It's Catching...

Bluesman at Cafe Congress photo All Rights ReservedJHM

Attitudes arecontagious. Is yours worth catching?
- Anonymous

What kind of emotional atmosphere are you creating?

Positive people are almost always natural leaders and motivators. People gravitate towards them, just as they avoid individuals who continually mope or complain. Take a look at your own attitude. Is it one that others would want to emulate in their own lives? Instead of jumping to throw in a negative comment, try to think of something good to say instead. By no means hold in your feelings, but remember that no one likes to be surrounded by constant pessimism. Attitudes are contagious so fill your environment with happiness, enthusiasm, and optimism!

Your Blues are Like Mine...

Hotel Congress 5-30-10

Hotel Congress in Tuscon, Arizona

We had a 3 hr layover in Tuscon in part because the train got in too early. I decided to get off the train to walk around the station only to find on the opposing side I could hear some serious Etta James blues wafting through the air. I followed to sounds to find across the street at Hotel Congress a wonderful 4pc band wailing away on an Etta James song. The singer then broke into the song Jelly.

I was caught up in the sounds and had for a moment forget I needed to be counscious of the time to make it back to the train before leaving as it would be another 3 days if I missed it to get another one. But this balding, Hispanic man was doing mad justice to "Belly"...

So I thought I would be smart & stand on the outside so I could listen & still pay some attention to the train. It actually gave me a much better vantage point where I stood on the sidewalk. The bass player notice me, cane and all & smile which embolded me to make a request of them to "play something for New Orleans"...

The singer obliged and played an original piece he wrote called "I Loved the French Quarter" which was a pretty good with a second line rhythm. He shouted out to the audience to cheer for the woman on the other side of the fence from n'Awlins and the audience obliged. The song was so good I did a jig or 2 (well ok 3) to the rhythms & then had to force myself to leave...

Of course I misplaced the name of the group, but called the hotel this morning to find it out & waiting for the call.

Seems like everytime I go through Tuscon, something like this happens to me...

Go figure (and enjoy)...

Houston @ Night

Mexico view in El Paso...

Mural in El Pasoo Amtrak

Houston from the train since it was late at night...

Caklifornia here I come...

Cuidad Juarez,Mexico from the Amtrak US. side...

Balcony inside El Passo'sAmtrak

El Paso, Tx Amtrak building

Huey P Long bridge over the Mississippi

New Orlean Amtrak mural
Here is the beginning of my trip to California for my grandchildrens' graduations. It was an enjoyable albeit tired trip.

G'wan Be a Nut!

The mighty oak was once a little nut that stood its ground.
- Unknown

Believing in yourself no matter what

On July 24, 2004, there was a 0% chance of rain in Cincinnati. No way was it going to rain, according to the people who should know best. You know what? Despite millions of dollars worth of sensors, computers, and forecasting systems, the weather experts were wrong. It rained, against all odds. This is not a criticism of weather people. It's just a reminder of all the people who were given 0% chance of making it by the "experts," but who succeeded anyway. Whenever accomplishments are on the line, there are always voices whispering, preaching--even shouting--that it can't be done. Sometimes, that voice is coming from inside our own heads. If you're having doubts about your abilities, just remember: How many times have the naysayers been proven wrong? No matter what anyone says--no matter what you might believe--it can be done. The nut can become a tree. There's always a chance of rain.

I Like it Like that....-ABC26 News segment "Presidents & Promises

I loved this quote from what ABC News 26 aired yesterday from whats they called "the Ambassador of Optimism from a teenager & Lower 9th Ward resident in a segment they did on the oil spill in Southern La and how the assistance compares to what & what was not done in speed after Katrina.

The young man said: " They want New Orleans gone, but we are not gonna let it happen like that ya heah me..."~ Troy Tgner . http://www.abc26.com/news/local/oilspill/ segment entitled "Presidents & Promises" The segment is only four & one-half minutes long. Please see it in its entirety...

He was not saying the "they" were the residents of Southern La. want New Orleans gone by no mean, only that with all that has happen, we... all Louisianians are not gonna let "it" happen, no matter what befalls us.

Head in the Clouds...

All of these were shot on Napoleon Avenue in the Park. The sky caught my eye through the trees.

This shot was from my backdoor enjoying the sun going down...

From my usual wandering around town...