From the Inside Out

My Halloween in pictures…and here we go!

Darth Brooks ready for some Trunk or Treating

Princess Leanne Rimes and the country Stars Wars mobile

Yes, we mixed Star Wars with country music stars…it’s more fun that way!

The ships

After Trunk or Treat we headed to Verdun Manor with a group to find something a little more scary

Showing the creepy clowns how to get their groove on

No, we’re not scared!

Verdun Manor

Ahhh, we’re SOO scared!!

It was a fun evening entertaining the kids and then heading out with a great group of people to be entertained/scared. Halloween is awesome!

For the full photo album from tonight, click here.

Wow, Halloween is only two weeks away! I’m not throwing a party this year, but our church is hosting a “trunk or treat” party so I could still dress for the occasion. According to the articles I’ve read recently, reality tv stars and dead celebrities (like MJ and Farrah Fawcett) are going to be all the rage this year. Palin and Madoff costumes are also surprisingly popular. And don’t forget the crazy musicians, Lady Gaga and Amy Winehouse.

If those ideas don’t suit you, check out my “top 5″ funny options this year:

• Illegal Alien. This costume is being blasted by activists, but they need to lighten up. It’s hilarious.
• Kanye and Taylor Swift (couples idea). Anyone who saw (or read about) the events that occurred during the MTV Music Awards will understand why this is so funny.
• Octomom. Eight babies and lots of plastic surgery equates to a very interesting costume.
• Swine Flu. Since this illness seems to be infecting everyone lately, it’s pretty timely.

  Kate Gosselin. I’m not a fan of the “Kate and John Plus 8″ tv show, but you have to admit that this one would be lots of fun. You can carry around a bunch of baby dolls, scream, yell, and act like a control freak all night. Besides, who doesn’t want to wear the worst haircut in the world for a day?

The grand opening celebration for the AT&T Performing Arts Center in Dallas’ Arts District has been in full swing all week and will culminate with an “open house” festival on Sunday, Oct. 18 from 11 am - 8 pm.

Free and open to the public, the day will include family-friendly activities, venue tours, and indoor and outdoor “spotlight” performances by the Center’s resident companies and national, regional and local talent spanning dance, music and theatre. It will also feature free admission to exhibitions at Arts District museums and other venues, giving access to special programming they created just for this occasion. The grand finale will be a fireworks show at 7:45 pm.

If you are in the area and have an interest in the arts, it’s a great opportunity to get a sampling of what’s to come at the new PAC…best of all, it’s entirely free. So join in the excitement and check it out on Sunday. For more info, visit: attpac.org/grandopening.

We trekked downtown last night with a few friends for a unique Tuesday treat. Terry Scott Taylor was in town for one night, and he was performing in Deep Ellum. For those who don’t know Terry, he founded the CCM (Christian Contemporary Music) band, Daniel Amos. He was also a member of the Swirling Eddies and the Lost Dogs — all bands from my youth. Their music brings back lots of great memories.

Terry also happens to be an amazing song writer and composer. Many of his songs are limericks, and others “include allusions to and reworkings of material ranging from Elizabethan poets to modern authors.” Some are funny; others are moving — all are enjoyable.

Last night was billed as an “intimate evening with Terry Scott Taylor.” The venue was small, but a good crowd packed in to hear his music. Terry was joined by his son, Andrew, and Steve Hindalong (Lost Dogs’ member, founding member of The Choir, creator and producer of the ‘City on a Hill’ series, and co-writer of ‘God of Wonders’). Armed with a guitar, bass, and small drum set, the three entertained the audience with a collection of songs from years past and from Terry’s more recent solo collection.

Terry offered humorous commentary and insights between songs. He closed with a poignant song called “You Lay Down” which chronicles the final hours of Jess’ life. Here’s an excerpt:

In a garden of thorns
my Rose of Sharon
bleeds till she’s the color
of the moonlight
and though the angels wrap her
in their feathered arms
they cannot conceal her from
the darkest night

And you didn’t say a word
when they accused you
You did not fight back when the whole world used you

When hate was crowned King
your love never diminished
You stood meek as a lamb there
without blemish
and we laughed when you cried out,
“It is finished”

So you lay down
you lay down
and I’ll step upon your back
up high enough
above the fence
to see all the way to glory land

Powerful, huh?

After the concert, Terry stayed around for an open Q&A session, fielding questions from the audience and offering insight into his journey as an artist and song writer. It was a neat ending to a fabulous night of music.

For one week only, you can dine at some of Dallas’ finest restaurants for the low price of $35 and support a good cause at the same time. KRLD’s Restaurant Week will be held August 17-23. During this week, you can get a three-course meal at over 100 restaurants in DFW for only $35. In addition, for each dinner purchased, participating restaurants will donate $7 to the North Texas Food Bank and the Lena Pope Home. Last year KRLD Restaurant Week raised more than $430,000 for the two charities.

The list of participating restaurants includes the new Five Sixty restaurant by Wolfgang Puck, III Forks, Texas de Brazil, The Mansion, Jaspers, Nana’s, and more! It’s one of the best deals you’ll find all year. If you want to participate, pick up the phone and make your reservations now. Reservations are required, seating is limited, and the spots fill up quickly. When you call, be sure to ask for KRLD Restaurant Week Reservations.

For those who want a fourth course, you can get a free certificate from Central Market with any purchase of $25 or more.

For the complete list of participating restaurants, click here.

Bon Appetit!