Some Things Never Change

Life in Houston during this time of growth; with traffic, townhouses and high rises being built at every corner as I ask myself “why do I live here?” When its 100 degrees inside my car, I defensively drive down Richmond full of potholes alongside drivers with their heads buried in their phones, I wonder “what is good about this?” As I look down the street I see people in their imaginative summer regalia walking down the street, I wonder “what are they doing out there” “where did they come from” and for gods sake I know it’s summer but can they please put some clothes on?

It feels like the city is closing in on me. I scrupulously analyze the radius of my drive to save trauma, time and energy. I develop new rules to survive the day i.e.- never take Kirby to south side of 59 unless you have to, especially on a Friday, opt for Alabama VS Richmond when driving towards town, and my new favorite never go to the Galleria unless someone pays you. 

Despite my complaints, Houston is where I came from, this is where I belong and part of my purpose here is to ensure that Houston, it’s people old and new, be reminded that there is still a culture here that hasn’t changed. We are often criticized for tearing things down and building new but there are a few things that haven’t changed- so I went for a drive and came up with a little list to cheer myself up.

Nielsens on Richmond- 60 years later, same sandwiches, same service, same spread.

Southland Hardware- I was a traitor to Southland with my Home Depot credit card back in the 90’s but that was short lived. Home depot sucks.

Bellaire Broiler Burger- Still a favorite after 50 years if you venture out those parts- worth the trip. 

River Oaks Theater- Same seats, same smell, same popcorn, don’t eat it though. 

M and M Vacuum. When your vacuum cleaner breaks- go here- they will make you feel better even when they scold you for using carpet fresh. Just go and do what they say.

So when the heat, the traffic and the people start to wear on you, visit a favorite old institution, it’s like comfort food for a Houstonian yearning for familiarity and a reason to live. On the other hand maybe this is all a rationalization from a stubborn city girl who really needs Club Med and a cocktail.

 

Tear Down or Keeper?

I always wonder and predict how the inside of people’s houses look especially when I walk around the neighborhood and try and peak in their windows. This is a house on our street recently listed on HAR and OMG the photos were worse than I expected.

I think it’s great to stay fit and watch our weight but seeing the “healthometer” scale facing you might not be the ideal way to wake up every morning- and if you are trying to sell your house I think this bedroom photo of the healthometer scale, along with the prescription medication on the nightstand are the kinds of things we could move out of the frame- it sort of takes away from the ambiance and charm of the house.

Location is everything and this is a great one but really, it might sell better without the photos for lot value. I do love the portrait of the sweet couple at the headboard I wish them all the best in their next move. If I lived in this house I would certainly keep that portrait and I hope they do too, but when I look at all the photos and consider the location it’s hard to call this house “a keeper”. So many of us end up finding ourselves in this same predicament, even when we keep it updated. We simply outlive our houses.

A family friend told me last night that the people of the “old south” would tear down their house before they sold the land to keep their memories. I think this is what these owners should do- keep the portrait, ditch the scale, have a couple of margaritas and move on- yes?

Link to HAR listing

Dorman David

Charles Dorman David- October 27, 1937- September 30 2013

Dorman was a brilliant and talented self taught artist and collector who attracted, acquired and expected beautiful things; objects, friendships, food, and of course women. He was my friend for the past ten years but I was a new friend because held on to friendships for decades. His oldest friend goes back to kindergarten at Poe Elementary.

Dorman was a collector who was ahead of his time with great vision and aesthetic. He loved to buy/ trade and make deals- big deals with the big boys. He loved to make the news too and he did it well.

My favorite thing about Dorman was his humor; I think this was his best attribute. Once, Dorman literally made me laugh so hard I cried. I am happy to say I could make him laugh too, even in the end. When those handsome firemen were doting on him on our way to the hospital I said “Dorman look at all this male attention you are getting- I’m jealous!” He smiled and chuckled pretty well for us that that day.

As Dorman approached the end of his life, he liked to share lots of stories about his past. He constantly reminded me how much good he did- all good things and nothing bad. Dorman wasn't  much of a religious man but I think this was his way of buying his ticket to heaven and by far his biggest deal ever. Rest in Peace Dorman, You will be missed.