It's kind of amazing to be in the presence of someone you admire, and it's quite another when that person (in this case, Daniel) writes "luminous" on your neck and says, "Because that's what you are."

What do I say to that?!

"Thank you." And I smile. Big.


P.S. - That's Wu in the background - she's taken many photos when I can't get the angle right or the auto-photo function to work. Thanks Wu!

I approached these two guys and Obi agreed to write a word. He wrote Vick - his friend's name. Hmm...unless it has some secret meaning, it's the first name (besides Yvette's dog name) that I've gotten. But I don't think it does. Have a secret meaning, I mean.

"Cause I like to keep it positive." Sarah said.

We were sitting out by the railroad track, waiting for the videos to start. It was the opening for the DiverseArts show "Facing East" - photos of East Austin taken in a 48 hour period. Her friend was in the show. I had heard about it and wanted to know who was taking photos and what they were seeing. Sitting on the train tracks, I turned to Vanessa, and she was totally there. Without hesitation she wrote "alma". We talked a little bit then, about the show. About where we're from. And then watched the videos on the outdoor screen.

What an awesome time I had tonight. Sarah Sofia, at all of age 3, was off by the fireplace making art. Her mother, Whitney, Wura, Amanda and I were at Shia's enjoying wine and Tiramisu (off the hook, Shia!) when I asked Whitney if she would write a word on me. She wrote `pulse'. I then ran over and asked the budding artist if she would take my photo. I showed her the Polaroid and how to use it. She immediately suggested

"We should take five photos and then arrange them on the wall."

While I was tempted, I decided two was probably good. I kept one photo and gave her the other so that she could do whatever she wanted with it.

"Pulse."

MADD - for Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

"I know it's an acronym, but it's what I'm doing right now."

She was working on making an 8am presentation on buying motor vehicles when I asked her. I was only up at 8am because I had taken my car in for a brake check. Cars, cars, cars. And MADD.

She was tired, I was tired, but I managed to get a word from Mrs Barnett:

Surprise!