Facebook is killing MySpace...

... and is working pretty hard at killing this blog. Where da hell have I been?

Yeah, facebook. I never thought I would get into it. I have a MySpace page to keep up with my assorted kids but facebook is keeping me very busy (let me go poke Vicus and Michael again... maybe Donn and Tom too... Whitesnake... where are you?)

Seriously, work has kept me hopping the last three weeks. Our board president kidded with me that my name should be "Rita Blanco." We had a successful grand opening which you may read about here.

In addition, we have invited our artists to paint a section of our floor. I was so humbled to watch Joe Ray, Frank Ybarra, Ruben Galicia and Francisco do wonders last Saturday:

Joe Ray and his floor painting, Para Los Good Times (<== Says it all)

Frank Ybarra's grilled tribute to Xico... (see the X?)

Ruben's two-headed serpent...

... y Francisco with son... simply lovely works all around.

Now we are tackling our 21st annual Celebrity Waiters Dinner and Art auction on Feb. 20th. Trying to get it all worked out and planned.

Unfortunately, the economy hits nonprofits as hard as many of our sponsors (where is the nonprofit bailout? LOL... jk.) We are struggling to get by. I have even offered to work for prints instead of a paycheck. Oh yes, yes... this soon will be mine:


I love love love this David Manje print... I finally got to meet him (he christened me with the simple street name, "Blanca."--LOL) I plan to sign up for one of his printmaking classes as soon as it is in the budget.

Anyway...

I have been so motivated by the unique energy and positive feedback I have received recently that I finally finished my latest work. My Virgen de Guadalupe:


I will donate her to Xico Inc. for the silent auction on Feb. 20. You don't have to be Hispanic or Native to contribute to the silent auction. It is just my way of saying thanks to an organization that has taken me in and inspired me at the same time.