Now...

I don't know where to begin. These past few days have been the most extraordinary of my life beginning with last Friday when saying "see ya later" to McKinney.

Every time I have left a town I've never looked back, never wanted to go back. McKinney's different. Yes, it's because my daughter's there but it's also because I fell in love there. I fell in love with the square, the people, the magic, and myself. It's an amazing place, one that I will never permanently leave.

Just writing about my time there brings tears to my eyes. It was almost two years of re-discovering myself and finally enjoying who I saw in the mirror. I got a lot of backlash from family members not believing in me, not trusting me, and thinking I've pretty much lost my mind. I thank them for helping me clarify exactly what I'm here to do and how I want to show up in the world. I'm here to serve. I'm here to love unconditionally. I'm here to throw off all the crap from judgments and criticisms I've held so dear. And, I'm here to get rid of the notion of what's true and what's not because I've learned that just when I think I've discovered "the truth" I've also discovered that it's false.

My life is malleable. My time collapses, and my world shrinks and expands. It has a mind of its own it seems, and sometimes I'm just along for the ride. I don't know where I'm going. More importantly, I don't want to know. I want to be so fully present that the future isn't even a concern anymore, and the past doesn't even show up on my radar screen. Right here, right now I am exactly where I need to be. My heart overflows with love for all. I can't be contained. I think of one person and my heart blossoms; I think of another and it feels like my body's gonna bust in two to let it out. I am that full. I am that in love with me, with all.

My last night in McKinney was spent with a man that I never expected to see again, much less share such an amazing experience together. He was... well, I have no words for how he showed up last Friday. I used to try to figure out how my life would go, how I could play it out, and then this man showed up again and changed everything.

I got to see me through his eyes again, and this time I liked what I saw. Finally. Miraculously. He gave me the greatest gift I could've ever asked for if I'd only known to ask for it. He gave me the gift of allowing me to really appreciate what he saw in me. Forty years later I can look in his eyes and enjoy the view of how he looks at me because as a freshman in high school I could not understand how in the world he could look at me like that. I couldn't even look in the mirror, so how could he possibly look at me and enjoy what he was seeing? How could he?

It was a rather tough night for me anyway because I was saying my goodbyes every place we went, and Square Burger was the last stop on the square. I remember Nathon giving me my beer, and I remember Brandon handing me some cards. As I opened the first one and read what Brandon had written to me, I began to cry. This wonderful man who sat on a bar stool next to me, wrapped his arms around me, and let me know it was okay to cry. My heart broke. Tears streaming down my face, and I could think of no other place I wanted to be but in his arms.

I am so grateful to all the people in my life who have helped transform me. I am such a work in progress, and now I do it with such joy, such gratitude, and with so much love. I can't help but give it back. I would explode if I didn't.

So, my friend, Tammy Davis, and I are giving back and serving to the best of our ability right now. We're working with AIDS and cancer patients so far. We've teamed up with my energy work and her aromatherapy. Being in the AIDS facility yesterday helped me understand why my life has unfolded as it has. I opened my heart and showered love all over these people. We are all magnificent souls here. We just get so caught up in the mundane and the craziness. I know, I was once there. I was once the one juggling mortgages, car loans, 12-hour work days, chauffeuring kids, etc. I remember how little I put into my spiritual growth. I didn't even think about it. I just knew that my days were good if my to-do lists could be completed, or close to it.

Now, I love. Now, I lead from my heart. Now, I feel instead of think. Now, I appreciate and am grateful. Now... It's all I've got.

My Brandon

My Brandon and Me

Last night Brandon came over to the spa while I was working late. If you're totally unfamiliar with my life, Brandon is someone I absolutely love and the owner of Square Burger. Contrary to what a lot of people think when they see us together, Brandon and I have really only known each other since the middle of June. And still, I call him my Brandon. Last night when I told him that, he just smiled and said, "Well, I call you my Jill." As he should. I am his Jill, always.

So, when people question who I am to him, he can just say that I'm his Jill as I will always refer to him as my Brandon.

burgers and brew

Katy with the best popcorn in the world

Brandon and me

I hate that my phone doesn't have a flash, but in this picture I was actually glad because I look way too sad to be seen very clearly. I am sad to be leaving my boys and Square Burger. Tonight while drinking a little brew with the best popcorn in the world sitting in front of me, Tammy and I got the opportunity in the world to chat with Craig for a change. He was out of the kitchen for a change and standing by the taps talking to us.

We came up with a game plan to keep Craig, Brandon, and Gnoc in our lives. We're going to open up a Bare Burger in Santa Fe and then the Strip Burger in Evergreen, Colorado. You know, while I type those names I'm thinking you may be getting the wrong impression about those names. It's not people that will be bare, but the burgers, and the strip has nothing to do with lack of clothing, but the kind of street it would be on.

So, as Tammy and I make our way westward we're taking Square Burger with us. There's just no reason to be without the best food in the world or the people responsible for putting it here. I love you guys, and I'm not going where I can't take you with me. Brandon's just waiting for me to give him a big check that will actually not bounce. There's just too much money out there to not land in the appropriate hands that can make this venture of ours possible. Really, what else does Bill Gates have to do anyway??

Strip Burger

Nathan with a sweet potato fry that escaped

I went to Square Burger for the first time in a million years last night. God knows I got plenty of grief from the owner, Brandon Horrocks, for not being as regular as I once was. The truth is that I still see Brandon on a regular basis, but just haven't bellied up to the bar like I used to until last night. A friend of mine from Colorado came into town and there was nothing else we could do but go to Square Burger. He'd read enough about the place in my blogs. It was a must, so Larry and I, along with Tammy, bellied up to the bar in Square Burger last night.

Nothing like a Square Burger pickle



So, the first thing I had to do was introduce Larry to Square Burger crack, better known as popcorn, as only Craig and Gnoc can make it. After finishing off several bowls of that, he had to test drive the fried pickles. They must've been to his liking because he ordered another batch along with the sweet potato fries.

Sweet potato fries

Brandon (left) and Larry (right)

Now you're just going to have to take my word for it when I tell you that the above picture shows Brandon and Larry talking to each other because it's hard for me to even decipher their identities. No flash on the phone camera and that's as good as it gets that late at night.

So, the topic of conversation was that Brandon contends that Larry is the reason I'm moving away from McKinney. I have told Brandon from the beginning that it's not true. I do not move for men, any man. And, now I'm not moving back to Colorado. I'm stopping first in Santa Fe for a tour, and I don't know how long that adventure will last there. However, that being said, it proves that I am not moving because of Larry. I am moving because it's the right next step for me. It was Larry however, who spent 3.25 hours at $450/hour consulting fee, telling me why I was making a mistake by choosing Santa Fe over Evergreen, CO. (Good thing I wasn't paying....) The conclusion my boys came to was that I really was moving because of Larry because number one, I was protesting too much, and two, because according to Larry you can track the switch in my blogs from writing about McKinney to Colorado right after he'd sent me a picture of Evergreen.

What's the truth? The truth is that I'm making my decisions according to how I feel. Right now it feels right to move to Santa Fe with Tammy and begin what we consider to be the first of our healing facilities. Our intention is to eventually land in Evergreen, but right now the energy takes us to Santa Fe.

The other truth is that I will miss Brandon and Square Burger and everyone else there so very much. Brandon's made a home for me there at the bar. Brandon has become one of my dearest friends who I love very much. It's always a better day for having seen him and hugged him. Since June 14th this year I've looked forward to seeing his face and wrapping my arms around him every single day.

 

So, Brandon, just so you know, wherever I go I take my memories of you with me. You are part of my family, and there will hardly be a day that goes by that I won't think of you and wish I was sitting at your bar. Larry wants a Strip Burger in Evergreen.Since there's no square and only a strip in that town, that's the name of the restaurant he wants to put together with you and Craig and my big check I hand over to him to get that party started. See, Brandon, I'm not leaving you; I'm taking you with me.

a little brew

Spairies and Sparinas

I talked with my shaman today. He's recently moved to the San Diego area, and he had heard I was moving back to Colorado. He told me not to make any major decisions or plans right now. He said the energy shifts are crazy, and I'll be rearranging my life all over again as soon as I decide to do something.

Yep, already happened. Moved my studio to the spa thinking that I was closing that up and focusing on doing only energy work. So, here I am in the back room throwing out everything I hadn't touched since moving here, purging supplies and paperwork, and just feeling such great relief to get rid of all that excess weight. And then I got a phone call...my agent got me a very big commission that should take me weeks. Well, there you go... So, instead of boxing up the remainder of the supplies, I'm setting up shop with less inventory. I'll be working late at nights and on weekends when clients are not being seen by any of us here.

The other major turning point here at RejuveNation LifeSpa is that three practitioners up and left this week. There were seven and now it's down to the four of us who do practical magic together. We're like Sandra Bullock and Nicole Kidman with their aunts in the kitchen stirring the pot. And afterwards, there's the winding down...

Dr. Alyssa, the head Sparina, also known as the Spa Ballerina

Dr. Alyssa is not only my daughter, but also the chiropractor and the mastermind behind the operations here. She's taught me so much about how great the fun can be while working. I used to work in her dad's chiropractic office, and I guarantee you there was never any live music, sex talks, or alcohol. But, since I was the one who first brought in the band while Alyssa was in Houston, I guess I should get credit for that genius moment.

sign behind the front desk

The Gratitude Cafe is the front room of the spa. It has tin ceilings, wooden flooring, one brick wall, and a huge front desk that spans the width of the room. This is where we have live music, sex talks with margaritas, and celebrations of all kinds. On August 13th, we're having a ribbon cutting with the Chamber of Commerce and then our open house with wine and appetizers. And, of course there will be beer.

Now, back to today... We girls were pow wowing in the Gratitude Cafe as only we can, putting together marketing strategies, events, and game plans of all kinds.

Here are the Spairies (otherwise known as spa fairies) Cindy Goldman on the left and Tammy Davis on the right.

Their brain cells are firing at top speed. Do you just love the fact that they're barefoot?

Cindy Goldman teaches yoga, operates tuning forks with the greatest of ease during sound therapy, and also does neuro-integration that changes the brain synapses so old patterns can be altered. Let me just say that I have used that service a whole lot and plan on doing it again and again and again. My brain needs lots of pattern altering. Just sayin'...

Tammy Davis is the woman with the potions. She does aromatherapy and concocts all kinds of magic in little bottles. The coolest thing that I've played with is her libido juice, as I call it, or sex in a bottle. The magic works like this. A woman puts on a couple of drops and walks around with it on, and the man who is most attracted to her will follow her anywhere. All other men won't even notice. I tried it, and it worked so well. Let's just say I was pleased with everyone's reactions, including those who weren't affected at all. It was a fascinating experiment. Tammy also is a life coach. Now, that's just been a gift from heaven dropped in my lap. I've pummelled her with questions that are crazy-making, and she's very quick to get to the meat of the matter and stop the crazy before it becomes mayor in my little town that resides between my ears.

And then there's me, the newest edition to the Sparinas and Spairies. I do energy work with the craziest thing ever -- energy. Yep, energy. I know a person's getting ready to set an appointment because I fill up with an energy that gets ready for them, and by the time they arrive for their appointment, it's bursting from my seams. Easy as that. I fill up and then out it flows once we're in the room together. Crazy, crazy, crazy... It heals, removes blockages that prevent people from doing what they want, clarifies purpose, balances male and female energies, and envelopes all in peace. I may be whipped after a session, but let me tell you, I feel good. I feel really good.

Me taking a picture of my name on the window

Nax Nok is an Indian tribal term for supernatural power, or she who makes magic happen. I got the name when a friend of mine and I were touring the American Indian Museum in NYC. He came across the name in an exhibit and insisted I use it. I'm a firm believer in signs, and everything that led up to that made me know that he was onto something.

So, now you know what happened today in our world of intrigue and magic and supernatural power. We love what we do, and love sharing it with others. Helping people feel better in every way is our greatest reward. There's nothing like hearing a story of how our work has changed lives. It's unmistakeably magic, and I can't wait to wake up in the morning and do it again.

signs

Friday afternoon I was driving down Louisiana when I saw a sign. Now, I've driven and walked down Louisiana more times than I could ever count, and have never, not once, seen this sign, but I did last Friday.

Right after seeing this sign, I ran into a man I'd been involved with, but hadn't seen in months. He got into the vehicle I was driving, and I drove to a parking lot where we could talk. We hugged and kissed and cried over our sadness in how the relationship had turned out. He had chosen to cut me out of his life because I didn't want what he wanted. We could no longer even be friends. It was over. Totally. Finally, and sadly over. I was sad to lose a dear friend, and he was sad to lose a lover.

Saturday morning I had to pick up my daughter at her friend's house. As I parked the car across the street from his house, I noticed a sign in the neighbor's yard that read: "Protected by Smith," and just hours later I was out with my daughter's friend's father talking until 2 in the morning about everything from flying small aircraft to how a man can open up a woman with his eyes. He got to show me that last one.

We kissed and hugged and touched for the next three hours. It was the most rapturous experience imaginable, that is until I had a vision of this man I'm fond of in Colorado pop into my head. And, at that point I was having difficulty not calling my date by another's name. 

The next day the friend's father texted me, and when I hit the reply button, it wouldn't respond. I hit it three more times and it went directly to texts I'd received from my friend in Colorado.

Now, by this time I'm looking at all the synchronicities of how this Colorado man has popped up at all the most interesting times. You see, his last name is Smith. And, on Facebook a friend of mine posted this tidbit of information: one definition of 'smith' is: 'one who makes or effects anything' ..... 'effect' being the key word here, and I responded with: Effect -- the power to influence a result.

Hm, my events with some absolutely wonderful kissable men came to abrupt halts after seeing Smith signs, and not just the ones posted outside buildings, but also the inability to reply to the man I had been kissing on for three hours, and instead get sent to Mr. Smith's texts. What????

And now, I'm looking at the time and realizing that the three-hour-kiss-fest man was supposed to call me about an hour ago, and he hasn't. How can he? I'm writing about being secured and protected by Smith.

David Deida - Spirit Sex Love - Part 3 of 12

I just finished watching this video and had to write about it. I've had an experience this week. No, many experiences this week with several different men, and then to end my week with this video is like finding the pot of gold at the end of the rainbow.

I've been struggling with my continual pattern of attracting unavailable men. And after watching this video I'm really understanding that the reason is because I'm the one that's been unavailable. Whew! Watching David show how a man can open up a woman and how that feels to her is... I have no words for it. I know that's what I want to be.

He says there are three stages of desiring a man in a woman's life:
1. I need a man.
2. I don't need a man.
3. A man opens me more than I can open myself to God. I don't need a man. I can take care of myself but myself isn't good enough anymore. I want to be wide open, and I find a certain man opens me wide without boundaries and often more consistently than I can do on my own.

This third phase is when a woman aches to be taken, to be ravaged and opened to God. Oh sweet baby jesus!

I remember a night when lying on top of a magnificent man just staring into each other's eyes, that soft yearning to be so close you could melt into each other, and he said to me, "I want to ravage you all night." There wasn't a single cell in my body that didn't jump to attention at that point. I could feel my heart open so widely that I would have given him anything. Absolutely anything.

It's that openness that David's talking about. That wide openness that we don't share with the world because we're so scared of being hurt. I just mentioned that to a friend yesterday when she asked me why I chose to be unavailable. I was scared spitless. I was scared to open my heart and keep it open. What would others think? What words would be said to me? What men would flee?

And then, I got angry. I intentionally tried to scare men off in the beginning of the relationships because I didn't want to invest in them if they weren't going to have staying power. The truth is that everything I invest in alters me more than anyone else. Who was I trying to kid? I want it all so I must show up as me. I must become available with a hugely open heart, arms spread wide, and not caring what anyone else thinks. How can I possibly get what I so greatly desire if I can't be it? Watching this video made me see what it is I want. Completely. Totally. And I want it now. I choose to be available. I choose to be vulnerable. I choose to be open and loving and real with a man that offers me love so openly that we take each other deeper and deeper.

There is no greater gift we can be to another or to ourselves.

So, let the ravaging begin...

Letter to Brandon's Mother

Dear Mrs. Horrocks,

I've been told you have a link to this blog and read it regularly and sometimes with great trepidation because I do not have a pause button. I blurt out whatever's on my mind, and therefore, I want to apologize in advance if there is anything ever written in my posts that could possibly embarrass you.

Know that I write so much about Square Burger because I think the world of your son and the amazing things he's accomplished. I thank you for the magnificent job you've done with him. He's funny, intelligent, and truly the nicest person I know. He's created an atmosphere here in this community that is beyond compare. It makes Cheers seem like a hostile bar in Boston. His employees are welcoming, friendly, and so attentive, and they all speak very highly of your son as an employer. That says a lot.

And Wednesday night when I came in just to tell everyone good night, Brandon pulls out a bar stool, pours me a glass of my favorite beer and sits down with me. It's a place I easily call home, and everyone in it my family.

Thank you for doing such an amazing job raising an impeccable man.

Jill

Afternoon Delight

You'd think I'd have Square Burger's menu memorized by now, but most of the time I don't even get one. I just belly up to the bar and food appears, so I'm not real sure what the name of this one is but it has the word Border in it. You can tell I gnawed on the fried pickle before doing anything else. Square Burger serves the best crack on the planet. It just comes in different forms depending on what you order. There's the fried pickles, sweet potato fries, the oh-my-sweet-baby-jesus popcorn served only at the bar to name just a few.

My daughter, Alyssa, was getting a massage when my friend, Kara, and I were having dinner. Since I don't normally eat a whole burger, I told Alyssa before leaving the spa that I would save her some of it. I tried.

This is what it looked like just before the plate was empty.

And here's Kara's banana something dessert. I've had it before, and oh my god, something like this needs to come with a warning label to make sure you have a change of clothes and a cigarette when you're done.

And right now, my friends, is when the change of clothes comes in handy because this is when you're sweaty, breathing heavily, and reaching for the cigarette.

And then, after the cigarette and fresh clothing, enjoy a freshly brewed cup of coffee with shots of espresso, and god only knows what else Marly puts in it. Truly the best way to end a magnificent day!

Slice of Heaven

The best fried pickles on the planet are at Square Burger. The hand in the picture belongs to a beautiful young woman named Amy. I took a picture of her, but you can't see her at all. So, Amy, at least your hand and your pickle made it to the web. Her friend, Mike, called the pickles sticks of dynamite.

And here's Mike demonstrating the proper way to eat one of those pickles. If you can't see it, it's because it's eaten.

Amy, Mike, and Seth were from Dallas, I believe. I was on my second glass of wine by the time they bellied up to the bar, so I'm thinking that's what they told me. The bar has two love stools on the end, large enough for three women per stool, according to the men from Square Burger. We obliged them last night.

The only thing I can see in this picture is my own white shirt, but here are six of us cuddled up together. Marly was hoping for a pillow fight. He wanted us to discuss it in detail in front of him. I'm not sure why that's such a male fantasy because I don't think I've ever been in a pillow fight.

That's Marly and Lauren. You can tell when I first arrived at Square Burger because it was still light outside. The pictures where you can't see squat are the ones taken after dark. One of these days I am going to locate the flash on my phone...

Also, notice the popcorn in front of Lauren. That's Square Burger's form of crack. I don't care how low my appetite is, when I see that popcorn I can't stop eating. Kym, Marly, and Lauren will attest to that one.

Here's another drug of choice from Square Burger -- Marly's coffee. Oh my god! I don't know what he puts in it, but it's the best coffee I've ever had, and believe me I've had PLENTY! Brandon told me it was made by Clay Island, and the brand was Sumatra. Don't know if the spelling's correct, but just to let you know that after just a few sips I could leap tall buildings in a single bound.

Here's Alyssa's special dinner that Gnoc and Craig fixed for her. Salmon burger patty topped with fillet of smoked salmon and salmon caviar with a side of green salad tower, tomatoes, pita bread, le jardine cheese, and creamy dill sauce. AND, it was a major slice of heaven!

Gnoc also made us her unbelievable cinnamon and sugar fritters again. This time she made a chocolate and citrus ganache with homemade whipped cream. I'm holding the plate in the picture above, and just looking at it right now makes my mouth water and my heart beat faster. Craig and Gnoc, thank you both so much for treating us so well and making us feel so amazingly special. Your food is beyond compare.

   Last night was not the easiest night of my life, and Brandon, Craig, and Gnoc made it so memorable with their kindness and their fabulous food. I really am so grateful to them for not only opening Square Burger, but placing it directly between my studio and the spa. Not only are they three of the most talented people on earth, but also the nicest. What a privilege to call them family.

Maggie Cooper at Jeuness Medical Spa

Maggie Cooper at Jeuness Medical Spa

I ran into Maggie while having lunch with my daughter at Spoon's today. Well, she was eating. I was drinking water. My appetite hasn't been so profound so far today. Hm, non-existent really.

Maggie is not only a friend of mine, but she gave me facials that have been life-altering, so I want to tell you about her and what amazing work she does.  She gave me a list of her services so that I can pass them on to you, and here they are:

spray-on tan

facials

microdermabrasion

chemical peel

facial waxing

laser

I recommend that you call for an appointment. Her office is located on the west side of central though. She's not on the square, so those of you who venture off the square it's not a problem at all.

And she's one of the nicest people you'll ever meet. Go enjoy a facial and relax. Who doesn't deserve something as wonderful as that?

214-680-8266

Square Burger Fritters

I spent my morning working on the website for the spa, finally including my page. Not that I'm done, but I'm getting closer. If you click on "Our Healers" and then click onto my name, you'll see what I've been up to lately.

Then the afternoon was spent in meetings, energy sessions, and lastly yoga. The funny thing was that in my last energy session, I saw myself drinking a glass of white wine at Square Burger at the bar. It must be a sign I had to pay attention to, so I did.

After yoga, I walked the few yards it took me to get to my very own slice of Mecca called Square Burger. The first person I saw was Gnoc who told me about the new item they're adding to the menu. Ready to hear about it, boys and girls, 'cause it's going to knock your socks off! Drum roll please!

Cinnamon and sugar fritters. OH MY GOD!! I got a sampling that was so wonderful it could make me easily play on the other team. I fell in love with her. Her food is hypnotic, sensual, and forever imbedded in my mind. These fritters melted in my mouth. They came with a caramel sauce made in house that made me cream my jeans. Sweet jesus! was this the best. I don't know when the fritters will hit the menu, but I'm just sayin' if you love amazing food and the best people in the world, then Square Burger is the place to go.

Passionate Eating

Last Friday night we were beginning our Saturday morning at Square Burger. Craig and Gnoc made us the best ribs on the planet, amazing apple slaw, and oh-my-god sweet potato fries. I'm going to have to bring in my camera to take pictures at night where you can really see the food.

When I was flipping through my pictures I discovered that most of them are taken at Square Burger, and before June 14th when they opened, I saw pictures of a totally different life. It was so much less fun, and at the time I didn't think that was possible at all. Having Square Burger in my life now has been one of the biggest blessings because of the people who own it and those who work there. The food's incredible, but the people make it home. Gnoc, Craig, and Brandon are the best gifts McKinney has. Not only are they knowledgeable about food, but the love and passion they have for it is unlike what I've ever seen before.

Brandon eyed my plate of fried apple pie today and proceeded to tell me how he knew what it tasted like by what he saw, the flecks of vanilla bean in the ice cream, the cut of the apples, the flakiness of the crust... It was the most sensual experience I've ever had with food. I needed a cigarette by the time he was done.

He talked about the gases in the beer on tap as if he was describing the most tantalizingly delicious mouth-watering experience I could think of. I'm not going to even try to tell you what he said because as far as the contents of the gas goes, he lost me at hello, but watching his face as he talked, I was lost in his love for what he does. It was so beautiful to see. To me, there's nothing so wildly gorgeous as someone doing what they love and drowning in the ecstasy of how it makes them feel.

I am a firm believer in loving what I do. I've spent most of my life abhorring how I spent my work days, so to be able now to lose myself in my studio or at the spa is luxuriously delicious. It cranks me. It juices me. It makes me love more. Just when I think I reach the pinnacle of how good I can feel, it gets even better. To surround myself with those that do the same absolutely creams my jeans. (Brandon, I just can't think of a better way to say it. )

Since I work with energy, I'm more sensitive to it than most, and I feel the love and passion not only in the restaurant, but I taste it in the food and beer. It's an experience my mouth will never forget.

Another Night at Square Burger

I take pictures with my phone that has no flash, so when the pictures turn out dark... Well, let's just say my real camera was back at the spa across the street from Square Burger, and how could I possibly take that little jaunt when the best chef ever came out of the kitchen long enough to have a conversation with me? I've been eating Craig's food since June 14th, and there's nothing like it. He told me tonight the items he's wanting to add to the menu, and they'll make vegetarians very happy. Hell, they make me happy, and I love meat! Love, love, love meat in oh so many ways... Oops, that's another story.

This is Emily. She turned 17 today. I wish I had had my real camera for this picture because she had bought this dress with her first paycheck ever, and she looked so great. This was taken a few nights ago, so she was still 16 here. You'll have to stop in at Square Burger and see her now. At 17 she's so much older looking.

Here's the cake Emily's parents got for her from Mozart Bakery. I assumed something that magnificent came from the pastry chef, Gnoc, because what she makes is truly phenomenal. You won't ever see a picture of Gnoc. She almost dropped the cake and ran when she saw the phone pointed in her vicinity. So, when you stop in for a great meal, please ask to see Gnoc. Her salads and desserts are outstanding also. And, the only way you'll ever know what she looks like is to see her in person. There sure won't be any pictures of her in my blog unless I catch her napping, and as busy as Square Burger is, I doubt if she'd ever have time for that.

Thank you to everyone at Square Burger. It's my second home, my pass through between the studio and the spa, the place where everyone knows my name, and especially where I feel the love. I know Craig and Brandon have waited years for Square Burger to open, but I have waited all my life.

Another Night at Square Burger

Tonight was another Square Burger night with friends. And one of the best reasons ever to go to Square Burger is Alex (as shown in picture). He's the best dancer there, and I mean that because he's the ONLY one who's danced with me. C'mon, how can you not dance to Stevie Nicks? Alex can shake his booty better than most, I might add.

Tonight he was our bartender extraordinaire, and that's not always easy with the crowd I hang with. So, thank you, Alex. And, thank you, Tim, for the glass of wine and appetizers. What a great pleasure it is to have you around every now and then!

Do you know how very happy I am to have Square Burger on the block? I have another client at 11 tonight, but I'm able to walk a few steps to Square Burger, join my friends and the amazing staff there, and get back in time to keep writing and working. What a pleasure to have them here. I've told the owners before, but now I'm proclaiming this on the web:

I'VE WAITED ALL MY LIFE FOR SQUARE BURGER!

It's almost time for my client, but already I look forward to tomorrow -- another day with friends at Square Burger. Life is oh so good...

Toto, We're not in Square Burger Anymore...

It's never pretty leaving the square, but sometimes it's essential. This morning presented one of those times. Tammy Davis and I had to trek to Fort Worth and while waiting to meet someone, we stopped in a restaurant that wasn't a chain. We hiked ourselves up to the bar and this is what was looking back at us. Tough to order ham or bacon with this bad boy eyeballing us.

So, I got myself real busy getting to work and drinking waaay too much coffee. Our bartender let us know his name was Jebaaz Jenkins, and he kept that caffeine coming. Even though Wilbur was an awesome assistant and a bit of a heavy Coke drinker, I was more than happy to get back to Oz. After picking up my friend's cothing and ruby slippers at someone's home, we headed back east and let the yellow brick road take us back home.

 The first place to go after a long morning escaping the wicked witch of the west and her cohorts is Square Burger on the square in McKinney. Once we passed 35 on 121 we passed the poppies, narrowly missed the flying monkeys, and saw Oz in the background. We could already taste the turkey burger and fried pickle. Just the image of  a full plate at the bar kept us going through traffic and radar traps.

After my fabulous turkey burger and fried pickle, Ngoc brought me the best popcorn in the world. It's cooked in duck fat and flavored with Parmesan and rosemary.

Marley kept my water glass full and loaded with lemons, and the time spent outside of Oz disappeared from memory.

And of course, Oz wouldn't be Oz without the wizard behind the bar, Brandon Horrocks, one of the owners. Not only am I thrilled to be back in McKinney, but I'm so grateful to all those responsible for the best place in the world to hike a leg up at the bar and hang with the best people on the planet.