From Carolyn Wylie

Happy belated birthday, Debbie!

Your various messages came while I was in England having a wonderful trip to belatedly celebrate my retirement. I saw some of them when I checked my e-mail at Mandy Woods' house near Oxford, but didn't have time to really look at the blog then. Now I'm back in Texas and have been enjoying the photos and messages and art. I am totally blog-intimidated so won't try to post anything myself. [So we posted it for her. --Ed.]

I have fond memories of a tapas dinner at the Driskill and of the orange cat you gave me that you were calling Gandhi because he was staging a sit-in at your door. (I renamed him Leo because I couldn't imagine standing at my own door calling "Here, Josephine [my other cat], here, Gandhi . . .") Unfortunately I don't have any photos of him. I can vouch from my own experience that 50 is a good age; in fact everything up to and including 64 has been good so far. I'm glad you're both well and happy in New Mexico. If you ever get back to Austin with any spare time, Hal and I would love to see you.

Carolyn Wylie

Amazing Debbie & the Half-Century Birthday

Debbie was probably the leader of the group of friends I hung out with in high school...she was a very stalwart, wonderfully imaginative, always-thinking-of-cool-things-to-do, kind of friend. One of my fondest memories among very, very many was the 16th birthday surprise party up in her attic room, where I was lured truly unknowingly, into my lair of hidden friends. I'd never had a surprise party before, and it was so perfect. Debbie had configured it for me, and it made me know I had a family right there. Debbie introduced me to some of my favorite music. I heard Cat Stevens for the first time from Debbie's stereo. I can never hear Cat Stevens without thinking of and thanking her.

Debbie reached out to people, and I see from reading more about her and catching up with her after how many years? that she's still at it. She brought interesting good people into her friends' lives. She broadened our scope of the world. My narrow mind expanded some, and I still credit her with helping me consider things outside the world I'd been brought up in.

I was so glad to get back in touch with Debbie about a year or so ago -- very thankful indeed. And to discover she's become an artist! I should have known...

Happy Birthday, dear Debbie -- here's a candle in the sand by the DeSoto River for you, as we sip our wild thyme tea, strum the guitar, and sing MoonShadow.

Always your friend,
Ellen

Very Happy Very Belated

Gee - I got this blog invite from Debbie a few weeks ago and had no idea it was for her birthday - guess I should try a little harder to keep up with my email. I sure hope it was a happy one Debbie!

The first funny story that comes to mind, hmm.... I think Debbie and I were in 9th or 10th grade - I know Debbie was driving the "crummy ghia" as we used to call it. I was at home, sitting on a lovely white porcelain chair (you know, the one with the silver handle and the water under the seat in the bathroom) and I was singing out loud "Little rabbit foo-foo, hopping through the forest, picking up the field mice and bopping 'em on the head...". Debbie surprised me by walking right into the bathroom just as I hit the chorus ("down came the good fairy, and she said 'little rabbit foo-foo, I don't wanna see you, scooping up the field mice and bopping 'em on the head - I'll give you three chances'..."). For those readers who are wondering, yes I left the bathroom door open - it was Mississippi for cryin' out loud - I was just glad the plumbing was inside the house, who cared about shutting the door. Debbie took one look at me and started laughing so hard that she literally rolled on the floor holding her sides and I thought I was going to have to call EMS to give her mouth-to-mouth 'cause there was no way she could possibly inhale any oxygen while she was howling that hard. (Debbie - do you remember that?)

It still makes me smile :-)

Debbie - I can't count the number of times the pleasure of your company and your laughter has blessed me. Sure do love you, Debbie-Do.

Love,
Julie

Happy (very belated) Birthday to my friend Debbie

Sorry, I am so late in congratulating you. Took me a little while to figure this blogging thing out. And I am supposed to tell a funny story?
Well. Debbie came to visit me in Germany in the dead of a very cold winter. We had to leave very early in the morning to drive to Passau, catch a train to Munich, and fly back to the US. When we were hiking through deep snow up the hill to the garage at 4:00 am, Debbie stated, exhaling a cloud of white smoke: "I never knew that the hair in my nose could freeze." Since then Debbie has been know to my family and friends as the girl whose nose hair froze.
Big hug,
Renate

From Tony Beldock

Here's a story about Debbie that I retell often: One night, on a visit to the old house, being a self-centered thing (or maybe I was going on a date later) I asked Debbie - How does my hair look? Not one to mince words, Debbie answered - Like a cat sucked on it.

Every time I tell it I get a good laugh.

I sure hope you are both well and enjoying life in New Mexico.

My boss left the museum in January, so I applied and am now the Head of Exhibits [at the Texas State Museum --ed.]. Long way from fixing door knobs at the Capitol, huh?

Also, Cliona and I are about to celebrate our 10th anniversary. Never thought I'd do so well at that, either. Recovery rocks.

Take care,

Love,

Tony

Photos from Mandy Doan

On the road to Enchanted Rock.

Listening to her Richard Harris album

Swimming with Jane at Hamilton Pool

With my friend Mickey from Hattiesburg

With Dan Katalanich

From Terry Nowell

After Debbie convinced me that I was working too hard, she drug me to Hamilton Pool for a day of lounging and swimming followed by dinner at Fonda San Miguel and then to somewhere else expensive for dessert, and thus onward for coffee at another of her favorite spots, none of which we could afford.

We ended up back at the apartment where I think she, Marie and Amanda lived. It must have been the early or mid 1980's and I thought I had some expertise in hairdressing, which obviously, I didn't. I had convinced Debbie I was her new hairdresser and she needed a makeover. We found Marie's "one of a kind" fabric scissors and I set out to whack off three feet of hair, which after removal ended up making the perfect front-flowing Boy George look which I adapted immediately. (That's me wearing Debbie's long black hair hanging out from under Marie's gardening hat and Debbie with her new haircut.)

Another fun night was had by all.

Witches dancing naked next door, "Hey lady that house is haunted"....ants on the cookies reserved for the Texas State Senate, and thousands of other stories.

How did we survive?

All the best,

Terry Nowell

(Photo courtesy of Amanda Doan)

From Gail McDonald

One summer, after dark, driving back to Chimayo
from Ojo, Debbie, Liz and I were telling stories.
Well, Debbie and I were telling stories. I was saying
something like, although I deeply respected Debbie's
advanced degree from MSU, there were stories out there
that were stand-alone strange. Or maybe it was a
discussion of character defects such as "hubris" or
"your time is up" or "doing what you love" and I was
called upon to tell an illustrative story. Anyway, I
started telling about this mid-western state fair
exhibition of antique steam tractors. One of the
tractors blew up killing 5 people. It was unlikely
that the cause of the explosion would ever be
determined since there were no longer 5 experts on
steam tractors. Debbie said she had read the same
story, had remarked on it to several people, all of
whom shrugged their shoulders. It is nice to know that
there are at least 2 brains in the world who can
recall and appropriately apply such lessons in human
behavior.

Meanwhile, back in the Prius, we were laughing
Coke out your nose hard.

It is about time you joined us in the 50's club.

Gail McDonald

Homer's Hardware Store

The Debbie Train was first observed in Homer's Hardware (which Debbie affectionately referred to as "Homersexual's) in about 1985-ish. At that early stage of the phenomenon, she would be more accurately described as a stalker or a shadow. That's how it seemed to me when I realized that there was this somewhat odd person following me in the hardware store. It seemed even more that way when she asked me if I worked at the place where I actually did work. Hmmm. Later that day, she showed up at my house (she knew where I worked and where I lived) with a young tree, I believe it was a fig. In spite of the bizarre beginnings (I didn't seek a restraining order) Debbie and I became good friends.
Happy 50th!
Susie

On the Debbie train for 35 years!!

I'm sorry I missed the Big Day; Google was giving me a hard time. (A day late and a dollar short as usual.)

Where should I begin?

I met Debbie when I was a mere lad of 15. I never got my ticket punched, I just found myself on the train! (Still haven't figured out how that happened). It's been a fun, sad, happy, wacky, adventurous (you know what I mean) 35 years! (Hint: it gets even better as you go along folks).

Debbie has been the biggest influence in my whole life that made me a better person. I can't imagine what my life would have been like if I had never known her (glad I never had to find out!) She's given me too much in too many ways to explain, but I bet you all know what I mean.

I guess of all the funny stories (157,844 at last count) the one that sticks with me the most is the roommate situation we encountered in Houston. Seems when Debbie rented a house from an elderly landlady, she was afraid she wouldn't want to rent to a single woman. So she told the landlady her husband worked offshore and his name was Bob. Well....when Debbie invited me to come out and stay with her, she slipped and called me Ricky, then had to recover by telling the landlady my name was RickyBob!! That moniker has stuck ever since. (She's creative in more ways than one).

Seeing the pics on this blog made me cry; you haven't changed a bit. (THANKS FOR THE PHOTOS LIZ!!) I miss you terribly. (Even though I'm a bad friend and don't stay in touch!) I'll try to post a pic, it was taken last year. I look like a dork, but that's OK...don't want you to forget what I look like! (Yes, that's a tiara on my head, it was my birthday party - hey, you celebrate your way, I'll celebrate mine!) Any other photos I had got washed and run through the spin cycle! (Hurricane Katrina). And you thought it was a bummer when the well went bad!

I hope you're having an incredible 50th and I'll promise to make it on time if you'll have a 75th birthday party!!! God bless you, you've been such a positive influence on many more lives than you'll ever know. (COL - crying out loud). Now I'm getting my keyboard wet!

Thank you so much Liz for doing this blog. I'm so glad my best friend found someone like you! You're both very, very special and deserve the best -- each other!!!!!

Love you both,

RickyBob

Meeting Debbie

As transitions go, this one has been a doozey. I suppose it started when I thought I'd fallen in love with the man of my dreams. That man left. (They come...they go.) More importantly however...my soul mate, my sweetest sweet, my constant companion and greatest love left too. (He comes to see me in my dreams sometimes, still wagging and now walking with ease.) So, with camper in tow (and dog #2 (now dog #1 he reminds me) in the front seat), I up and left my home of 37 years for places and people unknown. Ahhh, New Mexico. Where since 1990 I've found peace and healing, had visions and revelations.

I realized soon enough that I could not finance living at Ojo Caliente Hot Springs forever. A quick posting on Craigslist about being available to house sit brought an email. I responded and soon found myself driving to Chimayo and the house with the bright, yet pale, green roof.

I walked through the gate and was greeted by a warm smile and firm handshake from a woman with red hair. I liked her. She welcomed me into the house and into the gallery where I first met Debbie. We talked for...oh, lets call it...generously...THREE minutes. Then, Debbie said to me (with what I now recognize as a presumptive close) "You're welcome to sleep in the main house while we're gone. But you may be more comfortable in the Casita out back. And if you're in there, when we come home (from our vacation) you won't have to move out right away. You look like you need a place to land and we want you to know that you can land here." (I'd been in the house maybe FIVE minutes, don't forget.) Not only was I speechless, I could not catch my breath. I was stunned. I'd not seen the whole house, met ANY of the animals, told them anything about myself...NOTHING. Yet here was this woman, offering me her home. (I know now, that she was offering me a TICKET) It amazes me still to this day. A few days later I found myself relaxing in my PJ's on a warm summer evening in Liz & Debbie's kitchen, marveling at how comfortable I was with them. Instantly, it seemed.

The stories are endless, but let's fast forward to today. TWO YEARS LATER. I'm still here. Of the 2 years I've been here, I've lived a year and a half in the Casita. (The house sitter that never left) Of the two years I've been here, I've mourned and celebrated. I've had a lot of laughs, met some wonderful people and seen and learned and experienced a New Mexico that I'd never known. All the while being guided and held by the gentle love of this woman Debbie Denison.

In just a few short days, I will move out of the Casita...again. Still obviously deep in the throws of this transition...will I be back?
Maybe the real question is 'Once you're on the Debbie train, can you ever really get off?'

I hope not.

Thanks for the ticket, Debbie and Happy Birthday~

Cheryl and The Hank

Happy Birthday!

Dear Debbie,

Happy 50th birthday! How impressive! I do hope that I am fortunate enough to see 50 big ones. I am so impressed with you and Liz, creating a blog for your 50th birthday. You are ahead of me in this regard - this is the first time I am posting to a blog. It is a great idea though. I hope you have a wonderful birthday week. I always like to celebrate my birthday for a whole week. It feels more special that way :-) This year I'll be turning 25 - which is half of your age.

I love how much you love animals, especially kitties and doggies. I just got a cute little kitten. I've attached a picture of her for your viewing pleasure, because I think you will enjoy it.

Take wonderful care of yourself all week.

Much love,
Zephyr

from Margie and Peter

Hi Debbie and again Happy Birthday which I think is really TODAY! We loved coming to your party at the Rancho and thought you looked GREAT! We treasure your (and Liz's) friendship and were honored to be included. Among our favorite memories are the time you spent with Emelia and Chloe (they loved it) and the painting you created that now hangs in their living room (they love it). Also many cider events, warm and cold, and both Thanksgiving and Christmas dinners. AND the amazing Kings cake - remember? So, again, many more and love from us both. Margie and Peter

Happy Bday Debbie!

Happy Bday Debbie! I too turned 50 this year. I haven’t seen y'all since I graduated from UT and moved away from Austin in 1995 (to work in Ohio where I remain). I’ve looked at your art online and am quite impressed! You have made your life good, despite any obstacles.

As for funny stories, there are a number, but my favorite involves your getting me a job in food prep working for your friend Terry on the basis that I was Capricorn (everyone knows Capricorns are good workers!). You and Liz were very very good to me, taking me under your wings, as was your wont with strays. Thanks for all you do.
love, janet carleton

PS My 90+ yr old gr uncle lives in Taos and I have dreams of coming to visit someday.

More from Donna

It's Donna. I just wanted to add to David's beautiful email that I have not one, not two, but three of Aunt Debbie's pieces framed in my house. Oddly enough, they remind me of some of the scenery and old churches that I loved when I lived in St. John (USVI.) The colors are also exactly the sort of colors that I have in my house-bright, colorful, and found in nature.

I'm not quite as exciting as David-it's just me and my 2 cats-who are also pound kittys and are the loves of my life. (whoever thought-me being the crazy cat lady?!) I am not savvy enough to put up pics, either, but maybe Heather will be nice enough to include a pic of me when she posts some.

David is right-I think ya'll do have a beautiful life-and I think "I Did it My Way," is an anthem we could also go by-probably because of some of the free spirit that Debbie passed on to us. David, Heather, and I will be together tomorrow night and we WILL make that toast to your 50 wonderful years, Aunt Debbie!

Love,

Donna

Got your ticket for the Debbie Train?

All aboard! Firstly, very warm wishes for your birthday, Debbie! You're always going to seem 37 to us, because that's how old you were when we first met you at the foster parent orientation meeting in 1995.

There are so many stories to recall that are noteworthy of Debbie. One that always makes us smile took place at the time we were foster parenting our son Frank (who was 7 and is now 18), and Debbie and Liz were foster parenting Daniel, and we were planning on moving into central Austin from the outer suburbs. When Debbie heard about this, she arranged for us to meet with a friend of hers who is a realtor (and a wonderful one at that - Geri) to look for houses. Well we were surprised to learn we had boarded the Debbie train that weekend when we met with Geri, who had been instructed by Debbie to only show us homes within a 2 or 3 mile radius of Debbie and Liz's house so that we could be close by! It was after seeing 5 or 6 houses in a neighborhood we weren't certain about that we found out the plan. Over the years there were many other instances when we just simply needed to show up and find out what Debbie had planned for us to do. Later on I told Debbie it was kind of nice to go over to see them, because I felt that everything would be okay, as Debbie always had a plan prepared for whatever the circumstance was at hand.

It's nice to know there are lots of other passengers on the Debbie train, and we've thoroughly enjoyed getting to know our fellow passengers, and of course the Engineer and her Conductor Liz!

Hugs,
Bryan and Scott (and Frank)

P.S. We were told once that you "can't fart in this town without Debbie knowing about it," and I guess that now applies to the entire Southwest .

Happy Birthday, Debbie! from Cheryl Deas

Debbie, my dear old friend, here's hoping that you have a wonderful 50th birthday! It's hard to believe that we are at the mid century point in our lives. I hope that this moment finds you in good spirits and health. Since, you graduated from high school a year before me, I was thinking that you were a year older than me. But, come August, I'll join the '50' crowd, too. Ellen had her 50th birthday last month, I toasted her big day with a chocolate milkshake and hope to do so tonight in honor of you.

I can't think of my carefree high school days without thinking of you. Every once in a blue moon, I'll see a Carmin Gia and it reminds me of the little red car that you drove. Do you remember the time that you were low on gas and stopped at a station with only pocket change and bought gas. I think that you had only 50 or 75 cents to spend and it was enough to get us back on the road. I have told my boys about your car and the bumper sticker that said, "Don't honk!, I'm pedaling as fast as I can!"

Last fall, I went to visit with my folks and wanted to see if I could find your old house. I drove right to it, parked on the side of the street and took a picture. It didn't look as good as it did when your family lived there but Gulfport has been struggling for a while now. Happy Birthdday!

Your friend,

Cheryl

Ruff!

Hi, Mom!

Hi, Mom!

Hi, Mom!

Hi, Mom!

Hi, Mom!

Hi, Mom!

Hi, Mom!

Hi, Mom!

Love ya!

Can I have that cake?
Can I have that cake?
Can I have that cake?!

Oh! Gotta go clean Terry's ears! Bye!

lAddi

P.S. from Liz to blog readers: Terry is Laddie's favorite cat.

Happy Birthday from Elaine

Sent via email...

Hi Liz, This Elaine. I'am glad to see ya'll are still kicking!!! I will try to call Debo tomorrow to wish her a happy 50th.  I think this is the first e-mail I have ever tried to send, so I don't think I'am ready to BLOG!!!!!

Hope all is well. Tell Debo if she does not here from me its not a lack of trying. I hope she has a great day full of happiness.  At this age you start to look back and wonder where time has gone!!!

Give her my love.

Thanks, Elaine

Dear Aunt Debbie,

Happy 50th! Wish we could be there to celebrate with you!

Donna’s right – you always found a way to spend some special time with each of us nieces and nephews individually. I, too, remember nature walks and wish we lived closer so you could take my kids on walks and teach them more than I can about nature. I think the only thing I remember is sassafras with the 3 different kinds of leaves.

I believe your mission with me was to make me less naive – like coming to our house and fixing vegetarian spaghetti sauce. What was that and why would anyone want to make spaghetti without ground beef? Or like fixing fajitas for us. What was Mexican food? I’d certainly never had any. Then there were the discussions – Christopher Columbus, Paul, oil & the USA. Looking back, it’s funny the things I didn’t know and had never been exposed to. We love Mexican food, eat vegetarian often, and I’m now well aware of many of the problems with our country’s past and present. Since you’re not around I’ll try hard to let my little ones in on many different perspectives.

I remember how strange I thought Middle Eastern Studies was. Why would anyone get a Master’s in that? And what kind of job could you possibly get with it? Now when I listen to NPR and hear the analysts interviewed nearly every day they sound just like my Aunt Debbie and I think that could be you! But then you chose another strange path – life as an artist. No doubt you’re talented but does anyone ever really make it as an artist? I’m thrilled to report my aunt has and I’m so proud of you! I wish Granny and Pop could see your shows – they would also be very proud.

I hope Liz’s song about not having money is only a temporary situation and not a lifetime prophecy because I want the two of you to do so well financially that you can visit us lots and lots – even if we’re in Brazil. I miss the days of the porch swing and find that the hardest thing about growing up is discovering I can’t always be in all the places I want or with all the people I love.

Miss you and love you lots! Have a wonderful birthday! Angie

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Happy 50th Debbie! Liz asked us to share our first impressions, and I wanted to do that because our first impression of Debbie was very different from how she is. Before we even met Liz and Debbie, we got to know them a little bit over e-mail. From the way that Debbie wrote, Dan and I totally thought that she was a hard-ass. She wrote us "in Chimayo you do this and you don't do that, etc". She sounded very stern and matter of fact, and we were both intimidated by her words. But then we got to New Mexico and finally all met one another. Pretty immediately we realized that Debbie was a total sweetheart, and a goober to boot. She was always bringing us food, making sure that we were comfortable and well fed. I spent many an afternoon talking outside with Debbie, watching the dogs play. I realized that in those initial e-mails she was just being protective of her home, that she didn't want some city out-of-towners to ruin the peace of mind her and Liz had created for themselves in dusty little Chimayo. So we are so thankful that Debbie is the wonderful, warm person that she turned out to be, and we love her and wish her many happy returns of the day.
-Dan and Rachel and Baxter and Edgar

Happy Birthday from Jan and Nancy

Dear Debbie.

Happy Birthday! We love you. Let us know when you want to meet for St. Anthony!!!

Hugs and kisses,

Jan & Nancy

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BOSS!

Last night, as I looked at the photos and read the messages on this blog, tears of love and gratitude came to my eyes. How blessed I have been to share so many of your 50 years. May your fondest dreams become reality.

Love,

Maggie

From Martie Judy--Liz's cousin

Well Debbie, I don't know you personally but I know how important you are to my cousin. So HAPPY BIRTHDAY. WELCOME TO THE DECADE. WELCOME TO RE-DEFINING OLD. WELCOME TO DEFINING YOUR LIFE IN TERMS OF DECADES, NOT YEARS. WELCOME TO TONS MORE LIVING!!

Love,
Martie Judy

I Heart Debbie Denison

Valentine's Day 1987,

Debbie surprised us by delivering an elegant, totally scrumptious dinner - from appetizer to salmon ravioli to chocolate mousse - all beautifully plated and arranged on linen-covered silver platters complete with roses. She wanted our first valentine's day to be special. What can you say about a beautiful woman with such a giving heart, a romantic soul, a gift for friendship, a hell of a chef, the graciousness of a Southern Belle and serious serving pieces?

Save me a seat on the Debbie train!

Happy Birthday, Debbie. I miss you and hope to see you soon,

With love and thanks,

Geri

Are you sure Debbie is turning 50?

There are moments in life that are just plain perfect. For me, one of those "moments" came shortly after I met Debbie. We moved into a little house on Pasadena together with our friend Tanya. Every night we would all cook a dinner that Debbie had planned and there were always guests. A dinner party every day of the week, with everyone cooking and cleaning up and bringing food and chatting and telling stories and laughing. That was 22 years ago. We're not as young as we used to be, but Debbie can still cook and she can still tell a story.

Happy birthday, Debbie Denison. I love you. Melissa

From Robert & Sara

Debbie Paints bright pictures and does funny carvings. I sold one of her carvings today to a couple from Oregon. Debbie is turning fifty, the big 50, wow.

Happy birthday Debbie from Robert and Sara.

Happy Birthday from "Little David"

Aunt Debbie:

Happy Birthday!! I can't tell you how thrilled I am to see the many wonderful pictures of you and Liz and y'all's friends ( and your gorgeuous art) on the blog. It truly fills my heart with happiness to see what a wonderful life you have created for yourself. Of course, there is a tinge of sadness that we haven't gotten to share more of that life with you. But birthday wishes aren't about sadness....

I have been to New Mexico twice, around Santa Fe and Glorieta, and it is a beautiful country. I envy your frontier life. To me, it is no surprise that you would choose to make your life in that rugged yet beautiful locale, off the beaten path. It's a perfect fit. Tomorrow, I will raise a glass to toast your 50th birthday and we will be there in Spirit. And I hope that at some point this weekend, you'll put on a tune that I think is appropriate - Sinatra (or maybe Elvis, you're still a Southern Girl after all) singing "I Did it My Way." - because you always have. And I am happy to see that it has worked out beautifully. All is as it should be.

Debbie, I have always thought you had a beautiful heart, soul and spirit. And the pictures and wonderful remarks from your friends prove that. While we don't see you nearly enough, I hope you know we love you and hold you close to our hearts. Best wishes on your birthday and for the next 50!

Love,

David

PS. I am not savy enough, but I am copying Heather with this email and hopefully she will post some pics of Carter, our little boy, and our two dogs, Ginger and Mattie. They are just mutts, but we love 'em. Also, we have one of your post card size flowers framed on a bookshelf in our house. And when Carter sleeps at his Mamma B's house, two of your larger flowers hang above his crib. So you are here in Spirit too. Finally, all of our contact info is below, keep in touch. Love you - dbd

Happy Birthday, Debbie!

The most important and meaningful thing I can say about Debbie is that she saved my life. What a gift! Love to you on this very special birthday with wishes for many more. Your life IS an abundant one. Sarah

Can't you just be 49 forever?

Dear Debbie,

Congratulations on turning fi-fi-fi-fifty! Even though I haven't seen you in almost 2 years now (St. Michael's), the pictures on your blog show that you have aged gracefully.

One of my favorite memories was being in North Carolina with you and Liz, my dad, Grandmother, and Bill. You and Liz prepared these delicious home-made fajitas, with all of the fixin's! You were also so thoughtful, making guacamole and salsa for me without onions, and for Bill without peppers! That is just one small example of how you are always thinking of others.

I hope you have a great birthday, and hopefully I'll be able to see you and Liz soon!

Love,
Lara Gold

Happy Birthday, Aunt Debbie. I love seeing the pictures of your life. One that I, unfortunately, have not really gotten to experience outside of the Gulf Coast. There is some beautiful scenery there. I am going to tell one of my special memories of Aunt Debbie (one of many.) When I was probably 8 or 9 years old, the family was on a camping trip. Aunt Debbie joined us for a day. She has always been good about taking a little "special time" one-one-one with each of her nieces and nephews. Aunt Debbie took me for a walk in the woods and on the way she taught me about all the vegetation growing around us. She pointed out berries that are safe to eat and those that are not-and how to tell the difference. She shows me the tricks for knowing which plants will give you rashes (leaves of three) and she took a mint leaf and let me rub it between my fingers to release the scent. The thing that was extra special about this experience was that a few weeks later I received a letter from Aunt Debbie. In this letter she drew pictures of all the different trees, plants, berries and sights we had seen on our hike and put a few words with each of them to remind me what they were. Not only is that a special memory for me, but I think it also sums up Aunt Debbie's love of nature and art, and her special, giving spirit.
I love you!
Donna Denison

To My Hair Stylist, Happy Birthday!

Happy Birthday Debbie! Looking at the pictures Liz put up on this blog reminds me just how rich you really are. I'm proud to say I actually know everyone in these pictures because that means I've been in your life, too.

My first memories of knowing you are just like the times we share now--your laughter, personality, warmth, generosity, morality (yep, I said morality!), love for animals...all these were there then, and they are so now. Of course, I didn't know you until you invited me to one of your parties--I'm pretty sure it was a Day of the Dead thing--and from then on, I was on the Debbie Train, too.

I've really enjoyed listening to each of your stories over the years, often more than once! I remember laughing with you and friends on Friday nights at the Vietnamese restaurant in Austin, and thinking every time: Debbie should write these down and publish a book. I think you've heard that from several people now, so when?

I have bitter/sweet memories of the times you, Liz, and I shared the death of one of our animal children. You two were there with me for Sasha; I was there for Billy, Terrence, Scottie, and so many others. Those experiences have given me a deep, loving, and soulful connection with you, and I appreciate them for what they are.

As for other ways you've effected my life, I must say that no other friend gives me so much "gup." (That's a Yankee term meaning "bullshit.") Because you're in my life, and I have to learn how to accept "gup" from you, I'm growing to be a better person. I realize that statement doesn't seem to be so much about you as it is me, but I really hope you know that it really is about you. I've learned so much from you: how to see color all around me, what certain rocks are made of, how to love others without judgement, how to cook, why Terriers are so darned cute, and much, much more. I'm sure God gave me your friendship because I'd be so ignorant without it!

O.k., enough of this maudlin barrage. A very funny story that you've told over and over is about the time you fell on a patch of ice on a street in Austin when you were with your friend, Terry. The visual image of a car coming at you in slow motion, you spinning around on your back like a bug that's been flipped over, and Terry, standing by the side of the road, screaming at you to "Get up bitch! Get up!" cracks me up.

So if, at times, you feel you've fallen and you're spinning around on the ice, I just want you to remember to "Get up, bitch! Get up!" I know you always will.

Happy 50th. I love you lots,

Dawn

Happy Birthday, you old girl, you!

OK, so here's what's been going through my mind lately:

And even though we ain't got money,
I'm so in love with you, honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning, when I rise,
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.

Love the girl who holds the world in a paper cup.
Drink it up.
Love her and she'll bring you luck.
And if you find she helps your mind, better take her home.
Don't you live alone.
Try to earn what lovers own.

And even though we ain't got money,
I'm so in love with you, honey,
And everything will bring a chain of love.
And in the morning, when I rise,
You bring a tear of joy to my eyes
And tell me everything is gonna be alright.

("Danny's Song" by Kenny Loggins)

That pretty much covers it for me....

All my love,

Liz

Dia de los muertos

First of all, happy birthday, Debbie. Second, I don't really have any funny stories, unless we consider how we know each other to be a funny story. But I can say how much I respect you and appreciate your sense of humor and I'm very glad you're here. And I still get a kick, every Nov. 1, of you complaining about having to sweep up little skeletons. Best wishes and cheers! -Hank Card & Family