It was electric! Sold out! Happy fans. “Faster-than-light” women running the length of the court, and back again!
My grandkids and I arrived early. We hoped to see the ACES player who had played at the University of South Carolina. Actually, we wanted her to notice us. We stationed ourselves where she couldn’t miss us.
That’s A’ja Wilson above my head
We called out her name and pointed to our Gamecock shirts as she ran by after her warm-up. She saw us!
The game was close the entire time. While we loved two players on the Las Vegas ACES team, we were for both teams – and in the end, for the home team, the DALLAS WINGS.
So we enjoyed and cheered both teams and all buckets made. The crowd was the loudest I can remember, and I think their cheering their team is what allowed the Dallas Wings to prevail. 80 – 78.
It was a joyous and joy-filled time which I shared with
my granddaughter
and
my grandson.
I loved being sandwiched by my grandkids while in the midst of sports excellence and passionate fans. A Happy time!
Here I go again. Off to see a woman’s basketball game. This time with my Texas grandchildren. We planned this event when I was in town last April for the “not-Stevie Nicks” concert.
While the Dallas Wings play in an arena near my granddaughter’s home, this particular game was picked because the opponent is the Las Vegas Aces. Two outstanding players on the ACES team played college basketball at the University of South Carolina.
When my granddaughter was a student at USC, I would drive down a couple of times during the season to go to the games together. One of the Aces player was on the USC team during those years, and we were rewarded with her high-performance game playing.
So my grandkids and I shall be at the “big” game tomorrow night.
We picked our seats across the floor from the team seats. We’re hoping the two Gamecock players will notice us, as we will be wearing USC Gamecock shirts!
As you may recall, a month ago I was in Seattle for another WNBA game. The Seattle Storm vs. Washington Mystics. The reason for attending this particular game was because Sue Bird’s jersey was being retired. It was a well-deserved honor for a record-setting player of 21 years with the Storm.
A brief summary of that experience.
We rode a city bus – which I love to do – to the game, arriving over an hour ahead of the game that was to be played prior to the jersey retirement ceremony. We got Sue Bird jersey-retirement bobblehead dolls by getting there early.
We enjoyed the game, even if they failed to win. THEN the honoring of Sue began. She was honored and honored, and honored some more. All much deserved and given by legends in woman’s basketball.
After all the honoring, Sue took the mike to share some thoughts- some 90 minute of thoughts.
Finally, seven hours after arriving, the jersey was lifted on high. I would not have missed being present for the above moment.
I don’t expect the ACES – WINGS game to last much longer than a couple of hours. Stay tuned. However long the game, my joy will be because I’ll be with my grandkids. And, of course, I’ll be watching women who play high level basketball.
What makes a person a legend? What makes someone legendary?
Google tells me it’s Famed. Illustrious. Renowned. Well-known. Celebrated. I add honorable.
I use these words occasionally, but I haven’t considered them carefully until now. Today I’m thinking about this because I’m traveling to Seattle to celebrate a legend.
Sue Bird
Point guard for the WNBA’s Seattle Storm and first overall pick of the 2002 WNBA draft, Sue Bird is a legend. I’ve been fortunate to attend a number of games in Seattle when I traveled to visit my Seattle family to see Sue Bird in action! WOW!
During her 22 years with the Storm, she led her team to four WNBA national championships. She was a 13-time all star and was named to the All-WNBA First Team five times. She won five Olympic gold medals and four FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup championships. WHEW!
“As awesome as she is on the court she’s been a role model for uncounted young people who aspired to greatness. Young girls who started watching Bird play 22 years ago, now are adults, and they had their favorite player along for the entire journey. Both on and off the court, she eschewed drama and controversy. She showed that hard work and character — and some talent — could take a person far.” The Seattle Times.
I love watching Sue play. Quick! Fast! Pass or shoot. It’s a Bucket!
Seattle Storm vs Houston Comets
Sue retired in 2022 at the end of the season. Happily I was in town to see her play one of her last games. During the upcoming game on Sunday, Sue Bird’s No. 10 jersey will be raised to the rafters and eternalized in Seattle sports history! I’ll be there!
Storm warming up last June when I was in Seattle
My Seattle family, with the exception of my daughter-in-law (who will be hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim), will be at the game. My sister is journeying to Seattle as well to join in the joy.
Now airborne after multiple delays, I’m on my way. Traveling mercies.
A few days ago I returned from my travels to Texas to attend the Stevie Nicks concert that wasn’t. As I noted previously, it was cancelled because of COVID cases in the band. It was a such a blow.
I did, however find Jesus…
in the Texas bluebonnets that had bloomed into the promise of spring return;
in the Maundy Thursday service I attended with with my daughter-in-law, where we were invited into silence;
in the Good Friday service, seated with my best friend and my daughter-in-law, where the three of us were the voices of the Jews as spoken in John’s account of the Passion gospel;
in the time I shared with my son and daughter-in-law, most joyously around the fire-pit, roasting marshmallows;
and in the anything-can-happen day with my grandkids.
Jack picked me up and we listened to a playlist he had curated for the drive to Georgia’s home. (Jack lives there while he attends college nearby). Some of the song lyrics, performed by musicians new to me, were profound and provided good conversation for us. Stevie-music was on the playlist, of course.
After showing me around their home, we set off off on our adventure. Georgia, too, had curated a playlist featuring Stevie. We even had a request, placed as a comment on my blog. “Play Sara for me”. We had a sing-along as we headed to the white rhino for breakfast.
From there it was a visit to the Arlington Museum of Art, with a retrospective exhibit of their permanent collection.
Keith Haring, Against All Odds
Then on to a local sculpture garden.
A stop at a martial arts store (Georgia is a 1st degree black belt, Jack a 2nd degree),
and a tour of the University of Texas at Arlington where Jack is a student.
We wrapped up our adventures with pizza!
The grandkids returned me home, where for the next couple of hours I basked in the midst of my Texas family as we retold our shared stories, wrapped in laughter and covered in grace.
My visit culminated on Easter Sunday as I joined my family for worship. Alleluia. Jesus is risen. He is risen indeed. Alleluia!
While there was no Stevie Nicks, there was music everywhere. Of course we plan to attend the rescheduled concert next March!
I love Stevie Nicks. I loved Fleetwood Mac, mostly because of Stevie. When she announced her tour with Billy Joel, and the venue was to be in the city where my grandkids live….
I asked my granddaughter and my grandson if they wanted to go. Yes! Yes! I took a very deep breath and purchased three tickets somewhere closish to the stage.
It was some months later when I realized the concert was during Holy Week. Uh oh. Stevie Nicks would be singing her songs during the Great Vigil.
My best friend said “so let me get this straight – during the Great Vigil you’ll be at a concert?” Sheepishly I replied, yes. I new I would attend Maundy Thursday, Good Friday and Easter services, so I felt okay about it.
Today I’m on my way to Texas. I’ll attend the services as planned. However, we’re not going to the concert. It has been postponed until March 9, 2024. COVID cases in the band. OH. NO.
I’m traveling anyway. It was never all about Stevie Nicks. Well, it kind of was for a time. Even more it’s about being with my Texas family whom I have longed to see.
Earlier today I was seated next to young woman in the lounge st the airport as we awaited our flights. She asked where I was traveling. I told her the story. She commiserated. Briefly. She then had a suggestion for me: Cook something delicious and put on some Stevie Nicks music. Find clips from her other concerts on YouTube.” She was charming.
A few weeks ago I decided my blog would be titled “I came for Stevie and got Jesus”. Indeed, I have.
I’m departing for home in a couple of hours. As I await my flight, I’m thinking about the past few days.
I’ve settled on “reunion” as a theme for my trip to Arizona. In just five days I spent time with seven members of The Harvey family; eight when you count me. These are descendants and spouses of my mother’s family.
I spent time with my brother and his wife and a sweet cousin during the first few days of this trip.
Yesterday my sister and I had lunch with a dear cousin. We immediately picked up our conversation from four months ago. That’s how close this family is.
Last night my sister and I had a wood-stove fired pizza dinner with her son and his wife.
This was laugh and love-filled time! Five days of precious family time.
Women’s basketball March Madness was raging! My sister and I somehow found time to sit and cheer for my favorite teams.
On this Sabbath day I feel blessed beyond measure.
Days before I left home I had concerns about the plan to drive north to mile-high Prescott. Heavy rain, high winds, ice and snow were all in the forecast. I still had concerns when I landed in Phoenix.
Much time last night, and again this morning, was devoted to researching weather and road conditions. Lots of conversation and angst about what we should do. In the end we decided to take an audacious risk and go. As my sister said, “let’s try it…we can always turn around.”
So we packed our things and left home with trust and hope. We experienced no rain, no high winds, ice or snow. All that angst! A bold move – well, a bold move with an option to retreat – brought us to a place of joy.
The drive north was lovely.
We met a cousin who lives in Prescott for lunch at The Colt. It was great fun!
Delicious meal served up with delight. Hassayampa Inn
A day that began with concern, ended with laughter.
I grew up in Denver. Colorado. It’s known as the mile high city, as its elevation is 5,280 feet. A mile high.
Today I’m headed to Arizona to visit my sister and brother, and other family members. Some of us will journey north to Prescott. It’s also a mile high.
I understand Prescott is a beautiful place, nestled in the mountains. I have been looking forward to the trek north. Surprisingly, it is expected to snow – when it’s not raining – while we are there. I’m really anticipating lots of snow- mountains beauty.
We are staying in the Hassayampa Inn. It is a restored 1927 hotel and is included on the National Register of Historic buildings. The lobby has a hand-painted ceiling, a large fireplace, plus a coffeehouse for me! Inclement weather will find me lounging in the lobby.
My sister lives in Phoenix, my brother and sister-in-law live an hour south in Tucson. They will all meet me at the airport when I arrive. Thus begins sibling time!
I understand the dinner tonight is coming from Tucson. My brother makes Supreme Chicken Enchiladas, a recipe from one of several cookbooks the Colorado Junior League published in the 80’s.
I’m anticipating deliciousness.
Guacamole is on the menu as well. Some many years ago, while on a trip to Maui, I discovered Maui Chile Salt. It’s since become the go-to ingredient for my friends and family. It makes an extreme guacamole. It’s possible it will make a gastronomic appearance tonight.
In a few hours I’ll return to the desert which I love. Tomorrow I’ll be a mile high! Come along!
Yesterday was the big day. Rice Owls vs Charlotte 49rs.
It was a most marvelous day.
I Ubered to Rice to meet my granddaughter for coffee. Here she comes.
After our provisions, we were ready for the day. The walk across the campus was such a treat. It’s a beautiful space.
A special treat was experiencing James Turrell’s Twilight Epiphany Skyspace.
Built in 2012, “Turrell’s composition of light complements the natural light present at twilight and transforms the Skyspace into a locale for experiencing beauty and reflecting on the surrounding campus and the natural world”.
Nearby is the Moody Center for the Arts. The exhibit on view was Narrative Threads. It is a fiber arts display, showcasing personal, social, and political issues through embroidering, felting, knitting, sewing and weaving.
We both enjoyed the exhibit immensely. Then it was time to head over to Tudor Field House for the game!
It’s a small stadium which means we sat near the action. The players ran like the wind! Play was so fast I had whiplash.
It was so much fun! And… drum roll… they WON!
We wrapped up the day by dining with two friends of my granddaughter. Nothing but Tex-Mex for us. I suggested Superica, a restaurant I knew to offer a delicious and unique take on Tex-Mex. It more than lived ip to our expectations.
Cometsgirl 