Summer Book Club

The Summer Book Club met at 7:00 in Flip Flopz

 on Sept. 11, 2014. 

 

There are usually about 5-6 of us who discuss books

we have read or are reading now.

Patsy discussed "Wolf Whistle" by Lewis Nordan. 

 It is a novel based on actual events--the lynching of Emmett Till, a 14 year old black child, in Money, Miss.

  It is a fascinating look at racial relations in the South

 in the 1950-60's. 

Patsy also read "The Storied Life of A.J. Fikry" by Gabrielle Zevin, This book describes the importance of a small bookstore in a small town to the people who live there.  Amazing things happen to the bookstore owner--things which change his life and the life of the town.

 

In addition, Patsy read "Rain Girl", a fascinating mystery with many ins and outs.  It is difficult to put down.

Pam read "The Burgess Boys" by Olive Kitteridge.  It tells of the problems caused when refugees from Somalia settle in a small town.  Pam also read "Ghost Bride" by Yanaze Choo.

The next meeting of the Summer Book Club will be Wed., Oct. 15th at 7:00 in Flip Flopz.

All readers welcome!
Patsy #108

Another Cultural Opportunity

 

South Texas College’s Center for Mexican American Studies and Library will have a special visit from author Tim Z. Hernandez on October 2nd, 2014 at 4pm in the Pecan Campus Library Rainbow Room, which is located at 3201 W. Pecan Blvd in McAllen. There will also be a book signing immediately following the event. Admission to each event is free and open to the public.

 

Tim Z. Hernandez is an award winning author and performance artist.  He teaches at the University of Texas – El Paso and has been featured on NPR and other news outlets.

 

His novel Mañana Means Heaven is a love story of impossible odds. It tells the story of Bea Franco, the real woman behind famed American author Jack Kerouac’s “The Mexican Girl.” Set against the backdrop of California in the 1940s, deep in the agricultural heartland of the Great Central Valley, the book reveals the desperate circumstances that lead a woman to an affair with an aspiring young writer traveling across the United States.

 

“We are honored and fortunate to be able to host such a celebrated author as Tim Z. Hernandez at South Texas College,” says CMAS coordinator Victor Gomez. "His book is inspired by the Jack Kerouak story from On the Road however, it is also the sweeping story of sacrifice and love.”

 

Don't Forget Your Radio!

Summer in Indiana

While I am recovering from nose surgery ( I look like the BRIDE Of FRANKENSTEIN!) I have been enjoying summer in Indiana.

For example...yesterday Dr. Bob got a call from a neighbor farm wife.  Seems a couple of pot bellied pigs had been dumped on their farm a few weeks ago.  Rampage, mayhem...cute little piggies that terrorized their dogs, grandkids AND SCRATCHED their cars!

 

Puleeze, Dr. Bob, come shoot these piggies.

 

Can't by pass an invitation like that...

 

Well, it was gross, interesting, and an education.

 

Funny Aside...Bob made himself deaf from the gunshots. Afterwards we did some grocery errands and when people would talk to him he said, "Can't hear a thing.  Shot some pigs this morning!"

 

We returned to Dr. Bob's house.  Talking in the kitchen. 

 He said..."Don't move, we have a visitor."

 

I turn expecting, oh, I don't know,

 their dog Itsy making an appearance. 

 

No.

 

It was an 18 inch long garter snake. 

 In their house. 

 In their kitchen. 

 I am not in Kansas anymore...I am in Indiana. 

The Nose Knows....

We, Jim & I, are in Indiana.  We visited with Bob & Bernie, then Bob & Catherine.  Attended the Sunny Haven Sandpiper Reunion. Had a wonderful time despite doing a header over hoses and elec. connections.  Ouchy.

 

When we hooked up with Dr. Bob he noticed a sore on my nose.  I knew it was there.  Had made a dermatologist apt. for when we returned to Edinburg.

He said NO...go see my doc in Kokomo..it looks kinda bad.

His doc took a biopsy, sent me to a surgeon in Indianapolis. 

Cancer...kinds severe, kinda, well, extensive....caused by sun exposure.

I have 40 stitches, two black eyes, a hole in my nose, and am THANKFUL  I am alive.

So when I say...please let me wear a sun shirt in the pool to protect myself...I AM NOT KIDDING!

 

Expand Your Cultural Horizons!

Pam Smith (she can be contacted for directions, parking , etc..  lot #324) is bringing our attention to the following:

Peña is a professional artist and native of Weslaco. Although he has experimented in working with a wide array of mediums including stained glass, copper
sculpture and jewelry, the central element of his work is vibrant color.
His dynamic surrealist landscapes are bursting with vivacious color, extraordinary figures and symbolism. When beginning a new piece, Peña chooses colors
that personify his mood.
“Pablo Peña’s artwork is a celebration and testament to his successful use of color,” said STC Library Art Gallery Associate Dawn Haughey. “While his skill in color usage
and blending is truly spectacular, he is also able to ignite a variety of emotions through his bold style. This exhibition is sure to speak to a very large audience.”

 

Ritchie is a La Grulla native and Brownsville resident who has been painting for over 50 years. She has studied oil and watercolor techniques under teachers from Raymondville and Corpus Christi, and has been a member of the Brownsville Art League since 1951.
“Minerva Ritchie has a very keen eye on the natural world around her,” said Dawn Haughey, STC Library Art Gallery associate. “She specializes in painting birds and floral subjects and does so with such precision and sensitivity. Ms. Ritchie continues to be an inspiring member of our local valley artist community.”

 

Through her brightly painted images of local cemeteries, Guzman Velasquez seeks to cherish and understand the role death plays along the Mexico-Texas border.
In her works, life and death co-exist in the same place, just like in the Mexican holiday, el Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead). This popular celebration holds many traditions including building private altars called ofrendas , and honoring the deceased by leaving gifts of sugar skulls , marigolds , favorite foods, beverages and possessions at their grave sites.
Guzman Velasquez earned a bachelor of fine arts degree in painting from the University of Texas Pan-American and participated in the San Miguel de Allende Study Abroad Program in Guanajuato, Mexico .

“Guzman Velasquez’s breathtaking use of color is what initially draws viewer’s in,” said STC Art Gallery Associate Dawn Haughey. “It is then the movement and play of the medium that holds our attention. We are so excited to be able to share her work with all of our students, faculty and community members during el Día de los Muertos.”

Summer Book Club

Just a reminder to Book Lovers--Summer Book Club will meet Thurs., 9-11-2014 at 7:00 p.m. in Flip Flopz.  We'll share our current and recent reads.  Always a good time!

Patsy

*********************8

And a PS. from me.  Catherine lent me a book, Dog On It, by Spencer Quinn.  It's private eye mystery told from the mind of the dog that accompanies the main character.  I loved it.  So much so that I bought all the $.99 short stories on Amazon (for Kindle) and two, read 'em, TWO, $10.00 books...they are that entertaining.

Not high lit to be sure, but hey, sometimes you just want a fun, good read!

Bares in the Woods....

While we await the date for my nose surgery

(wonder how I will turn out, hmmm)

 we are touring a bit of the Michigan UP.

 Gorgeous cool weather, blue skies...

Tahquamenon Falls

 Cute wildlife...

 

The trees are just starting to turn...

 

 Did I mention bares in the woods?

 Ok, how about us bares in the woods

watching bears in the woods.

 This is the Oswald Bear Ranch, recommended by our Mackinaw City shuttle bus driver. 

 She really gushed about it.

 Jim thought it was pretty cool, I thought it was a rustic zoo.  The Alaska bear habitats were much more interesting as were the grizzlies.

 We are now in Munising, awaiting a drastic change in the weather.  Really cold, heavy rain.  Oh boy, can't wait!

Meanwhile...Back at the Ranch!

While many Sandpeeps are out roaming the big wide world the gang at home has been making merry at Roosevelt's.

 

I see an equal distribution of wine and beer...

my kind of party!

 

Party on Peeps...

 

Mackinac Island

After days of warm, muggy rain,

 today dawned crystal clear and cool. 

 

Let's go to Mackinac Island!

 

Been several times before, but a boat ride, a buggy ride, fudge to sample and a whitefish lunch...

 

Delightful!

What a lovely day!

 

Couldn't say it was uncrowded as there was an 8 mile race around the island this morning, but Mackinac seemed to suck up the crowds so it wasn't a problem.  We never had to wait for anything...not shuttle from the campground, ferry, buggy ride or lunch...amazing.

Mark your Calendar!

Let's celebrate!

 

September 17, 2014

 

Flip Flopz

 

John P. is now older than dirt.

 

Let's bury him with praise because he's made it this far.

 

3:00... A little early for the witching hour, but, hey, it's John.  6:00PM is bed time, dontcha know!

 

Cake & ice cream will be provided,

 but snacks are welcome, too....as is your beverage of choice.