Well, I had to mention this for posterity...

I just had to post these photos! Mike Daron, Rebecca "Becky Ory" Hernandez, Gerard Hernandez, and Paul Sylvest in Salt Lake City.

Gerard was very lucky to meet two of mommy's old Gramercy/Lutcher pals, Mike and Paul. We met up at Squatter's last weekend for lunch before the guys flew back to their respective TX and LA. It's always great to see old friends (because we so rarley do out West), so this was a rare treat! Mommy got her dose of coonass accent, and as you can see, Gerard is very, very sleepy. What's so neat about this is that Paul and I reconnected on FB through his older sister, who was my "main" babysitter, and well, as they say...the rest is history. The guys had a gig in Park City for the week, and I certainly would have held a grudge if they trucked all the way out here and we couldn't connect. Happy day! What's so funny about this photo is that we ALL have a lot MORE hair than we did back in the 80's. Thus this post...

We don't subscribe to TV in our house. Nope, no cable, no satellite, no junk shows, no commercials, no car races or sporting events...nothing but the odd "digital channel" non-violent cartoon station, which we don't watch unless it's "Thomas the Tugboat" or "Lambchop." Yes, of course, I let Gerard watch DVD's, so he's aware of "Sesame Street" and "Veggie Tales" and the like, but don't think TV increases the quality of our lives, and therefore, will not let it take over hours of his time. But back in the 80's, when I was hanging out with friends in high school, the music I listened to in the car and at home much of the time was Michael Jackson and early MTV music. In fact, I think I either cheoreographed or danced to at least six of Jackson's hits at the time, learned the Thriller dance by heart, and worked out and listened to the album every night for about a year. I even taught water aerobics to the music. So, his music was something I enjoyed. I need to mention Michael Jackson's death and funeral because it was a little slice of pop history, and I imagine that his effects on the music and entertainment industry will be felt for all years following. I was a fan, but I was not a fanatic. In fact, as a Rotary Scholar in Leeds, on one of my ambassadorial visits to a primary school, a kid asked me if I knew Michael Jackson. Well, I asked him if he knew Princess Diana or Sting. They all laughed, and as such, they got it.

I am grateful this week to not have TV. Not to get all soapboxy, but I'm so glad to not have to watch coverage about someone who is deceased and the family that now needs privacy, given much more media attention than people who are making a difference in our lives every single day. People who are friends and family who deserve our attention and love. People who matter to us.

On that note, I need to mention a special friend who is in need of prayers. My friend Nancy (here in Ogden) is dying of cancer. She was one of those people who made a positive impact on my life and the lives of thousands of high school students as well. She was an enthusiastic yoga student when I was first teaching, and always made me feel like I was doing something special, even though she was the one who was remarkable. She will be remembered as a quiet, beautiful soul. Gerard, you can ask me all about her later - We have been busy going by her house and dropping off meals for the family and visiting and making her smile and giving her "baby love" so she can feel better. Her gigantic dog makes Gerard so excited that he squeals with such delight, I'm worried we're going to hurt her! Big hugs to you, Nancy, and I'll be seeing you again someday... You will be missed, especially in the yoga studio. Jai Bagwhan...Namaste.