What's Not to LOVE About McKinney?

I've just had the most amazing day of my life right here in McKinney.

It started when I was driving my car out onto W. Virginia from my daughter's office, RejuveNation LifeSpa and two police officers on horseback pulled me over into a parking lot. Looking out of my rolled-down window high up to the face of the sweetest looking police officer, and I mean that in oh so many ways, I told him I knew why he pulled me over. Expired registration and expired inspection. Two citations later, they asked me if I had a driver's license because it wasn't coming up on the Texas site. Well...it's still Colorado, not even Steamboat Springs, but Longmont, where I lived another lifetime ago. Hey, listen, my license says it expires in 2012, why do I need another one? I didn't leave the country, just the state. I've lived in Colorado most of my adult life. I've had a Texas license for the two years I drove in Texas and ever since it's been Colorado. Oh lord...

So, after not being hand cuffed or arrested for a felony, which is what bribing a police officer is in this state, I spent my afternoon getting my car legal again in Texas. The people that work here are extraordinary! Lesleigh at the registration place was nice and friendly and just wonderful enough to hug if it weren't for the plate glass that divided us. And then there was Heather at the place I had to go to pay the citations. She apologized for the wait and then let me know she couldn't take care of me today because the tickets hadn't been processed. So, she's going to call me after they are and I'll give her a credit card number so I don't have to come back in! How nice is that???

Let's not forget the guy at FastLane who engineered my inspection. He made sure we were in and out of there so my daughter could get back to do her surgery at 2:15. She's a chiropractor and surgery with a scalpel wasn't on her list to do today, but it sure did hurry up the inspection and I did get her to her office for the next patient.

And then I went to the Department of Public Safety to get my license. When I handed the clerk my driver's license, she was floored that it was a Longmont one. She used to own a shop in Longmont. She told me which one. I told her where it was located because I was one of her customers!!! Right then and there we bonded like long-lost sisters.

And to think, it all started with the mounted patrolmen. They are also the ones in my daughter's photograph that hangs in her spa. These women tried for at least a half hour to just get their rhythm down, and they just couldn't do it. That is, until the two horses and the riders stepped across W. Virginia. It was a proud moment for all.

And even after receiving the tickets, I told the officers to come see my daughter for massages and chiropractic adjustments on the house. This time though my offer was not considered a felony. The citations were already in my hand.

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.