Saturday Sights, Sounds, and Sipping

“What we do see depends mainly on what we look for. … In the same field the farmer will notice the crop, the geologists the fossils, botanists the flowers, artists the colouring, sportmen the cover for the game. Though we may all look at the same things, it does not all follow that we should see them.”
― John Lubbock, The Beauties of Nature and the Wonders of the World We Live in
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My alarm was set for 8am. On Saturday and Sunday, I play this little game with myself. If I wake up early, before the alarm, I go for a walk. It never fails, I wake up around 7, get dressed, put on my gym shoes and catch the dawn in all its majesty. I love the quiet mornings.

Today, the ducks were waddling towards the pond, and as I walked closer to take their picture, they quacked and waddled away faster.

I have a routine, regimented zig-zag path I follow, back and forth, up and down, walking the same five streets.(I got lost once in my own neighborhood, so I am careful not to change my route.) I had already walked down this same street a dozen times in the past few days, but this morning, on my third round on this same street, I found a lucky penny. It was waiting for me. I always look up to the sky, say “Thank you, ” put it in my pocket and march along.

After my walk, off to writing group at 10, lunch with Mandy at Snug on the Square, then visit with my friends at Sweet Spot Bakery. Miss Elizabeth was working on a beautiful three-tiered anniversary cake. I was dying to grab the piping bag and play with the frostin. I restrained myself.

Later, I sat outside with Miss Kathy and Tim, enjoying the sunshine and company, when the McKinney Mounted Patrol passed by. Miss Kathy usually treats the horses to an apple or fresh carrot, so the horses were looking for her and their treats. They trotted down the alley back to the Sweet Spot back door and anxiously waited for their apple. They were so funny. I thought they were going to knock on the door with their noses.

Miss Kathy and Miss Elizabeth came out of the screen door with some apples. Officer Amedee on Ontario and Officer Shelby on Ranger, really appreciated the mid-afternoon snack.

Another lovely Saturday in McKinney with friends, and the lovely sights and sounds of the day. Now, a relaxing evening, sipping a chocolate ice cream Black Russian, writing and vegging in front of the TV. Life is good!

“We all look at the same things,” but what do you see?

Tuesday: Tea, Tips and Time With Oscar

“The day is an empty canvas, the shapes and colors are yours to choose.” ~Alex Noble
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We had our Tuesday Tea Time at Sweet Spot today. It was a leisurely laid-back day, enjoying visiting with friends and great food and sweet treats.

Miss Ann created a cool cross card.(notice the alliteration.)

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Miss Ginger created a hip heart card.

So, for my tip for today. I like to find interesting ideas on Pinterest. I saw this neat little mini birthday cake made from a brownie. Now, you know I need more ideas to be creative with my brownies. NOT!!! I’ll have to try this.

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After Sweet Spot teat time, my friend Zelda and I had dinner at Mellow Mushroom on the Square. We had pizza and salad. Very yummy. Our server, Maura, said, “Miss Toni, it’s me Maura, from Spoons.” I bump into old friends everywhere.

Then, we walked around the Square a while to walk off a little pizza. We popped into The Grand Hotel to visit with Oscar, who mans the front desk. He is such a sweetie pie. I’ve known him for years. He asked if we’d like a tour of one of the hotel rooms, as we were looking around and checking out all the neat paintings, sculptures and decor. It’s a lovely old hotel with a rich history.

There’s always something interesting to do in McKinney.
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Second Saturday on the Square: McKinney Rocks..and Rolls

Music in the soul can be heard by the universe.
Lao Tzu
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Downtown McKinney is always hopping on Second Saturdays, but today, a soft evening breeze welcomed visitors to all the art galleries, shops and restaurants. I started out at Sweet Spot Bakery, said hi to some friends, and off to Orison’s Gallery where my friend, Jeni Tomlinson was one of the featured artists, along with Bob Bruu and Annie Royer.

You know what I love about McKinney? Well…EVERYTHING! I ran into my friends Sherry and Margie and their great husbands. They were having dinner at Spoon’s, but planned to meet me later at Sweet Spot for a little karaoke with the John Wynn jamming session. Walking along the busy streets, I stopped in the new shop, Art on the Veranda, delightful gift shop with beautiful handcrafted jewelry and artwork by local artists. Judy and Dana are the talented and friendly owners.

My final stop was the toe tapping acoustic jam session at Sweet Spot. Kathy and Elizabeth shared their sweets and sweet voices with customers and visitors. John Wynn and his jamming friends played impromptu and requested songs while folks sang along. A great evening. A good time was had by all…especially yours truly.

Saturday: On the Square…Be There or Be Square

I grew up in this town, my poetry was born between the hill and the river, it took its voice from the rain, and like the timber, it steeped itself in the forests.
Pablo Neruda

Now, that is an inspirational quote! Sometimes the town you live in can make you or break you. McKinney, especially the atmosphere and vibe of the Square, with its quaint buildings and charming people, is a place to make you complete.

After a rowdy rollicking Friday night on the Square with the gals, Saturday morning brought me back to our writing group and more downtown McKinney adventures. Here are some highlights of Friday night. (A bunch of gals out on the town is a lot more tame than your imaginations might assume, but feel free to simulate.)

Thanks, Woody, for the tour of the town. A little too fast, but exciting.

The GALS!

Saturday morning brought us back to the Square and our writing group. Cathy and Elizabeth are baking away at SWEET SPOT, and the place is all dolled up with a new look and attitude and awesome tempting treats.They even offered to display some of my artwork. Ran into Tommy, the wandering troubadour and he asked me to sign his new guitar, Mariah. Nice folks.

Then, a walk down the street over to SNUG. The talented 15 year old, Dori Grace was playing her guitar and belting out some tunes.

Always something to do, new people to meet, and old friends to frolic with. Yes, we always frolic.

Saturday on the Square

McKinney was really hopping today. I started out my day at Coffee2 for our weekly writing group that meets at 10am. A new bakery called Sweet Spot opened inside the quaint little coffee shop. Yum!

Afterwards, I walked around, and stopped at Snug on the Square to see if any friends were having lunch. I checked out the art exhibit at the MPAC, scooted over to the Garret Gallery, and went home to feed the dogs and let them out.

Ed Hernandez- “Rain Festival-McKinney 2012 at MPAC

It was Second Saturday and election day results and festivities in the evening. So, after I took care of the dogs and had dinner, I went back to the Square. I ran into dozens of friends and went to several art gallery receptions. McKinney’s art scene is alive and thriving.

Printmaking art show and demonstrations at Orison’s- donated prints auctioned to support CASA.

Photography by Guy Giersch at Laura Moore Fine Art Studios and Pastels by Pernie Fallon

After a lot of visiting with artists and friends, I wandered over to the election countdown. The street was blocked off, tables and chairs were set up, and the candidates and friends waited for the results. Downtown McKinney has such a small town feel and the Square is the place to be.

Mayor Brian Loughmiller was reelected for a second term. Even little Snow White was on hand for the festivities.