The world in your backyard: Menil Collection turns 25

Anyone who found themselves on the grounds of the Menil Collection in Houston last Saturday met with good fortune in the form of a truly enjoyable celebration of the collection's 25th birthday. 

The catalyst for this astonishing, world-class and masterfully curated art collection actually occurred back in 1931 in France, with the marriage of John de Menil to Dominique Schlumberger. 

France's loss of these residents during WWII was Houston's gain, as the de Menils quickly steeped themselves in Houston's then-nascent art and architecture scene. The landmark building housing the main part of the family's collection was built by Dominique after her husband's passing. 

To me, and probably many thousands of others, this building is not only inspirational from the exterior in its harmoniously rooted connection with its park-like surrounding, but also the interior with daring proportions and almost startling white space and acoustics show reverence for (and deference to) the art and artifacts it houses. 

On this particular day in a series of events celebrating the collection's 25th birthday, we loved the family-friendly setting...

...the exciting live jazz musicians...

...the dancers sweltering in the heat...

 ...and time with my honey!    

Thanks to ongoing generosity of corporations and individuals, the Menil Collection is free, the event was free, and no passport is required to access amazing culture from around the globe. 

How much do we love living in Houston? 


 

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Everyone loves a parade, but art cars are special

Peeling out: Mayor Parker is in the blue shirt

As we say ad nauseam, Houston is a vastly underrated city. This tends to be perpetuated by national media, and for some odd reason our citizens don't seem to provide a sufficiently vocal or eloquent riposte to such unfounded parries. 

On the other hand, we somehow can whip out some in-yo-face rebuttals of the VISUAL sort. Like the Art Car Parade. 

It's the largest of its kind, the only one of its kind, and, well, just plain WEIRD. 

We love it, we love Houston for it, and we are proud that it makes its serpentine path through our neighborhood each May.

Need I say more?

Big mouth!

This year, the grand parade celebrated its 25th anniversary. It's about human-powered and motorized vehicles with whimsical, artistic, political, educational and even racy themes. It's about all forms of expression and connection.

This man was a fit, smiling senior

One of the original art cars!

'Vanadu'

The Orange Show float (curator of the parade)

A sock monkey car is a must

For us, the fun of it was being able to hang out with friends, and host three friends who have never seen the Art Car parade. They LOVED it. So did the other 300,000 spectators and like 20,000 dogs. As they say, everyone loves a parade. We're happy to host and we are a one-block walk from one of the best vantage points!

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Absolut fun!

I've said it before and I will keep saying it, Houston is an amazing and happening place. This past weekend Cinco de Mayo celebrations numbered in the hundreds. Then yesterday (Seis de Mayo), Greg and I met up with friends to watch a friendly mixology competition sponsored by Absolut Vodka at Celtic Gardens in Midtown (we even walked over - how cool is that?!). 

Instant Gratification Photo

We were impressed by both how well this event was run and with the professionally prepared and briefed staff. As for the contest, two bars up on a stage allowed the competition to move along swiftly and offered excellent and highly visible real estate for branding (okay, the marketeer in me). An MC offered the play-by-play as the bartenders created their masterpieces. Three judges watched it all unfolding from their prime seating up on the stage. Separately, a DJ kept things lively for the huge crowd. 

Armed with tablet computers, "Brand Ambassadors" were collecting attendee info, taking pics and then sending them via e-mail instantly. They also mingled through the crowd and encouraged people to visit the photo booth just for fun. 

"You must pay the rent!"

Because we had RSVP'd early, we were able to secure purple VIP wrist-bands for bonus benefits that included yummy free...er...sponsored food. On the menu: Two flavors of quesadillas, crab cakes, fried calamari, bruschetta, a large mix of cheese and crackers and amazing fresh fruit including strawberries, pineapple, and grapes. 

All of this at our very favorite price...$ZERO! 'Tis good to be living and loving in Houston, TX.

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Nearly 55 and a GLEEk!

So, when folks get to be my age they face the cultural and nearly uncontrollable vulnerability known as being "Middle Age Crazy".  For most this manifests itself into buying a fast sports car, or a second home in an exotic location, or a yacht that is moored on the inter-coastal waterway in Florida. As for me, I drive a VW Jetta TDI (diesel), have a single primary home in Houston, TX and I see a BOAT for what it stands for - Bring Out Another Thousand (dollars that is). The conundrum for me, as I quickly approach an age that matches the speed limit of the Carter administration, is that I find myself to be a GLEEk.

For those who are not aware, a GLEEk is a fan, or more appropriately, an addict of the Fox Network show GLEE. 

I am not exactly sure how this happened to me, but I do know that I cannot seem to extricate myself from either watching or liking the program. Perhaps it is the blend of music that includes a bit standards, a dose of Classic Rock, a little original music, and then topped up with today's modern pop culture music? Maybe it is my unconscious desire to be back in high school surrounded by friends with amazing talents, great looks and great hair.

Actually, I think that GLEE simply resonates (and across generational lines) because it is so unrealistic and so outright entertaining for those who want to watch TV without the need to bring your brain.  

There is some odd and unusual comfort in watching a show that in no way matches ones own personal experience. So you know, I am not envious nor jealous of the GLEE life, but I would like to be Sue Sylvester for just one day.  That is what makes one a devout GLEEk.

Well done GLEEk, well done!

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