Start spreading the news...

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...

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.