mdelagraentiss

I have never liked meatloaf. Not when served at Lubys, or school or even growing up eating at my mother’s table. Nope. Never. Until I went to dinner at The Cheesecake Factory and my date ordered the meatloaf. At some point in the meal he offered a taste of his dish, which I promptly and kindly refused, with scant explanation of my aforementioned aversion. But he insisted I should try it and so… history was made that day.
I don’t know the recipe, but it was good. And when I say good here it is a gross understatement, almost to the point of sin.
So I say without further ado, and with utmost relish:
Try the meatloaf.

So many folks in Houston get into a routine/rut of doing the same things. Visiting sites like the Menil can decidedly awaken our senses and fullfill a need for culture. Plus, right next door is the Rothko chapel… his artwork can be found in high rise office buildings around town but it’s much more interesting and relaxing to visit the serene environment of the chapel. Overall I feel the Menil is overlooked by most Houstonians if not unheard of, what a great change of pace this unique collection provides.

Though I’ve never been to NY, I am most fortunate to have seen the MET’s exhibit The French Masters on display in Houston. What an amazing day that was. I stood in front of the Monet painting “Waterlillies” and cried. Fewer moments in life are as memorable or as satisfying as when we fall in love with art.

The first time I stepped into the Breakfast Klub was for dinner and a group discussion, it was excellent all around. Since then I’ve noticed some great things:
- the ever changing artwork by local artist
- green eggs and ham on the menu (yum!)
- I have personally seen 5 tv/movie stars having coffee there
- and they are never too busy despite having a line around the corner to bring you out a menu while you wait

The TUTS performance of Carmen was outstanding last fall. It was hilarious, musically excellent, and engaging. I have seen several different types of performances here and never been let down.

The last time I hung out at Herman park I wrote this poem. Enjoy.

HERMAN

I sat beneath the willows
To watch the water ripple
And turned at the sound
Of a duck in the grass
Then much to my surprise
Eight pairs of little eyes
Followed her out of the wood

I started toward the smell
Of a pretty wild flower
And stopped at the sight
Of a bee, it’s lover
As though plucking it’s beauty
Would wholly undo me
I pulled back my eyes to release their grasp

When a reed bent my way
My fingers betrayed me
I knew that love
Was in the reed’s touch
And I took home a power
Born of that needful hour
When creation itself was enough

A couple of years back I celebrated my 26th Birthday at McGonigel’s Mucky Duck. Most of my friends had never heard of the place, everyone was delighted and surprised to find it so laidback and exciting at the same time. We had fun watching the performers for the open mike, some of whom deserve recordings of their own. The English menu was a change of pace for us and satisfying. I would gladly host another party there or just hang out…maybe next time I’ll get on stage.