Kathy Streib, ASP,IAHSP,RESA, DelrayBch -South Florida - 561-914-6224

You know how it is when someone you know, or maybe don't really know, but is well-known is seriously ill. You just know that someday the news will come and while you're prepared for it, you really aren't?

I first saw Patrick Swayze more than 40 years ago at his mother's dance studio in Houston Texas. Only then, everyone knew him as BUDDY. I was in a small dance group in the late 60's and his mother, Patsy Swayze was our choreographer. While we took a break, "Buddy" walked through to speak with his mom.

No one spoke. You could have heard a pin drop. For a room with 9 teen age girls in it, you would have expected giggles at the very least. What I remember besides a smile as big as Texas and a body that was beyond description was the respect he showed his mother. He knew that all eyes were on him, yet he did not swagger; he did not strut. No, he was Patrick Swayze, son of Patsy Swayze, taught to carry himself as a true Texas gentleman.

Thank you ,Patrick, for being someone this Houstonian and Texan is mighty proud of.

Checkered Past, is a local Houston area band that has been around for over 10 years and is still going strong.   In the interest of full disclosure my brother, Michael Gee, is an original member along with Mike Serrano.  The rest of the band includes Rob Roberts (vocal), Mitch Berg (Bass Guitarist) and Steve Riley on drums. So am I biased?  You bet!
     
  Oddly enough, I was the one in our family with 12 years of piano lessons, including endless Saturdays of music theory and so many recitals that I swore off ever being in another recital as long as I lived.  My brother, on the other hand, was primarily self taught and trained with, if memory serves me correctly, only a few drum lessons.                                                                                                         The members of Checkered Past  are working professionals by day, who, while they love gettingpaid for their music, are fulfilling a dream to which many of us can relate but only a few truly realize.  They're playing in a rock band in a club!  How many of us have stood in front of the mirror with football in hand in a Steelers uniform having just won the Superbowl?   Or held an imaginary Oscar in a gown designed by Armani while walking down the red carpet?
 
Their music includes songs from the BEATLES, SANTANA, THE EAGLES,NICKLEBACK,   BON JOVI and much more.  They've played for various private parties, The American Cancer Society, Texas United Corporation and the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo Barbecue Cook Off.  Houston has many local area bands, but I'm partial to this one!  

For more information take a look at CHECKERED PAST

After our week, I thought we might be able to use this. It's from YouTube and all you need to do is click on the link below. But first, turn up the volume, prop your feet up, tell the rest of your household that you're not to be disturbed. If you are so inclined, grab your favorite beverage of choice. Now, close your eyes, and enjoy.

Check this out on YouTube-The Slovenian Choir