el Dia de los Muertos

On Monday, November 2, 2009, Stephen F. Austin State University, the U.S. Forest Service and Texas Forest Service’s Urban and Rural Connections program hosted the Aztec Cultural Ataché, Quetzal Ollín Chicuahuac in a special performance celebrating the Day of the Dead, “el Dia de los Muertos” through interpretive dance and music linking culture and nature. The event also included poetry readings from the book, Cansiones de Flores, “Songs of the Flowers” created by SFASU Art Professor, Charlie Jones and the LaNana Creek Press in collaboration with Mexico City artist, Carolina Vinamata.

Every day is better with a hug from Smokey the Bear

a regular snake bonanza!

Modern alter construction for celebrating the Day of the Dead

Learning a little about Aztec culture and the construction of the traditional Aztec alter for el Dia de los Muertos

Aztec dancers opening the ceremony (honoring the east)

A gift of a full moon for our celebration :)

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Halloween Fun!

Hope everyone had a fabulous Halloween :)

We are all Brownies Now.

Tonight we all participated in our Troop Investiture and Rededication ceremony.

For Vauna, Nicole, Sarah and Miriam this was a time to show everyone how excited they are to be Brownies and to share a little of their girl scout wisdom with their new girl scout sisters.

Introducing, Brownie Troop 1383.

A Brownie Investiture ceremony just isn't an investiture without a retelling of the classic Brownie story. Our version was highlighted with actions, giggles, and of course the wise old owl.The moral of the story ;) Twist me and turn me and show me the elf, I looked in the water and saw... Myself!

Don't forget, your brand new Brownies owe you three good deeds before they get to turn their pin upright (oh the possibilities).

We learned a little about GS tradition tonight. We celebrated Juliette Low's birthday and learned all about SWAPS.

and for our finale...

We had one giant friendship circle complete with friends and family.

Thanks everyone for giving the girls a special GS night and thanks ladies of Tau Beta Sigma for not hesitating to participate (hoot like owls and giggle like little girls)!

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A Good Start!

Tonight was our first meeting of the 2009-2010 school year. There was much excitement with getting to know seven new girls and meeting our new big sisters from the Tau Beta Sigma music sorority at SFA.

Our theme this year is community. We are exploring and taking advantage of all of the amazing opportunities close to home.

We painted our troop t-shirts with scenes of our beautiful pineywoods.

Owls :)

After last night, I am definitely feeling optimistic about our year.

To all our new friends, Welcome to Brownie Troop 1383!

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Caddo Culture Day at Caddo Mounds State Historic Site

Miriam, Nicole, Sarah, Fire and Sarah all made it out to Caddo Culture Day for some fun, traditional Caddo music and dance, crafts, and yummy festival treats!
We enjoyed the festivities during one of those coveted cool, Texas, October days :)

Caddo drummers and dancers

You can't go wrong with cotton candy.

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Sea World in pictures!

Saturday we set off on our well deserved and long anticipated trip to Sea World.

Shamu bound!

Our first stop was the Rainforest cafe at Katy Mills. The rainforest didn't disappoint (not even those over 8).

VOLCANO :)

After a speedy check-in, our real adventure began.

We followed Ms. Amy to a jam packed weekend of wonder :)

I do believe the sea lions were the only ones who slept on this adventure.

When you know too much about sea lions, you become one with the sea lions.

Baluga!

We not only got to see Believe! but we also got to dine with the killer whales.

We slept in the coral reef. Luckily we "slumbered" in front of the smiley sting rays and not the sharks.

Dolphins at first light.

After we bid goodbye to our fabulous host, we headed back into the park for a day of rides and fuzzy friends.

Yes, we all rode the Steel Eel. I am now on a hunt for a patch for bravery.

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