APPROACH TO CANCER CARE in Clear Lake
At Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, we treat every aspect of your cancer. Leading oncologists work with our specialists across disciplines to minimize cancer’s effects on major organs. One comprehensive team — dedicated to your individual care — uses the latest research, treatments and technology to stop your cancer. From infusion and clinical trials to surgery and reconstruction, our innovative care is available in Clear Lake.
That’s the difference between practicing medicine and leading it.
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Tex as Medical Center
What’s
MARY ALYS CHERRY Remembering
By Rick Clapp
Ivery proud, respected, and quite stubborn to say. Her reputation was impeccable.
t was with great sadness when the Clear Lake/Bay Area Houston community lost an iconic legend. Without a doubt, Mary Alys Cherry was the most recognized name in our area. This community leader and Pulitzer Prize winner influenced us all with her award articles and stories.
Mary Alys Cherry was born in 1935 and passed away on May 29,2024 at the age of 88. Ms. Cherry’s career in journalism began at the esteemed University of North Carolina School of Journalism where she excelled and found her love for sports. At the time, her Carolina Tarheels dominated the basketball court and the football field. She wrote for many well-known newspapers throughout the South including the Ft. Lauderdale News, Miami Herald, Tampa Bay Times, and numerous other publications. She was also Editor of the Panama City Herald.
Upon an opportunity to write for the Houston Post, she, her husband Elton, and son Greg moved to Houston, Texas. The closing of the Houston Post allowed Mary Alys to move to Clear Lake and become the editor of the Citizen/Exchange newspaper, Houston Chronicle, and Bay Area Houston Magazine.
There are three words that would describe Mary Alys Cherry –ubiquitous, gravitas, and anomaly.
For nearly 40 years, Mary Alys covered the entire Bay Area and was present at all major events, social galas, city council meetings, CCISD, and her passions: The Assistance League, Lunar Rendezvous, and NASA/Johnson Space Center. She was always with pen, tablet, and camera as she left her home ready to photograph and report. And did she! Summoned by all society, businesses, NASA, garden clubs, yacht clubs, CCISD, and Rotary – you name it, Mary Alys was ubiquitous and would be seen everywhere.
MARY ALYS WAS ALL GRAVITAS. Her charm, energy, and integrity were unmatched. She was
Ms. Cherry’s addition to Bay Area Houston Magazine enhanced our stock and level of resiliency in this area. Her news reporting and coverage of events was a perfect fit and marriage for me and Bay Area Houston Magazine. Together, we created a hybrid of a publication.
Bay Area Houston Magazine is known for the social, dining, entertainment, real estate, and healthcare was combined by her news and information. We had many arguments and conflicts. She made me and the magazine better. We became the most read publication in Bay Area Houston. You could say we were forged to be the “Best of the Bay.” Iron sharpens iron and it did.
Mary Alys Cherry earned too many accolades, literary, and community awards to mention. Her loves were her work, reading, socializing, her friends, her cats especially Smokey, Space Center Rotary, Lunar Rendezvous, all of Houston Sports, and North Carolina Tarheels.
NEEDLESS TO SAY, MY DEAR FRIEND AND COLLEAGUE WAS A TOTAL ANOMALY.
A very rare find of a human being. I am proud to call her my friend and miss our daily conversations.
Mary Alys was loved by many and is survived by her sistersNancy Voorhees Seivers, Ann Voorhees Hendrix, and her niece, Carolyn. I would like to recognize her dearest friend Kippy Calloway for her input and stories about Mary Alys Cherry.
God Bless You Mary Alys and be in everlasting peace with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
Mary Alys receiving an award from the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership
Be Healthy and Live Life to it's Fullest!
Your shoulder is one of the most flexible joints in the body. It can twist, turn, hinge, and rotate. This extreme flexibility allows for a wide range of motion of the arm, but it comes at a price – an increased risk of experiencing pain and discomfort.
Shoulder pain can cause you to miss out on favorite activities and make completing day-to-day tasks difficult. When you experience shoulder pain, you feel like you will have to deal with it for the rest of your life, but you don't. Several natural remedies can help you find relief from shoulder pain.
Taking a Closer Look at the Anatomy of the Shoulder Understanding the anatomy of the shoulder can help you determine what is causing your shoulder pain. Several bones, tissues, muscles, and tendons make up your shoulder.
THE FOLLOWING ARE PARTS OF THE SHOULDER:
• Scapula – shoulder blade bone
• Clavicle – collarbone
• Humerus - upper arm bone
• Glenoid – socket where the upper arm connects with the shoulder blade
• Rotator cuff – multiple muscles, tendons, and tissues near the upper arm bone and the shoulder bone that keeps your shoulder centered so it doesn't slip or move out of the socket.
SHOULDER PAIN SYMPTOMS
Some of the most common symptoms of shoulder pain include:
• Extreme pain in the shoulder or upper arm area
• Intense pain when lifting your arm or rotating your shoulder
• Limited range of movement of the shoulder or arm
• Inability to move your shoulder
• Swelling or redness near the shoulder or upper arm
• Weakness or numbness of the arm or hand
• Feeling as if the shoulder socket could pop out
• Lack of strength in the arm or shoulder area
The symptoms you experience will vary depending upon the cause of your shoulder pain. For example, people who suffer from arthritis may only experience occasional stiffness or shoulder pain at night while someone who suffers from a ligament tear may experience extreme pain that doesn’t go away. A doctor or other healthcare provider can help you determine the exact cause of your shoulder pain. Common Causes – What is Causing my Shoulder Pain?
When we think of shoulder pain, we typically think of the pain that occurred as a result of an injury or accident. However, that isn't always
the case. Many causes of shoulder pain, such as tendon inflammation and arthritis, can happen without being injured. Overuse, impingement, certain medical conditions, and misalignment can all cause shoulder pain.
Shoulder pain can usually be classified into one of four categories. The four categories include:
• Fractures
• Arthritis
• Instability
• Tendon inflammation, swelling, or tears
Other less common causes of shoulder pain can include nerve damage, infections, and cancer.
EXAMPLES OF WHAT CAN CAUSE SHOULDER PAIN WITHOUT INJURY
The following are specific examples of problems that can cause shoulder pain without injury:
• Bursitis – tiny fluid-filled sacs, called bursae, are located near the joint that connects the arm to the shoulder blade. Bursa acts as a type of cushioning that creates a barrier between the soft tissue of the rotator cuff and the hard shoulder blade bone. Overuse of the arm or shoulder can cause swelling and inflammation to occur to the bursa which results in shoulder pain.
• Tendinitis – tendons act as small cords that connect muscles to the bone. The shoulder area contains four tendons in the rotator cuff and one in the bicep. If one of these tendons becomes inflamed or swollen, it can cause you toexperience shoulder pain. Tendinitis is considered acute if it is caused by overuse from a certain activity. It is considered chronic if it is caused by wear and tear from daily use or degenerative diseases.
• Impingement – impingement happens when the hard bone of the top of the shoulder blade places pressure on the surrounding soft tissue. This usually occurs when the arm is lifted. The pressure on the soft tissue can lead to tendinitis or bursitis which results in you experiencing limitation of movement and pain.
• Instability - misalignment or instability can cause the top of the upper arm bone to move or slip around in the shoulder socket. The tendons, muscles, and ligaments around the upper arm bone can loosen or tear from the dislocation of the bone which results in pain.
• Osteoarthritis –osteoarthritisoccurs over time when the cartilage material that acts as a cushion between the ends of the bones wears down. Without the soft cushion of the cartilage, the bones rub together which causes swelling, inflammation, stiffness, and pain.neck pain that can be done right in the comfort of your own home.
HOW CAN I GET RID OF SHOULDER PAIN FAST?
You don’t have to look far for things that will help you relieve your shoulder pain. There are many natural remedies for shoulder pain and neck pain that can be done right in the comfort of your own home. The following are 6 shoulder pain home remedy examples that may be able to help you:
• COLD COMPRESS – cold reduces swelling and helps with shoulder pain relief. Apply a cold compress wrapped in a towel to the shoulder area for 20 minutes. This can be done five times a day.
• COMPRESSION –an elastic medical bandage can be wrapped around the shoulder so it applies constant and consistent pressure to the area. The constant and consistent pressure helps reduce swelling so you may experience shoulder pain relief.
• HEAT THERAPY – stiff or sore muscles can be soothed with heat. Place a warm water bottle, heating pad, or heated gel pack to the sore or stiff area to help with shoulder pain relief.
• REST/MODIFY YOUR ACTIVITIES – don’t completely stop moving the shoulder, but modify or avoid activities that cause you to experience shoulder pain.
• NATURAL ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SUPPLEMENT – taking a natural anti-inflammatory supplement that contains turmeric can help reduce inflammation and swelling so you experience joint pain relief
• EXERCISES AND STRETCHES– help to build strength and flexibility in your shoulder
EXAMPLES OF EXERCISES FOR SHOULDER PAIN
Want to build strength and flexibility in your shoulder? Try the following exercises for shoulder pain.
1. Seated Shoulder Stretch
Sit down in a chair and place your left hand on your right shoulder. Your arm should be bent. Place your right hand under your elbow so it is supporting your arm.
Gently roll your shoulders
Slowly extend your left arm. You can use your right hand to place very subtle pressure on the left arm. This will help deepen the stretch. Hold this position for 10 to 30 seconds. Then return to the seated starting position.
Repeat this sequence 1 to 3 more times on the left side. Switch and do the same sequence of movements 1 to 4 times on the right side.
2. Seated Chest Stretch
Sit sideways in a chair.
Put your hands together behind your back. Interlace the fingers and make sure your palms are facing you.
Slowly move your hands upwards. Lift your hands until you start to feel a bit of tightness in the shoulder or upper arm. Hold the position for 30 seconds then lower your arms.
Repeat this same movement one to three more times.
DISCOVER THE BEST ANTI-INFLAMMATORY SUPPLEMENT FOR SHOULDER PAIN RELIEF
Multiple studies have shown that turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective at providing relief for shoulder pain. Turmeric is most effective when it is taken as a supplement. Shoulder pain can be relieved by taking a turmeric supplement, but you have to be careful with which supplement you choose to take. To relieve shoulder pain, you will want to take the best anti-inflammatory turmeric supplement. The best turmeric supplement for shoulder pain is Nuvothera’s Super-Micronized Turmeric Curcumin Supplement. Advanced technology was used to create Nuvothera’s turmeric supplement so it has all the qualities you want and needs for maximum pain relief. Some of the unique qualities that Nuvothera’s turmeric supplement include:
• Water-soluble nature – this helps your body improve absorption of turmeric
• Made with all-natural ingredients – using all-natural ingredients reduces your chance of experiencing harmful or uncomfortable side effects
• No black pepper or other chemical enhancers are used to help with the absorption
• Uniquely designed for rapid and maximum absorption and maximum potency
Nuvothera's Super-Micronized Turmeric Curcumin Supplement can naturally relieve shoulder pain in just a few days. Natural pain relief is just a click away. Clickhereto learn how you can order your turmeric supplement today from Nuvothera. Once ordered, you are just a few days away from experiencing pain relief.
Astros NASA Night Knocks It Out of the Park
By Sumer Loggins
June 3, 2024, was a night to remember at Minute Maid Park in Houston as NASA’s Johnson Space Center brought an interstellar flair to the ballpark. The Houston Astros, decked out in Space City jerseys, faced off against the St. Louis Cardinals with about 300 members of the Johnson family rooting for the home team.
To launch the excitement, Johnson employees shared their love for space and Space City while distributing NASA stickers and pins and sharing the agency’s story with baseball fans at a table in the stadium’s Hall of Fame alley. The booth featured Space Launch System and Orion models, space food samples, and a spacesuit helmet and glove.
Throughout the stadium, fans had the opportunity to snap photos with Johnson employees dressed in spacesuits. The crowd was treated to a pre-recorded message from crew members aboard the International Space Station, along with NASA videos during inning changes and NASA facts highlighted on the big screen during the game.
Among the special guests was NASA astronaut Anne McClain, who had the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch. Fans cheered as she delivered a perfect strike .
The Astros struggled to match McClain’s success but made a striking comeback in the bottom of the 8th inning to clinch the win.
NASA astronaut Anne McClain delivers the first pitch during Astros NASA Night at Minute Maid Park on June 3, 2024. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz
Employees from NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston engage with baseball fans and bring space excitement to Minute Maid Park for a memorable Astros game. Credit: NASA/Robert Markowitz
NASA Johnson Remembers Former Center Director George W.S. Abbey
By Linda Grimm
The line of vehicles waiting to enter NASA’s Johnson Space Center in Houston front gate on June 7, 2024, was one of many testaments to the impact of George W.S. Abbey, the center’s former director. Agency leaders, Johnson employees, community members, and Abbey’s friends and family joined to honor his life and celebrate his indelible impact on human spaceflight.
Johnson Center Director Vanessa Wyche led a special program in Johnson’s Teague Auditorium that included tributes from former Kennedy Space Center in Florida director Jay Honeycutt and former NASA astronaut and Johnson deputy director Jim Wetherbee.
“Mr. Abbey was a legendary figure in human spaceflight,” Wyche said. “He was a true visionary and a transformational leader whose legacy continues to influence many aspects of our work, most notably in astronaut selection and flight operations. He was also a friend and mentor to many here at Johnson and across the agency.”
Honeycutt remembered Abbey as “a man of amazing intellect, a man with the memory of an encyclopedia, a get-it-done attitude second to none, and a man unafraid to make difficult decisions.” Wetherbee reflected on the former director’s technical brilliance and deep understanding of people, declaring that among great leaders, Abbey was an exemplar.
NASA astronaut Mike Barratt also paid tribute to Abbey in a prerecorded downlink from the International Space Station. “He was a titan within NASA and a true pioneer who made the work we do today possible, including building this magnificent multinational station and enabling future human exploration to the Moon and beyond,” he said. “Thank you for all you’ve done to benefit humanity. Your DNA runs deep in the human spaceflight community.”
Following the program in the Teague, guests were escorted to Johnson’s Astronaut Memorial Grove for a tree dedication ceremony with a NASA T-38 flyover. Abbey established the tree grove in 1996 during his five-year tenure as center director. Wyche and NASA astronaut Mike Fincke shared additional remembrances
“George Abbey’s career at NASA was marked by his unique ability to identify and nurture talent,” Fincke said. “
As a member of the astronaut class of 1996, I can personally attest to his profound impact on my life and the lives of my fellow astronauts. Our class was one of the largest and most diverse in NASA’s history. George saw potential in each and every one of us.”
The Call & The Challenge
By Pastor Brad Heintz
July 4th celebrates the day in 1776 when the thirteen American colonies declared its independence from England and the freedom to be our own country.
“In Congress, July 4, 1776 -- The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America… We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness… We, therefore, the Representatives of the united States of America, in General Congress, Assembled, appealing to the Supreme Judge of the world for the rectitude of our intentions, do, in the Name, and by Authority of the good People of these Colonies, solemnly publish and declare, That these United Colonies are, and of Right ought to be Free and Independent States… And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor.” (Excerpts from The United States Declaration of Independence)
The challenge came in the days, months and years that followed as the colonists were challenged to choose to live out that declaration or not. Many chose to sacrifice all to be free. Even with this great cost paid, over the decades and centuries, every American generation is also called to celebrate and challenged to live out this declaration. Sometimes we have done this
successfully and other times with problems, issues and challenges. So the question now is two-fold:
1. Will you be called to rise and celebrate the declaration of independence and 2. Will you accept the challenge to live out this declaration in ways that perpetuates freedom?
This call and challenge also resembles the call and challenge given to God’s people and believers in Jesus Christ. Not that I am equating the two, but if you are a Christian and an American, I hope you get it. And if you are not, that you will be intrigued to research and embrace it. For me as a Christian, I celebrate the greatest declaration from my Savior Jesus Christ that I am free from the punishment of sin. The evil and broken world has no power over me and I have no King but Jesus! Having said that and received that as a free gift through faith, I also realize that it comes with a challenge to live out that declaration of spiritual independence.
So, if you find yourself in any of the above categories and especially if you are following Jesus, do you also have a calling to celebrate independence and a challenge to live out freedom? What are you going to do and what could that cost you?
Now go watch fireworks, enjoy the summer festivities, live freely, and remember to celebrate the Declaration of Independence and then rise to the challenge and live out our freedoms.
Pastor Brad Heintz is the founding pastor of Living Word Church in Taylor Lake Village, Texas, a vibrant family-style, non-denominational gathering of believers who take a pure, simple and real approach to faith and life. www.LWCBA.org
Alspaugh’s Boutique By KellyAnnette
KellyAnnette Alspaugh, is grateful to serve the Lord Jesus Christ as her CEO. She is thankful to be an Ovarian Cancer survivor, a woman of deep faith, and the Owner & Curator of Alspaugh’s Boutique By KellyAnnette. Alspaugh's Boutique By KellyAnnette is a Lifestyle Boutique in Seabrook, Texas.
Your destination for exclusive curated gifts, and elegant indulgences. You can find something simple or something sweet from our Lammes Candy Counter, while also able to pick up that stainless steel nut & bolt for your hot rod, Harley, or yacht.
Alspaugh’s Boutique By KellyAnnette is proud to be a Showcase Boutique for the Texas Parks & Wildlife, offering Hunting & Fishing Licenses. Ask KellyAnnette about her "Showcasing By KellyAnnette". This service offers helping you shift your home space or office. It's a fun and exciting experience of changing the volume of what you already showcase in your home, by rearranging and giving your space a wonderful new reborn touch!
Alspaugh’s Boutique By KellyAnnette also offers Complimentary Custom Gift Wrapping and area delivery. The boutique is also home to the Award-Winning Alspaugh’s Secret Seasoning. You can enjoy their Secret Seasoning at two local restaurants: the Classic Cafe in Seabrook and Joe Lee’s in Kemah.
Alspaugh’s Boutique By KellyAnnette also offers fun VIP Evenings and VIP Shopping Sprees. From corporate gatherings to bridal brunches. Even swim mom’s night out, Yacht Club parties, and HOA Sip & Shop! We also offer men a fun night out - have you Booked a Bourbon & Cigar Night with us? We have so much fun!
KellyAnnette Alspaugh Live & Love Thankful
Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership Spotlight
DK'S DUSTBUSTERS, INC
DK’s Dustbusters, Inc. is a local woman owned and operated residential and commercial cleaning company that has been serving the Greater Clear Lake and surrounding areas since 1984.
The idea in which DK’s Dustbusters was founded behind was that as more women were entering the workforce, a house cleaning service would help give families more quality time together by removing that burden. The residential maid service soon expanded to include apartments, real estate properties and finally commercial buildings.
With over 40 years of serving the greater Clear Lake area, DK’s Dustbusters has taken the time to develop relationships within the community and their employees, in addition to strong industry expertise. While some people may be reluctant to have outsiders come into their homes or businesses for cleaning services, DK’s Dustbusters is committed to hiring and retaining the best personnel and performs background checks on all potential hires.
“I love being able to give back to and service this wonderful community. Being a business owner here is such a blessing,” says Kari Norlander, the owner and operator. Kari has been with DK’s Dustbusters for almost 15 years working her way up from a house cleaning technician to operations manager then finally becoming the owner and operator almost 7 years ago upon the founder, Kathy Pritchard’s, retirement.
“As a small business owner, it’s become clear that our success is largely dependent on two things: first,
listening to the needs of our customers and tailoring services to meet their specific requirements. Secondly, and just as important, is that we maintain our commitment to our employees by acknowledging their contributions and appreciation for their outstanding work.” The company strives to foster a team culture by providing staff outings, parties, and bonuses to ensure their workers are content to go the extra mile for their customers, which is a win-win for all. “Our goal is to exceed our clients’ expectations and retain their business long-term by providing residential and/ or janitorial services that are excellent, reliable, consistent and maintains the security of the home or facility.”
While some may think that hiring an outside cleaning company is a luxury, DK’s Dustbusters’ regular cleaning services can reduce stress, foster a healthy home environment, and give customers more time to focus on the things that are most important to them. The company is also very active with charitable causes such as The Marc Vandermeer Bay Area Golf Classic, which benefits Junior Achievement, and the Annual Clear Lake Chamber’s New Teacher Luncheon.
They offer flexible recurring and one-time cleaning options in a wide range of services to include general maintenance, spring/deep cleaning, move-in & move-out services, make ready, post-remodel and post-renovation cleaning services. Their service areas include: Greater Clear Lake, League City, Friendswood, Webster, Nassau Bay, Seabrook, Kemah, Clear Lake Shores and Dickinson. The company is fully insured and bonded to ensure the protection of their clients.
To learn more, call 832-632-1287, visit www.dkdustbusters. com or contact cleaning@dkdustbusters.com.
Kari Norlander
Electric or Hybrid - which to choose?
By Don Armstrong
The government says, “electric all the way,” we say, “wait, where do we charge it?” Declining sales of EV’s have them stacked up on dealer lots while manufacturers are backtracking and reopening gasoline engine plants to meet demand. We recently drove an EV and a hybrid and here’s what we think.
KIA EV 9
The all-new ’24 Kia EV 9 is bult for a family that needs 3 rows of seating, near luxury experience and is ready to go all-electric. It is a modern design that appeals to the masses without some of the polarizing elements still found in too many EV’s.
Like many other EV’s on the market, Kia offers different battery sizes and motor combos that affect pricing, range, and performance. The starting price of $54,900 lures you in and can
be just what you’re looking for, but our take is if you can’t make it to Dallas from Houston on a single charge – and you probably won’t in the Light trim level – then a Light Long Range will, for a few thousand dollars more.
In-cabin amenities are all in the right places, the infotainment system is easy to use, and the comfort level is huge. If you think Tesla and Mercedes have the market cornered, we urge you to spend some time with the Kia EV 9.
LEXUS RX450H+
The success story of the Lexus RX speaks for itself. The 2024 RX 450h+, however, takes the famous luxury model to the next level with an electric rating of 83-MPGe and gas-only of 35-MPG. Impressive, to say the least. Plus, a depleted battery tells the ICE power to takeover seamlessly, never leaving you stranded.
The evolutionary exterior fits its luxury billing to a “T” with a downsized grille. modern lighting and an upswept beltline crease along its sides, a design element that sets the RX apart from competitors.
The interior is what we’ve come to expect from Lexus, comfortable, high quality leather seating with an eye toward details, an easy to use and understand dash design, with a huge touchscreen that is a breeze to master, and plenty of room behind the second row of seating for golf clubs and accompanying touring luggage.
Ride and handling make a 1,200-mile trip to see Aunt Mary easy.
Pricing for the RX 450h+ starts at $68.730, our 4WD Lux edition is $76,305.
KIA EV 9
LEXUS RX450+
DINNER SPONSOR ENTERTAINER
Claudio Sereni
CELEBRITY AUCTIONEER
Larry Taylor Texas State Senator Retired
Whenever we head out for a Big Bend trip, we always spend the first night at the Gage Hotel in Marathon to chill from the ten-hour drive and to acclimate peacefully to the desert. We have a great dinner, spend a bit of time in the pool and then sit in the rockers on the front porch and watch the coming of night. At dawn the next morning, we drop down into the park. We like to see the sun coming up over the Dead Horse Mountains as we make the long drive to our first stop, the ranger station and visitor center. We like to go in July and August, Fifth Season as it is called there, because it is cooler and our chances of seeing the desert in bloom are greatly increased.
I will never forget one of those trips, when we pulled into the visitor center lot and were greeted by a huge swarm of butterflies, literally hundreds of them. Having never seen anything like that before, we watched them for a few minutes, fascinated. Finally, we went inside and asked the ranger what they were. He told us they were snout-nose butterflies, common this time of year as they make their migration. He said San Antonio is full of them every summer. While they may be common in San Antonio, living in Clear Lake, I’d never seen one. Curious about the name, though, I needed to get a close-up look to see the reason for their moniker. Back outside, we went in for a better look and quickly discovered we couldn’t get near them. Even though they were flying in large groups within a couple of feet of us, we were unable to get a good look. We needed to see one land so we could move in and check out that nose up close. In flight, their motions were too erratic.
I noticed that a few feet away, about six of them were sitting on the low stone wall that surrounded the parking lot. That might be the answer. I approached slowly only to see them scatter as I got close. We patiently continued this pursuit for nearly an hour. Finally, a sense of futility set in, so we gave up and moved on.
A trip to Big Bend is never really complete without a hike to the South Rim. It is just under a 13 mile
loop that requires you to go up a mountain, down it, then back up another one; then you do it again on the return trip. On the way up we saw another swarm of the butterflies in Laguna Meadow. We tried again, thinking that up here, away from crowds of pesky people, they might be a bit more relaxed and would allow us an up-close look. We spent the next 40 minutes trying to get nearer, to get a photo or two, only to achieve the same disappointing result. Finally, again, we gave up.
A couple of hours later, we reached our day’s goal. At the top of South Rim, we admired the view and took lots of pictures. (Look closely. That’s me in the photo above.) Here too there were butterflies all around, yet we still couldn’t get close enough to one to really see it. This time, we didn’t bother wasting any more time on the quest. We each found a comfortable rock to sit on and had our lunch.
It was less than three minutes before I discovered four of the little critters had alighted on me, two on my left arm and one on each leg. For the next ten minutes, I got all the close-up looks I wanted. Then, one by one, they gently flew off. Apparently, all it took was for me to stop chasing them.
Not long after that day, I learned this secret doesn’t just work for butterflies. I had been pursuing my wife-to-be for years but couldn’t seem to get her attention, not in the way I wanted anyway. She knew who I was, but her perception seemed to be limited to, “He can really run a meeting efficiently.” Finally, one day, I decided it was just hopeless. I had spent enough years in this pursuit and I wrote her off as having any potential for being a part of my life in the future. I was moving on. Of course, the inevitable happened. About three days later, she called me at six in the morning and we never looked back from there.
•
Perhaps the tremendous amount of energy we expend in our attempts to get close to someone, whether it be a future wife or a butterfly, is evident to the objects of our quests. And sometimes all that energy can overwhelm them and change the way
TEXAS MEDITATIONS
By Michael Gos
Let it Happen
they see us. Note how when you first meet a dog, particularly when the meeting is in an environment that is new to him, he will back away and cover, especially if you are a bit too exuberant and friendly in your approach. But sit down and ignore him for a few minutes and soon you have a new best friend. When we aggressively pursue a person, or any goal in life for that matter, we certainly are eager, but that eagerness may be seen as desperation, and as a result, threatening. No one finds that attractive, be they puppy or butterfly.
In business and life situations such as the pursuit of individual or team goals, the constant striving makes us feel tired and anxious. Consider a team going into the final possession of a football game, down by four. They know they will either get a touchdown or lose the game. They feel the adrenalin rush and a stress build-up, maybe even manifesting itself as a tingling all over. Mind and body feel explosive, volatile and goal-driven. This may be helpful in the final series of a game because in a minute or two, it will be over and, win or lose, they can relax. But in business, or in life, the end of the struggle could be months or even years away. The constant tension not only messes with our bodies but also lessens our ability to think clearly and blinds us to signs around us that, if observed, would aid in achieving our goals. Replace that barely-controlled tension with a relaxed detachment and you get the kind of performance athletes refer to as “playing outside your head.” If we just relax, we often see that all we needed to do was let it happen.
When we stop pushing for a goal and simply relax, we look and act differently. We think clearly. We emit a completely different aura, one that allows us to appear at ease, confident and attractive. That alone draws others to us and brings our goals within reasonable reach of our no-longer-frenetic grasp. Whatever we want comes to us without our effort . . . even a butterfly.
And of course, relaxing and letting it happen is a lot less work than the alternative. Being notoriously lazy, I’m all for that.
Big Bend, Texas
Marci Fryday and Rick Clapp, CEO and President of Bay Area Houston Magazine, stop to visit before the BayTran Luncheon at the Marriot Hotel.
Pearland Mayor - Kevin Cole, Port of Houston CEO - Roger Guenther, and Rick Clapp - President and CEO of Bay Area Houston Magazine enjoy the BayTran Event.
"Certificate of Special Congressional Recognition" Awarded to Mary Alys Cherry at the BayTran event. Her good friend Rick Clapp, CEO and President of BAHM accepted the award for her.
