“Education is not preparation for life; education is life itself.”  (John Dewey, American Philosopher, 1859-1952)

Over the past few weeks, Bleu has had the opportunity to join in some of the most important celebrations of the year.  While the honorees and audiences have been varying and quite diverse, there has been a common thread that’s run through all of them…education.

With the youngest, which included completion of the very first semester of preschool and a Kindergarten graduation, there was ice cream, pizza, and a musical performance of rather catchy adolescent tunes.  Way to go, Ryleigh Rayne and Avery K.  You both ROCK!

There was also a graduation from high school and one from college.   While the former will soon be packing his bags to leave home on one of his biggest adventures to date, the other, with a need and desire to gain additional “real life” experience before beginning graduate school, has just loaded up his boxes to head back this way.   Congratulations, Kyle and Jake.  Regardless of your direction on I-35, you are both AMAZING!

While Kyle and Jake certainly have College Station and Aggie Pride in common, they both also have years of hard work and experience that vary from one another yet still far exceed those of the aforementioned three- and six-year-olds.  Nonetheless, included with each and every one of the four are huge accomplishments and aspirations for life’s next step.

Typically, people in this part of the country dare not mention an Aggie and a Longhorn in the same breath.  Still, this document on education would be incomplete without a “shout out” to our very own Jackie B and recognition of her recent accomplishments.  Even though she’s already earned her degree and is currently in graduate school, her walk across the UT stage just under six months ago still qualifies her as a “graduating senior”.  That, combined with her years of dedicated service to the alumni association while on campus, earned her the reward of a European trip from the Texas Exes.  She leaves this week for a month-long, whirlwind tour through nine countries across the continent.  We’re so PROUD of you, Jackie!  Just goes to show…it really does pay to be a good student.

Last but not least, we must mention the oldest and “wisest” of the bunch.  With more than a decade having passed since her completion of high school, and a lifetime of worldwide travels and experience behind her, she’s decided to re-embark on her quest for a college degree.  Whether the catalyst of her inspiration was the lack of privilege witnessed in countries she’s visited or the recent accomplishments of her very own Kindergarten graduate, her feat is no small one.  Congratulations, Belinda.  You are an INSPIRATION!

So, regardless of where each of these individuals currently resides within their educational journey, one thing remains certain…the most important thing is the pursuit…and, of course, the pizza.

“Nature often holds up a mirror so we can see more clearly the ongoing processes of growth, renewal, and transformation in our own lives.”  (Mary Ann Brussat, Author)

Many times throughout this past year, Bleu has celebrated the “new”…new life, new love, new friendship.  We’ve honored new brides and new babies.  We’ve toasted new clients and new acquaintances.  We’ve welcomed new jobs and new homes.  We’ve given thanks and gratitude for each new day and the opportunities (and challenges!) they’ve brought with them.  We’ve shouted “hooray” for each new milestone and toasted those which still lie ahead.

And, we’re not alone.  “New”, after all, is what it’s all about these days.  It’s celebrated for its beauty and for its ability to bring with it both happiness and, perhaps even more importantly, hope.    

Who doesn’t love the smell of a new car or the feel of a new set of sheets when sliding into bed?  Who doesn’t like to show off a new haircut or a shiny new pair of shoes?  People stand in line for hours, even days, to watch a film that has been newly released or buy a book that has been newly published.  At the turn of each new season, we purchase all things new…new suits for swimming, new lunchboxes for school,  new coats for cold weather, and new color for the garden. 

Currently, there is even a national spirit of renewal…a movement towards new leadership and the change that is due to come with it.  Here again, “new” symbolizes growth and movement forward.       

Sometimes, however, the greatest and most treasured things are those which have stood the test of time…the things that are steadfast and true…the things that can be counted on, time and again, to weather the storm and withstand the frenzy of this thing we call life.

And today, Bleu is celebrating one of the greatest examples of just such a thing…a lifetime of love shared by two people.  And by “lifetime”, we mean 70 years. 

It was 1939.  Franklin D. Roosevelt was president of the United States.  The Spanish Civil War ended and World War II began.  That same year, John Steinbeck’s, The Grapes of Wrath, was first published.  Lou Gehrig played his 2,130 consecutive game and then, two months later, retired from the New York Yankees due to ALS.  The Wizard of Oz and Gone with the Wind premiered at movie theaters.  And, Roger and Leila were married.

If you asked them today, they still remember clearly all of the little details…those things that make their love, and their journey together, special.  Roger remembers their first meeting and what it was that attracted him to Leila.  Leila remembers their first date and what it was that made Roger stand out from all the others.  Their life together has not always been easy; but, they will tell you, it has been blessed.  They have three children, seven grandchildren, five great grandchildren…and one on the way.

They can’t share with you the “secret” to a happy marriage.  They can tell you, however, what matters the most…love, loyalty, faith, and hard work.  (They’ll also tell you who really wears the pants in the family…depending on who you ask, however, the answer may differ just slightly.)  And at the end of the day, they’ll say, it really comes down to one thing…standing behind the commitments that you make. 

So, as much as we appreciate the things that are new, here’s to the celebration of those things that we also know to be true and good and real…and here’s to 70 years!

Over the past few weeks, Bleu has had the opportunity to do some truly exciting things “in the city”.  We’ve been out and about quite a bit…from one end of town to the other.  All of this moving around has reminded us of what, as residents of this great place, we sometimes fail to remember…we’ve definitely got game! 

Included in our most recent activities was the fabulous “Sips & Salsa” event at Hotel Contessa (www.thehotelcontessa.com).  The second Thursday of every month, the hotel hosts this soiree filled with professional ballroom dancers, delicious tapas, and specialty drinks.  It’s a great time!  For additional information regarding the next “Sips & Salsa” event, be sure to visit the hotel’s website.  For more fun facts about the hotel, as well as a recipe for their original and unique Mango Basil Salsa from the executive chef, check out their featured partner article under “What is Bleu” on the Bleu Print site.  (Thanks again, Elise!)

Also on our list of exciting experiences over the past month was “Cigars, Cognacs, and Cufflinks” at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk(www.hotelvalencia.com).  We were fortunate enough to be a co-sponsor of this event, and what an amazing one it was!   As a new and innovative happy hour catered directly towards the “fashion conscious man”, the evening offered attendees the opportunity to view the latest and greatest in men’s fashion while also enjoying the finest in hand-rolled cigars and cognac.  The event will resume in the autumn months of this year.  In the meantime, be sure to check out the hotel’s website for updates on their other fabulous events.  Included are “Party for a Cure” on March 26th and “Fashiontini Thursday” on April 2nd.  (You ROCK, Amy!) 

Additionally, and also on the map of “must visits” in downtown, is Biga on the Banks (www.biga.com).  A longtime favorite of locals and visitors alike, this amazing restaurant has a reputation for innovation and has played a major role in redefining the city’s cuisine.  Whether you’re looking for a romantic setting, private dining, or meeting space, it is the perfect place to get away and enjoy a different kind of fine dining cuisine.   (We just LOVE it, Perny!)

And, outside of downtown and just a bit further North of the city, we’ve also had the pleasure of visiting Coco Chocolate Lounge & Bistro (www.sa-coco.com).  It is quickly becoming one of our favorites; and, over the past month or so, we’ve been there on quite a few occassions!  In fact, we’ve been seen there on “official business”, as well as drinks with the girls, and even a so called “meeting of the minds”.  Regardless of the purpose of the visit, we’ve enjoyed every last drop of the “French Accent” and every scrumptious bite of “The Flirt” and “The Love Affair”.  Don’t be mistaken, however, because the restaurant does actually offer more than cocktails and desserts…we’ve just never gotten past the two to actually partake of the rest of the menu!  We’ve heard, of course, that every single item is just as delicious.  (You’re the BEST, Phillipe!)

So, whether you’re a longtime resident of this amazing city, or a one-time or repeat visitor, be sure to strike out a bit and embark upon the places that might be a little “off the beaten path” or perhaps even right in your very own backyard.  You might be surprised at the adventure that awaits you.

com·mu·ni·ty:  kə-ˈmyü-nə-tē, noun   1: a unified, interacting body of various kinds of individuals with common interests

Within Bleu’s community there are a variety of individuals and groups that have helped to strengthen both our professional and personal “connectedness”.  This includes friends, family, partners, and clients that we interact with on an almost daily basis.

Also included in this community are various business associations; and, over the past few weeks, we’ve been fortunate enough to be involved in an assortment of activities that are sponsored by these groups. 

One of the ones that stands out the most is the AIOHO (”An Income of Her Own”) seminar sponsored by NAWBO (National Association of Women Business Owners - www.nawbosa.org).  Bleu was invited to paticipate as a facilitator of this event, which creates opportunties for teen women to learn about entrepreneurship and the financial realities of lifestyle choices from local women business owners.   Participating as a facilitator earlier this month allowed us the privilege of spending the day with a group of female students from area high schools whose main demographic is considered by most as “disadvantaged”.  There was nothing disadvantaged about these girls, however, when it came to personality, drive, and determination.  They were absolutely amazing; and, we feel all the more blessed to have had the chance to experience their beauty and hopefulness. 

Another event that has truly impacted Bleu is the CASA (Child Advocates San Antonio - www.casa-satx.org) “Speak Out”.  The mission of CASA is to recruit, train, and supervise court-appointed advocates who provide constancy for abused children and youth while advocating for services and placement in safe and permanent homes.  The organization has created the bimonthly “Speak Out” events as a way to increase community awareness; and, as a participant in a few of these sessions, Bleu has been both honored and humbled to help “spread the word”.

In addition, Bleu has also recently been involved with the local chapter of MPI (Meeting Professionals International - www.mpithcc.org) by helping to sponsor the Senior Companions Luncheon.  As was the case with the aforementioned teen women, spending time with individuals who are considered members of the “older generation” was a true delight.  They were all so gracious and extremely appreciative of even the slightest kindness that was shown them.  Again, it was both a privilege and an honor to be a participant in such a worthy event.

So, as is illustrated by the above examples, Bleu’s community is not only great in breadth and in depth, but also in joy.  And, while many are focusing on the challenges of the current times, Bleu is choosing to stay positive and count the blessings. 

And, with that, just one last thought…

“First it is necessary to stand on your own two feet.  But the minute a man finds himself in that position, the next thing he should do is reach out his arms.”  - Kristin Hunter

What a week!  Bleu has been blessed with a busy, busy schedule and more activity than should ever be bestowed on just one entity. 

There was time spent with the newest team member…what an awesome addition!  Jaclyn (aka:  Jackie, Jaclyn #2, JB) worked tirelessly to assist with market research, business development, current accounts, etc., etc., etc.  And, all the while, she kept a smile on hand and an overall positive attitude close by.  “YEAH” for that! 

There was also time spent with some of the greatest clients…EVER!  From brides to entrepreneurs, they were all a true pleasure.  “THANKS” for that!

There was also time spent with some amazing organizations…truly, AMAZING!  From an introduction to the Preferred Professionals Association of SA, to the SB Leads Lunch, the very first CASA Speak Out, and the SOBA Network Event, they were all rewarding experiences with awesome new friends and professional associates.  “HOORAY” for that!

And, last but not least, there was also an absolutely fabulous event…honestly, it was FABULOUS!  Thanks to a great group of sponsors and an outstanding venue, the very first “Cigars, Cognacs, and Cufflinks” event at Hotel Valencia Riverwalk was a huge success.  Attendees were in abundance, and a fantastic time was had by all.  “BRAVO” to that!

So, all in all, it was quite the week.  “WHEW” to that! 

Here’s to being grateful for the one that has passed and excited about the one ahead.

Finally, after working for months to finish up the blog, it’s LIVE.  What an exciting way to begin 2009!  AND, speaking of 2009…

It’s a year full of changes and opportunities.  With that, we’re working to be “present” in all things and appreciative of what comes our way.  So…join us for the journey.  With a little luck and a great deal of hard work…it’s going to be an amazing ride!