Category Archives: Uncategorized

(Community Matters) from Brooks’ column this morning

In his extremely French book, “A Small Treatise on the Great Virtues,” the contemporary philosopher André Comte-Sponville argues that “politeness is the first virtue, and the origin perhaps of all the others.” Politeness is a discipline that compels respectful behavior. Morality, he writes “is like a politeness of the soul, an etiquette of the inner life, a code of duties, a ceremonial of the essential.”

good to be reminded. As Steven and I are reexploring philosophy, I’m adding Comte-Sponville to our reading list

This largeness, this grossness and gorgeousness of folly is the thing which we all find about those with whom we are in intimate contact; and it is the one enduring basis of affection, and even of respect.”

(Community Matters) Joaquin was sworn in as Congressman for Texas’ 20th district last night. I couldn’t make it in in time for the actual swearing in but I did in time to celebrate over dinner.

Unfortunately, I intended to make Senator Tim Kaine’s event but dinner went over. We’re lucky these two great guys are among our representatives.

(Community Matters) Happy New Year

much fun last night. I took no pics. Our tribe plus several guests from Marfa and even 6 from Austin who we didn’t previously know. Words: at 11:45, Steven prompted everyone to be ready with their word for the year. We launched sharing these at 11:55 – Steven’s TEACHABLE; Mine: DEFINE

A few others I remember hearing; CLARITY, HEALTH, LIGHTNESS, ENERGIZE, QUALITY, REINVENTION, NICENESS, CHEESE WHIZ, ACCEPTANCE, CUNNILINGUS, HEAR, CLIMB, PARTNERSHIP, PLAY, LIGHT, ENJOY, BURSTS, GENTLE

(Community Matters) hard to believe it’s the last day of 2012. It’s been an awesome year, and we’re looking forward to 2013.  mindful that not all families see the past year the same way & may 2013 be theirs

The rest of our tribe’s arrived. In addition to the David Tomlinsons, Freelands, Ratliffs, Hughes’, Hartgrove/Cooper, HillTop Hotties, Berman/Johannsen families: Tana, Joe, Leigh, Charles, Lily & Ivy Christie, Margo Weisz, Benjamin & Gregory Brooks, Jill McRae & Stephen Yelenosky, Allison Orr, Blake Trabulsi, Genevieve & JoJo, Shawn Sides & Graham Reynolds, and there are others but names are currently escaping me. Oh well, I’ll post pictures tomorrow

(Community Matters) Many thanks to staff and volunteers at The Nature Conservancy’s Davis Mountain Preserve for putting together today’s hikes and lunch for all our friends visiting Marfa. muchas gracias a Susan Ghertner for making the arrangements.

(Community Matters) I hadn’t captured well who’s arriving when. Nice surprise when our cousins (Dave, Lisa, Cadence & Laurel Tomlinson) arrived on Thursday, followed late that night by the Freelands (parallel family to Dave & Lisa, also from Dallas). Unexpected and delightful surprise to see our cousins the Ratliffs (Remi, Shannon, Caroline & Harrison) yesterday, even connecting the kids together with the Tomlinson/ Freedland tribe. And, meeting the Dallasites for dinner at Pizza Foundation, lo & behold, there’s Kim & Kyle Hughes.

Richard Hartgrove & Gary Cooper arrived yesterday but to Ft. Davis I think. Expect them here tomorrow. Susan Ghertner, Hazel Barbour & Christina Guiterrez arrive this evening – the entire Christie clan too, yeah! Not sure when the Berman/Johannsen family. Many more tomorrow  and Monday.

(Community Matters) Death Valley – hottest place on this Earth

I have a fond memory of speeding over a dune and nearly crashing into the back of an old stalled car (a Falcon I think). An older woman was in the car, returning from buying groceries. David Suarez and I gave her a ride to her home (a town of maybe 10 if I remember correctly). She was the first person I ever met who’d been born in Paris, Texas. I think this was in 1980 or 81.

(Community Matters)

(Community Matters) An otherwise gay-friendly, gay-roommating, youngish, stylish actor is surprised to learn he’s hesitant to take a gay role – The Atlantic. 

(Community Matters) I haven’t read her latest novel yet but enjoyed this morning’s rebroadcast of the NPR On Point interview with Toni Morrison – I highly recommend the podcast. She’s the only living American winner of the Nobel Prize for Literature and has won the Pulitzer and received the Presidential Medal of Freedom.  

(Community Matters) “As with the Christian religion, the worst advertisement for Socialism is its adherents.”

(Community Matters) “The only thing standing between Israel and national suicide any more is America and its willingness to tell Israel the truth. But most U.S. senators, policy makers and Jews prefer to stick their heads in the sand, because confronting Israel is so unpleasant and politically dangerous.” Thomas Friedman in NYT column

too true. I’m not a Hagel basher just want assurances he’s fully and unequivocally evolved on LGBT equality, including marriage, before proceeding