Romeo & Juliet

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This performance of Romeo & Juliet is happening at Ramsey Park in Austin and is staged by Something for Nothing Theater Company.  It is Shakespeare at the most raw – a few props, a few lights, and a bare stage in the park.  The play was great, the crew was awesome, and I recommend that you check it out if you find yourself in Austin.  Bring a blanket, a picnic, and set up camp as close to the stage as possible for a view of the action.

“O! I am Fortune’s fool!”

Fan Fest III

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How to have a fun night in Austin with a bit of an international theme:

  • Park at the State Capitol at around sunset and take a leisurely stroll through the grounds.
  • Walk to Sixth Street in the gorgeous weather we are now experiencing.
  • Check out the art and activities of the Fan Fest for the Circuit of the Americas.
  • Walk to the far end of Sixth Street and get an Orange Cream Italian Water-Ice at Jim Jim’s.
  • Walk all over the downtown area to work up an appetite and admire some of the awesome cars in town.
  • Have crepes for dinner on the outdoor patio at Cafe Crepe.
  • Return to the Fan Fest to catch the Flying Balalaika Brothers play another fantastic show.
  • Call it a night with tiny experiences of Texas, Italy, France, Russia, and the Ukraine to spur your dreams.

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Wild Texas Short Films

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Last night, I arrived at Stanley’s Farmhouse in Austin at sunset.  My mission was to enjoy a few short films being screened by Ben Masters.  The sun lit up the clouds in bright orange just over the trees of the farm.  I found the pavilion and pizza restaurant where the screening was taking place, and took a few photos before enjoying the films.  The most publicized film was called Pronghorn Revival, and was about relocating Pronghorns to ranches near Marfa Texas.  My favorite film of the night was called A Backcountry Recovery, and was a story about how horses and a 1,000 mile long horse trip brought meaning into the life of Ray Knell, a Green Beret and Afghanistan war veteran.  His goal was to use animals, nature, and physical activity to inspire other veterans to find help with the affects of PTSD or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder.  These films made for a great evening at a small piece of a working Texas ranch.

“Life is very, very short. It’s up to you to fill the book of life with beautiful and interesting chapters.” – Veteran Ray Knell

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Pietzsch Street Church

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This old church is in such a state of disrepair that it makes you want to cry.  Some windows are busted out and covered with plywood.  Some of the roof shingles have fallen off.  It is surrounded by thick bushes and flying insects.  You can’t even get close to the front entryway.  I am hoping that someone will want to restore it to glory.

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Come Walk with Me

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It is a relatively cool evening as the sun begins to set in Bartlett Texas.  The town is mostly vacant, except for a few cars and trucks.  Most of the shops have been boarded up with the exception of a couple of restaurants and antique stores.  People have purchased or leased some of the downtown buildings to serve as their homes.  The brick paved streets speak of another time.  The town’s history indicates wealth from the cotton and railroad industries.  Come and see some of the sights as I walk through this unique and interesting town.

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