?

We picked up signs and finally reached our destination. The Civic Center where we were going to set up for a Business and Restaurant Showcase we were exhibiting at later in the evening.  All was going well and we set up and were ready for the “over 3000” people to arrive. (I waited for hours for that.....hahahah)  I found a restaurant that was serving margaritas for the night and promptly asked for two. L was thrilled with my skill at procuring cocktails. 

We were having a marvelous time when B arrived and I was introduced as Tomorrow Paris. He looked skeptical so I explained about the German pronunciation of my name and how it sounded like a Bond girl and he laughed and said yep I can see you as a Bond girl a Bail Bonds girl. Well at least he did not imply I looked like I needed a Bail Bond.

The evening went very well and we all lived happily ever after.

Hahahah….hahaaa….ha…..

Now you really do not believe that do you? 

My night actually was clouded with lies, deceit, attempts to discredit my reputation and that of a friend. It was wrought with strife and hatefulness.  Weak attempts by two of the employees of the event sponsor.  Prominent business people were questioning me about my activity as part of the event committee and why this or that was not happening. 

Now I have a photo shoot tonight and I intend to be relaxed, calm and stress free. The two ladies in question will have to wait until Friday for me to deal with…

Tomorrow Paris

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is one of my favorite movies. 

I loved it the first time I saw it as a child. The car, the colors, the Grandpa, the dad, Edison the dog and most of all the joy filled life of loosely structured adventure.  My granddaughter E and I watched it Sunday afternoon and as the credits scrolled by during the early car racing scenes I saw it was written by Ian Fleming. I had a twinkling of a memory that I knew this; so I have investigated further. 

The movie is loosely based on a novel Ian wrote titled Chitty Chitty Bang Bang , The Magical Car.  Yes, the same Ian Fleming of James Bond fame.  He wrote it as a bed time story for his son Caspar. If you think about the lead female characters name Truly Scrumptious

 it has an Ian Fleming Bond girl ring to it. Think Honey Ryder, 

Pussy Galore,

 and Mary Goodnight, etc…

I guess my name could be a Bond girl name if you use the German pronunciation. Say Tamara like Tuh-maw-ruh Pearis as in Tomorrow Paris. I like that…. I have a Bond Girl name…. Can I copy write it? Maybe I should legally change it. I love it!!!!

Oh this is going to be quite a day!!! I am inspired, Tomorrow Paris, beautiful yet slightly tragic, vaguely villainous and whimsical.

Ciao`

Sign of Bain

I was wandering through a store last evening just to get some activity and to seek out treasure. I noticed very odd phenomena, pictures, plaques, and knick knacks that I can only assume were for the bathroom because they say bathroom on them or the very popular phrase salle de bain or even just bain.

 I do not know about you, but I usually assume that if it has a toilet, shower, sink, bathtub or bidet in it, it is more than likely falling into the category of bathroom, powder-room, or salle de bain. Do we really need a painted washboard, faded pink sign or bathtub with birds on it telling us what it is? 

Are there people out there in the English or French speaking world that are clueless about what it might be? I have never walked into one and wondered…hmmmm what could this darling room with a toilet and bathtub possibly be called; nor have I ever had anyone ask me the same question. Do you the owner of the bathroom possibly not know what it is called?

This led me to also notice all of the cutesy little plaques and signs telling me that I was also looking at or in a laundry room. Really.... so that is why there is a washing machine in here. I am not saying that wall art depicting vintage washtubs hung with faded shabby blue ribbon and dried flowers is not ok to hang in a laundry room; but does it really need to say laundry or washtub? Do we not know where we are? I feel the same way about the rugs that say “Laundry”. My feet cannot read and again I am standing in front of the dryer.

Lady Tamara must now get busy with writing a weekly blog for the Artz Council. We are going with Red this week. It will be up on the facebook page later this morning.

Jane Lee 

The Little Red Painting 

Oh, yes, I will be collecting items for the Silent Auction at the RMCC Business and Restaurant Showcase today through tomorrow morning. If you have an item or service you wish to donate please let me know. They are expecting about 3 thousand people. If you do attend please come by and see me at Today’s Weddings. Moola will be there also. 

In case you did not know, today is National Kazoo Day. In 1840 in Macon Georgia a man named Alabama Vest thought up the idea of the musical device and commissioned a German clock master, Thaddeus Von Clegg to create it. In 1912 commercial production was started by Emil Sorg in Western New York after teaming up with Michael McIntyre a tool and die maker in Buffalo. 

They moved the factory to Eden New York and that has been the home of the plant ever since.