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I always use this blog for showcasing pictures of what goes on around the square in downtown McKinney, but today there are no pictures because my computer is on the fritz and I don't know how to download and upload pics on my daughter's computer. So there.

That being said, I have to write about my life in the square this weekend, particularly last night.

When all the patients from RejuveNation LifeSpa had left last evening, the place just felt a little too quiet for me. My daughter had a date for the weekend, and I chose to spend the weekend on the square. I poured myself a cup of wine, enjoying the night breeze. I hardly had a chance to get comfy in my chair when along came a dear sweet friend, Sonja, the streetwalker that she is. She joined me in some wine and then we were joined by Michelle and her husband. The conversation took place in RejuveNation on the comfy couch in the back talking about quantum physics and Michelle's magic machine.

Sonja and I eventually made our way down to Landon's Winery and thoroughly enjoyed the live music outside. We had a glass of Yellow Rose and basked in the cool night air. And then Jim joined us.

We walked down the block to Cadillac's to listen to Quentin Hope. He was playing with a guy named Alan who ripped a mean electric guitar. The drummer and bass were exceptional. I apologize for not getting their names because I highly recommend listening to these guys any chance you might get. It was pure magic.

After more wine and beer, Jim, Sonja, and I went to the new Churchill's where I met the new owner. What an absolute sweetheart! Maria Britton, I believe is her name. She gave me her card, but somehow I didn't have it when I got up this morning. Keesha was the exceptional bartender who took great care of us, and we got to talk with our friend Lorenzo. What I learned about Lorenzo a few weeks ago is what a mean bongo drum player he is. I'm sure there's a more accurate term for that, but at the moment that's the best I can do. I'm still feeling the effects of all those lovely glasses of wine I had last night at all those fabulous bars I went to. What I learned last night is that there are no strangers here. Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and willing to add to our fun level exponentially.

Back at the Spa, Jim, Sonja, and I sat for a while outside before calling it a night. Apparently bar hopping in the square is not uncommon. I just hadn't done it before. I loved meeting new friends and picking up "old" ones along the way. The music...what can I say? I love the music here in this town. You can't beat The Caddy for the best musicians. And Landon's had a female phenom playing last night. She even sang "New York, New York" or whatever the title is to that song. You know which one I mean. Who knew that I'd hear that song in a small Texas town? One of my favorite old songs, and one of my favorite places in the world.

However, McKinney, Texas is ranking way up there to be the most favorite place to live and love. For me, this town is not only a great place to live, but the loving comes so easily. My cup truly runneth over...

Thirsty Thursdays

At The RejuveNation LifeSpa the very first Thirsty Thursday took place on July 9th. Thank you to everyone who participated. Amber Palmer with SkyWolfe Photopgraphy took pictures, so you'll be able to see what a professional can do after viewing these.

To your left is Dr. Alyssa Summey doing her Coyote Ugly in black scrubs. Watching from below is Maria Elizabeth Alvarez. And yes, this was at the end of the night.

Thirsty Thursdays are Thursday evenings at RejuveNation LifeSpa where the practitioners explain what it is they do and what services they offer, at least the first Thirsty Thursday was like that.


I'm not sure what will be happening during the next ones.

Silky and Tom Michero are standing next to the fabulous photographer, Amber, and Cindy Goldman, who teaches yoga, does sound healing, and offers nutritional support. Cindy went to Mannatech's headquarters in Coppell to retrieve all the beautiful signs and the nutritional supplement samples that graced The Gratitude Cafe, the front room of The RejuveNation LifeSpa.

Silky will be teaching expressive arts in The Gratitude Cafe, and Tom has promised to play drums while Silky instructs dancing. We talked about doing trans dancing. For those who haven't experienced it, I highly recommend it. I did it at a James Arthur Ray event in California last spring, and it was amazing. And don't count on me getting that spelling right on trans (or is it trance?) dancing. I'm not into accuracy as much as I am in getting a story out there.

Towards the end of the evening Shannon Cole stopped in. Shannon gives carriage rides around McKinney. She's so knowledgeable about the history of McKinney, especially the ghost stuff. You'll never learn the things she'll teach you about this town's history from anyone else. I highly recommend a tour with Shannon and her horses.



And standing next to her are Dr. Alyssa Summey, Cindy Goldman, and Michelle Barr, the three practitioners that serve the community like no others. Really, be so good to yourself and book appointments with them today. The office number is 972-838-1313, and if you can't get anyone there, feel free to call Alyssa at 720-254-8108.

And of course, after a night of partying at The RejuveNation LifeSpa, we headed over to Cadillac Pizza Pub for great local talent. Pictured here is one of my very favorites, Buzz Andrews. I swear to God, I could listen to him play and sing all night long. He told me that I'd probably have the time of my life with a variety pack of cereal too.

I love you, Buzz!





And before they left for the night, Michelle and Alyssa were captured at the bar.

It had been a long day, a wonderful night, and a lovely time with amazing people.

Thank you to everyone who shared the evening with us and to all who have given so selflessly to make this dream come true. We are so grateful to each one of you. It's just the beginning, and we're so happy to be together on the square.

Photography at RejuveNation

Jennifer Cox is the master behind the camera taking amazing photos of Dr. Alyssa Summey, Cindy Goldman, and Michelle Barr.

These photos were taken in The Gratitude Cafe, the front room of RejuveNation LifeSpa, a wellness gallery.

They were posing for their first ad ever. It will be appearing in McKinney Women magazine. The LifeSpa just opened this month. Alyssa just signed the lease the night after the first of many Thirsty Thursdays. So, for those of you really getting this, Alyssa had an ad ready for publication in a magazine and had the first party in her space without even signing the lease. Hm, interesting huh? I love how my daughter plays.

The women in black are are Michelle, Alyssa, and Cindy. So, now you can put the beautiful faces with the names and when you stop in, you'll know who they are. And you're bound to stop in eventually if you haven't already because it's really the place to be. It's across from Mama Emilia's on W. Virginia right off the square.

The RejuveNation LifeSpa phone number is 972-838-1313. The voicemail hasn't been set up yet, so if they're not there, you may not be able to leave a message. Hang in there with us though because it is so well worth it!

And thank you, Jennifer, for such a great time and beautiful pictures!

The Gratitude Cafe

There's this amazing song by Jason Mraz called Make It Mine. In it he sings about going to The Gratitude Cafe where the angels love, love, love you. He's even named his tour The Gratitude Cafe. I'm in love with Jason Mraz and the sound of The Gratitude Cafe. C'mon, doesn't it just make you smile thinking about it? It rolls off my tongue and I can't help grinning like a little school girl. So, when Alyssa and I thought about opening a retail snacking place in the front room of her spa we immediately thought of The Gratitude Cafe. We couldn't imagine it as anything but...




So, here are the first pictures of The Gratitude Cafe. The art hanging on the walls are from AJ Fidelman. His wife Lenda is a dear friend who's brought in his work for all to enjoy and purchase. Thank you so much, Lenda. They take my breath away.


The rose above the bistro table and chairs are astounding to look at. The paintings on the opposite wall are of fish and sunsets. I am NOT doing them justice in either my writing or my pictures so please just come in and see what an amazing artist this man is.



And lastly, this is Moo, the prettiest boy you'll ever see, and apparently you'll have to take my word for it because the photographer (me) didn't get the best shot. Moo was in charge of the cleaning of The Gratitude Cafe, not cleaning it, but the supervising of it.

The Gratitude Cafe is located at 120 W. Virginia across from Mama Emilia's. Our first night of anything will be this Thursday at 6:00. Come and meet those wonderful women who are running the show. They are:

Dr. Alyssa Summey, chiropractor
Cindy Goldman, sound healer and yoga instructor
Michelle Barr, Certified Quantum Biofeedback Specialist

The name of the clinic will grow up to be something like RejuveNation McKinney. We're still very fluid about that at the moment.

Address: 120 W. Virginia, Suite 100
McKinney, TX
Phone: 972-838-1313

Dr. Alyssa Summey

Dr. Alyssa Summey has moved her office to 120 W. Virginia, Suite 100. She actually did it in May, but what she did this month was take over the entire downstairs of the building. We're in the process of turning it into a life spa. Sounds cool, huh?


There are two other practitioners in the building with her: Michelle Barr and Cindy Goldman. Michelle has a machine that uses quantum physics to let you know everything that's going on with your physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual bodies. This thing is magic. I don't know how it works, but once you get hooked up, you'll discover all things about you that haven't been working well in your life and what to do to change them.

Should I clarify that whatever I write in here is without any research? I write like I live -- by the seat of my pants. I'm a fiction writer for a reason. I don't have to be accurate about anything. A dream come true for me. So, to all those that I write about in these blogs I apologize for any inaccuracies. And for any readers interested in what really goes on here in this office space, come by 120 W. Virginia, suite 100, across from Mama Emilia's or call 972-838-1313. And God help you, if I'm at the front desk or answer the phone.

Come by anyway, we're going to have The Gratitude Cafe in the front room. I'm not sure yet what will be offered except great service, but stop by anyway. It's just a rockin' good time here. That I know for sure.

The other practitioner is Cindy Goldman, and I've experienced her sound healing treatments that have rocked my world. If you've never had one of these there's no excuse not to.

Cindy also teaches yoga for kids and adults. As soon as we get a schedule together I'll post it, but again just stop by and all of your questions will be answered. If I'm the one answering them, I'd get a second opinion, if I were you.


And the third practitioner is Dr. Alyssa Summey, my daughter. She's not only a chiropractor, but an amazing healer of substantial proportions. I'm just really privileged to call myself her mom.

There are also massage therapists in the spa. Since we're just getting things up and running expect many more surprises and events and specials. We're planning community gatherings and great music. Happy hours like nothing you've ever seen before. Creativity classes are being offered, especially by Silky Hart Michero. We've roped Tom Michero into doing some ethnic drumming for us.

I'm just saying that there's so much going on and so many reasons to stop by. I've barely touched on all the things being offered, so stay in touch because more is on the way.

Coffee 'n Cream

Another day in McKinney, Texas. Woo hoo! Love those times on the square. This day started out at Coffee 'n Cream. It had to. We needed some refueling.

Now for the truth. I feel like I'm writing this as if it happened today, when in actuality, I don't remember when it did occur. I've had these pictures downloaded on my computer for a while now, and I decided this morning while doing the laundry and cleaning out the closet, I will also blog.

And why am I cleaning out the closet? Because I moved into my daughter's one-bedroom apartment that was already full and crammed my clothes and art supplies into her already cramped closet. When I came home from a day full of meetings yesterday, I found the remains of the earthquake that hit. Luckily, it erupted only in the closet, but now a shelf needs to be put back up and holes in the wall need to be repatched. Now's the time I'm so grateful for not being a homeowner still. The solution to the earthquake aftermath is just a phone call away.

The next thing I need to do is apologize to Alan Schmoyer, owner of Sign-A-Rama. Oh my gosh, as soon as I looked at this picture this morning, I realized that you can't see his sign above the awning. So, here's the thing. Everyone needs to not only go to Coffee 'n Cream for refueling, but also look at his sign above the door.

Okay, now back to Coffee 'n Cream...

Well, sort of...

That's my daughter, Dr. Alyssa Summey, sitting in the chair at Coffee 'n Cream. She's texting as usual. I've never seen anyone who can text like she can. I'm a fast typist, but give me a keypad that my fingertips actually fit on!

Do you just love the artwork behind her? The decor changes on a regular basis, so if you haven't been in for a while, you might not have seen the latest works of art.




The artwork I do is with fabric, threads, beads and paints. I blog about it on http://jillluigsart.blogspot.com. I've been doing it since the '80s and did commissioned work almost from the beginning. I've been working with a NYC company for years now doing art for them that they give to women who they're honoring. I've got a piece to do for them now for a Native American woman, Henrietta Mann. I've never done one for an American Indian before, so I'm sooo looking forward to it. I've got my books of American Indian art and am immersing myself in it. What a great joy it is for me. Give me my writing and my art, and you will not find a happier girl anywhere! There are some major events occurring right now that will be combining the two plus having a place in the square to do it, so as soon as things take form, I'll let you know. I am so loving the possibilities right now, that's for sure!

One of the books I've been reading described how the Algonquians made their wigwams where the men bent the saplings to form the structure, and the women did the rest. And the women did the rest. Hm...I have nothing more to say about it, except that it sure would make a great t-shirt.

And here's one amazing woman who also does the rest, the barista of all times!

Coffee 'n Cream is located on Louisiana just west of The Grand Hotel, Rick's Chophouse, and Landon's Winery. You can't miss it.

Spoons Garage

Every day I feel more and more blessed that I live in the wonderful town of McKinney, Texas. This cool little coffee shop just recently opened. It's owned by Karen Klassen who also owns Spoons just around the corner. Spoons Garage is across Kentucky from Cadillac Pizza Pub.

First of all, look at this decor. Did Karen do a great job or what??? The menu is based on "garage" items. Coffee comes in sizes of SUV and compact. There's the alternator specialty drink also.



I wish I'd taken a picture of the bathroom too. It's so darn cool also with the garage theme. Apparently this building used to be a garage for fixing vehicles, so the decor and menu are based on that theme. Very retro and vintage. I love, love, love it, but of course, I'm a retro girl. Who else would build a brand new house and install 1950's black wall phones in it -- nothing cordless! I even had to fight my builder about putting formica counter tops in instead of granite. He won. Doesn't matter. The house was left in another state with the ex.




The coffee here is fabulous and if you work on the square you get regular drinks for a buck. That's right. One dollar bill for cokes, tea, and regular coffees. Don't try this with the specialty drinks. They're worth every cent.

Oh my gosh, and the salads they make there for lunch. I swear they come special delivery from heaven. And oh so healthy too.





The baristas are superb and you're bound to meet new people or see some old friends. I've never gone in there without seeing a friend or making a new one.

Did I say anything about their desserts? You just have to go in and see for yourself!






And before I leave this post, I must thank my dear, dear friend Silky Hart Michero for meeting me for coffee here last week. We had a fabulous time and I got to see her possible logos for her business -- Expressive Hart. She and her husband have a great story online -- www.TomandSilky.com. It's a must read.



Thank you to all at Spoons Garage. I enjoy my time down on the square even more because you're there!


Check out Karen's own blog:

htt;://www.spoonscafe.com/weblog/

Pumps

Yesterday afternoon I had an iced white mocha at La Mischa's with a dear friend Molly Jones of Molly J & Co., Inc. We're collaborating on a specialty tee shirt line for men and women. What better place than La Mischa's for a late afternoon refreshment and business discussion. The atmosphere is perfect and the European flair is wonderful. I'll take pictures of it the next time in there. You'll love the owner. Not only is she beautiful, but she's lovely to talk to also.

Afterwards, I met my daughter, Dr. Alyssa Summey, as she was coming out of her office at 120 W. Virginia, and we decided to take a stroll around the square. The one store we hadn't been into was Pumps. It's located at 110 E.Louisiana, Suite B. That's where we met Holly who was running the place. Oh my gosh, was she ever darling in her Capri's and sandals. The shoes there are decadent and on sale!! All you women, rush over there as soon as possible while supplies last. Holly will be more than happy to be of assistance to you.

She was so gracious to let me take pictures of her while she took care of a customer on the phone. The store is decorated with something luscious to look at in every nook and cranny. That free-form that's standing beside Holly is filled with charms that have words on them. I am all about words. I stood there reading them for quite a while. There's also plenty of couches and chairs to sit on while trying on shoes, or if you have a man or child with you that wants to get off their feet, there's plenty of comfortable seating.

Since Alyssa was with me, I couldn't resist taking a picture of her with one of her favorite things in the world -- shoes! I had no idea how many pairs of shoes she had until I moved here last fall. She's got more in her closet than I've had in my lifetime. Pumps had plenty more to her liking too. I'm not sure there was a pair in there she didn't like.

Thank you, Holly, for your warm hospitality. I invite all to step inside Pumps to get away from the heat and savor the shoes, jewelry, and clothes that are on display.

I would be remiss to not mention that we also saw a dear friend of ours Kevin Knott while in Pumps. He was walking down the hallway outside the store. You've got to see this place. There are other shops -- salons and an art gallery, I think -- on the other side of the hallway from Pumps and at the end of the hall. There's so much to explore in McKinney. I'm not planning on stopping until I cover it all.

And great seeing you, Kevin!

Dr. Alyssa Summey

If I had her baby pictures on my computer, I'd upload some of her adjusting her dad and her stuffed animals when she was two and three years old. Everybody had to get adjusted before going to bed at night. And yes, I knew that was her way of delaying going to bed herself, but it was just too darn cute to not let her go through her ritual.

This is my daughter, Dr. Alyssa Summey. When she was in trouble, I called her Alyssa Michelle, and it wasn't in a very endearing way, I might add.

She was extraordinary from birth. The first time I looked at her I saw a very wise old soul, and she's proved to be just that throughout the years. She has been one of my greatest teachers, and I am so grateful we chose to play together in this lifetime.

These pictures were taken at her new office at 120 W. Virginia behind the photographer's studio just west one block from the square. There's a side entrance from the alley, but I think most people come through the studio.

Alyssa was born and raised in Colorado. I was raised in Texas. Never in a million years did I think she'd end up coming back to the state I fled from after high school. And seriously, I never thought I'd be living here again either, especially after living in Colorado, but McKinney is a land of enchantment. The people here are warm and friendly. It's a place to come to when you want to renew and rejuvenate, to grow with like-minded people, and to enjoy the company of the friendliest people on earth. People here want to help others become successful. They love to network and grow businesses. I've just never seen anything like it. The Chamber of Commerce is the most amazing one I've ever witnessed. McKinney rocks like no other place on earth! The downtown square is quaint and inviting. Alyssa and I never get around the square quickly. There's just too many people to speak with.


Alyssa's coming up on her first year anniversary of practicing in McKinney. She convinced me to come and visit last October. I ended up moving here in November. I want to thank Alyssa from the bottom of my heart for sharing her life with me and to those in McKinney for opening your town to me. It is so precious, and I don't take the privilege of living here lightly. I treasure my time here, and am so excited to see what every day has in store.

Also, don't forget to vote for Dr. Alyssa Summey as your favorite chiropractor at http://www.mckinneyliving.com/.

Eldorado and Country Club Houses

Every morning at 5:00 I get up and walk my daughter's dog. Since I spend the rest of the day virtually at my computer and get little exercise, I shoot for 5 miles before the heat and humidity get too unbearable.

This is one of the neighborhoods we used to venture into that early in the morning. I happened upon it because it's too dark at 5 to go to Towne Lake, so I go where it's well lit. I haven't ventured to this neighborhood in a while but thought I'd post pictures of when I was a frequent tourist there.




This neighborhood seems so much like a little fairyland. I've never seen a neighborhood where every single yard is absolutely manicured. Flowers and trees abound. Very little sunshine gets through due to the trees. It's spectacular.

Look at the ivy growing on this beauty. It's just lush and fragrant.

The trees make lovely designs on this roof. There's also a pond nearby just for the residents of this neighborhood where a white crane or heron hangs out. I don't really know the difference between the two birds so I'm giving my white-feathered friend the option of being either.

I know this picture is a little blurry, but I just love the whitewash on this brick. It looks so European to me. A castle for a princess. Her beaus have to wait out on the bench until the king admits them, if he does.

This to me looks like it could be a politician's house in D.C. It's funny that I should say that because the flag that's hung up on the shutter there is a Canadian one. In any case, the house is a stunner. The whole neighborhood is, if you ask me. I know you didn't, but it's my blog, and I'll write what I want to.


My hat's off to all the homeowners in this neighborhood for creating such a lovely spot in the world. The fairies are thrilled.

Lavender House on the Square

Welcome to Lavender House on Virginia just east of the main square downtown. Look at the opulence in this decor. No matter what your circumstances, once you enter the doors here you feel like a million bucks. Pull up a seat on the couch or relax in the chair in the lounge for a free cosmos during happy hour on Friday and Saturday nights.

How gorgeous is this place! And how gorgeous is the owner -- Marsha Yarbrough. She's posing with my daughter, Dr. Alyssa Summey, McKinney's very own spectacular chiropractor now on the square at 120 W. Virginia.

Marsha has a spectacular staff to help her with the ambiance and incredible food.

Whoever doesn't make it to Lavender House is doing a huge disservice to their own palate!

Jennifer Piercy of Hair Options Salon with her brand new blonde hair!

Maggie Cooper of Jeunesse Medical Spa

and

the amazing bartender who did not want his picture taken, so I'm not leaving his name in case he's hiding from the police, FBI, CIA, or his mother.

One of the singers of the night with Alyssa -- Jud Leonard who sang with his wonderful wife, Elizabeth. I highly recommend them. Elizabeth has a voice of an angel and Jud can play a mean guitar!

And again my daughter, the chiropractor who just moved to the square. She loves it there. She's lived in McKinney now for over a year. She even enticed me here after a 34-year hiatus from Texas. I graduated from Bishop Lynch High School in Dallas back in '74. She told me that McKinney was a must-live place. I didn't believe her because I'd been to McKinney many times during my youth and I saw no reason to stop there, let alone live there. She proved me wrong though. This is an exceptional place with the most wonderful people in the world. So, to my daughter, the best chiropractor in the world (vote for her at http://www.mckinneyliving.com/ through July31st), thank you for convincing me to come visit last fall. I am so grateful to be able to call this home, and to have these wonderful people as my friends!

And yes, I did get to share her cake!

And drink the amazing margarita that the incognito bartender made. Wow, can he pack a punch with his drinks!

Lavender House

207 E. Virginia

McKinney, TX 75069