Tai Chi Saber - The Dark Side of Tai Chi :)

Yesterday I had my first experience learning the "Tai Chi Saber Form". It's was also my first experience with a weapons form for Tai Chi. It was so much fun! The weather was perfect and we all met up at a park to practice. There is something deeply satisfying about waving a big Saber sword around... and I was a little surprised at how fast and powerful some of the moves were. In fact, I almost thought I was back in Kung Fu class (I used to study Kung Fu as a young teenager... but quickly realized that it didn't fit my personality very well). So, my little joke is that the "Tai Chi Saber Form" is like the "Dark Side" of Tai Chi. Since overall, Tai Chi is a very peaceful Martial Art... and emphasizes yielding and defense as opposed to attacking. I think it just goes to show that "Tai Chi" can really kick some butt... if the need arises.

Bowling Fund-raiser for Big Brothers/Big Sisters

Hey everyone, I shall be putting my Bowling Skills to good use on April 13th for a good cause... bowling to do fund-raising for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Central New Mexico (CNM)

I'm donating $25 myself and my goal is to get at least $100. I shall use all of my Tai Chi "Jedi" prowess to do my best. If you'd like to help me out by donating, it would be much appreciated! Our team is called "The HOT ROLLERS" and I'm going to hit the lanes with the Hot Flames on my shoes, Bowling Bag, and with my hair "a-fire" as well :)

If you'd like to Donate and help me fulfill my minimum $100 goal, please go here:
http://bbbs-cnm.donorpages.com/BFKSSpring08/tdraco23


Also, it's not to late to join the fund raising bowling teams yourself, if you'd like to bowl with us, go here to register and join a team: http://bbbs-cnm.donorpages.com/BFKSSpring08. Please be aware that you will have to raise at least $100 in order to Bowl on April 13th. We do need some worthy "Bowling Adversaries" :) Otherwise, the "Hot Rollers" will Dominate!

(Here is the fiery gear I'll be sporting... to help me burn up the lanes :)

The Dragon-Horse, Painted Ponies

Anyone who knows me, knows that I love Dragons.... "Asian Dragons" that is. I was born under the Year of the Dragon, so I've always had an affinity with them. Also, "Asian Dragons" are supposed to embody and symbolize the qualities of honor, strength, virtue, nobility and of course... good luck. Values that I strive to uphold and attain.

So a few weeks ago, I was just pretending to be a tourist and strolling around Old Town enjoying the sunshine and it's shops. I stopped into an old store in Old Town, called the "Covered Wagon" and noticed that they sell "painted ponies" there. If you live in the southwest, you know what I'm talking about. Anyways, I was checking out all the different ponies they had... I don't actually collect them or anything (yet), but I'm an Artist and being such, I had to look them over and admire them. One of these Painted ponies really caught my attention and spoke to me (it said "buy me or else I will shoot flames at you through my mouth" :)

I had never seen one like it before... it was a horse that was painted or rather was "evolving" into an Asian Dragon. I thought it was the coolest thing... and of course, I had to buy it (or suffer the dire consequences) The detail on this thing is amazing... as you can see from the photos below. There were many other cool Painted Ponies there, but this one I think.... was made for me :)

Enjoy, and let me know what you think.

Weird Sea Life... a day at the ABQ aquarium

Last week I spent a nice day at the aquarium with
my baby nephew Gabriel and his parents. We saw some
strange & interesting sea creatures...
things you don't normally see in the deserts of NM.
I've actually been to the ABQ aquarium like a million times,
so I didn't really take too many photos.

I have no idea what kind of fish this is, but I'd imagine it
being called something like "unicorn fish"...
or perhaps "Pinocchio fish" or even the
"stop staring up my nose" fish. Yeah, I bet that's it.

Here are some infant Jellyfish who were stuck to the glass
and pulsating like some aliens on 'Star Trek'
(yes, I know I'm a nerd)

This fish was hiding in some coral... I believe it's "brain coral".
And I think the fish is a type of "Trigger fish".
(Yes... I know I'm a Nerd!)

Some more of the strangely hypnotizing baby Jellies.
I think the correct name for this stage of Jelly fish
life cycle is called "Ephyra"
(.... and I wonder why I'm still single :)