Lunch At Hendley

There are few places like Hendley Market in Galveston, Texas.  On the historic Strand, visitors are welcomed in with or without dogs and shoes. An eclectic mix of local artists, antiques, vintage, fine art, witty books and penny candy canisters filled with delights for wee folk.  It is a store for all ages and the chronically young at heart.

Housed in one of the oldest buildings in town, I think some past residents were messing with my camera because very few shots came out with any clarity.  Did I mention the fully charged camera battery died off as well?  It was as if the ghosts wanted to keep Hendley's delights under wraps.  I was hoping the trade off would be a spectral figure in my photos- but no such luck.  Just grainy pics at best.

It is an honor to become part of the Hendley vibe.  Today I was invited in for a light lunch and conversation.  Amongst the fine cheeses, asparagus and taffy, I learned the ladies of the shop share my taste in music and my off beat sense of humor. Exactly the camaraderie I needed as Hubby's extended work trip has prolonged the silence in the house.

My Lydia sure is comfy in her new home, tending shop and handing out strawberries!

There is no greater feeling than becoming a part of the community in which one lives.  I have moved so often that this art of assimilation should be second nature, but I am shy at heart.  Hendley feels like a new home with old friends.  Every guest is well known and as one guest said, "Hendley is just so cool.  It's a place we all come to just hang out."

With spring leaving shop doors wide open to welcome breezes across America it is time to get out and taste the local flavors.  Artists have been working the winter away and are ready to share a story while showing off their wares.  So treat yourself to fresh stroll in a familiar place.  Support local business and increase your hometown identity. Be amazed by the many talents who share your zipcode.

 

 

 LOVE  &  SHOP LOCAL

 

 

Houston's Best True Art Gallery

So my bestie, Ashlie Blake, arrived from New York yesterday and what better place to start an artistic journey than the Houston Mural Project just a few blocks from Hobby Airport.  I was always weary about walking this exhibit by myself, but with my bestie by my side I was fearless and our eyes opened to some of the best graffiti in all of Houston.

 

 

A project of Bread of Life and Rice University, the Houston Art Project benefits the homeless of Houston.  This urban canvas covers an entire building, inside and out, several out buildings around the corner and throughout the alley. Raw and intricately beautiful, the artists' souls are on display in their interpretations of the Houston experience.

 

 

An entire wall is dedicated to a post modern version of Alice in Wonderland- I can relate because I find Houston to be equal parts fantasy and horror.

 

This little boy struck me as the face I see almost everyday in my south of Houston life.  He is the little child full of wonder, unscathed by the racial prejudices and stereotypes of this area.  He is the little child who can be anything he wants to be.  He holds the expression that must've been on my face when Ashlie rounded the corner at the airport and I saw her for the first time in person!

 

 

There are humors and nuances that translate so much better in person than skyping, texting or random snippets of the day.  Every day I greet Ashlie with a gangstah-style text and we do our best posse impressions but little did she know that this 5', 40-something white girl, really loves street art, abandoned run down places, and yes, Eminem. And in true bestie style, Ashlie never missed a beat!

 

 

Our adventure has just begun and will certainly fly by at turbo speed.  But I am here to attest that yes, true friendships can form on line and connections that you believe can't run any deeper can multiply ten fold.

 

Today our adventures take us far from the Houston chaos and into Pirate Lafitte's old stomping grounds on High Island.  Let the dolphins greet us, the pelicans swoop above us, and the tides meet our toes!

 

LOVE  &  LOSE YO SELF IN THE MOMENT!

 

A Rare Bird Flies South

Images from Papaya Art

 

My Foo Foo bestie, Ashlie Blake, of Painting Bliss, is coming to Texas this weekend!!!!

 

We all have friends- but, if we are lucky, a person comes along with whom you click, you jive, you laugh, you cry, you grow, and you just know this person is a soul mate.  Not the marrying, fall in love, mushy mushy goo goo soul mate- but a friend so close she surely was kin in another life.  

 

I met such a rare bird 7 years ago and she has been my sister ever since.  Ashlie lives in New York, I live in Texas.  With growing families we both have been bound to our home states and our friendship has grown through the internet, phone chat and Skype.  We have never met face to face.  Well folks, that era is about to come to an end!

 

 

Oh there will be an airport ruckus of girlish squeals and peoples' eyes will roll in their doldrums disgust!  There will be late night coffee chats, thrifting marathons in Houston, wildflower romping in Round Top, and beachy fun in High Island!  Oh there will be blogging and a Smash Book project as well!  And who knows what else we will find in the great wide openness of Texas!

 

Ashlie is such a part of my life she is insta-family, my right arm, and my morning cup of joe!  (Insert Hubby's eye roll and snide comment about my foo foo affections HERE!) This weekend marks 7 years in the waiting coming to an end and the dawn of a new chapter in our epic friendship.  And I CANNOT wait another second! 

 

LOVE  &  A NEW ERA!