Inspiration struck me today. Actually, it struck last weekend, and it wasn't me, it hit my dear friend Phil. I'm just 'borrowing' his creative property and running with it. I think I can do more with it, and I'll tell you why: I have more shoes. Last weekend, we hit the nearest Kinko's...because that's what hip folk do. I spotted an orphaned car tag in the street and thought it was just the sort of thing I might like to hang up in my beer joint....the one that I haven't found yet. Upon closer inspection, it didn't suit my imaginary place, but Phil took a photo of it anyway....my shoe included. This weekend, when I visited my dear friend Phil, I noticed an assortment of shoes outdside the neighbors' door. It made a pretty (and touching) picture. I found myself wondering about the people that belonged to the shoes. Were they having a party? Had they spent a day at the pool? Was it a reunion? Maybe the two families hadn't seen each other in years. I could make up all kinds of stories behind that pile of shoes. Then I thought about my own shoes. Anyone who knows me, knows my shoes. It's a silly little gimmick, but I love my Converse Chuck Taylor All-Stars, or Connies, for short. I like taking pictures, but I don't like that I'm rarely in them. So, I thought, why not put my shoes in the pictures? They're a part of me, and I like to show them off...probably more than I like showing off my mug. Prepare yourselves, and watch this space...I'll keep you updated on The Mysterious Misadventures of My Shoes!!!

Please tell me: who thought this was a good idea? In probably one of the most beautiful places in Dallas, there are four enormous granite teddy bears. The smallest of which, at about 3', is pictured here, inspecting a bronze bee. The biggest is about 8'. Here I am, enjoying a lovely walk, a pause in the only place where a cool breeze overcomes the Texas heat, and I turn around, expecting more of the lovely scenery...and BAM!! I'm scared out of my wits by a bizarre, stoic, giant teddy bear. Something tells me that's it's supposed to be cute, but it's just chilling. The vacant, soul-less eyes, the unsmiling mouth. These are NOT your Vermont-variety teddy bears. *shiver* Then, I get angry. Why? Why take a perfectly serene setting and put huge teddy bears there to scare me? I'm serious. I never had to worry about scary stony children's toys invading my dreams before I saw these monsters. Fortunately, Kronenbourg 1664, a tasty French brew, is now available in our fair city, and the timing couldn't be better. Now I have something to help combat the nasty rock bears in my nightmares. In my book, beer always beats bears.