Hola Amigas & Amigos of “My Bad Tequila” and Author, Writer, Rico Austin.
Can YOU believe it? April is nearly over with its Showers that will soon bring the Flowers of May and my beloved holiday, “Cinco de Mayo” !!!!.
Well, it has been a busy and glorious month of April with some great tequila tastings, some great music taken in and my first, book signings of my newest, exciting biography / memoir / autobiography of “In the Shadow of ELVIS, Perils of a Ghostwriter.” It has also been during this month that I visited and talked before high school students in Lakeside, Arizona at Blue Ridge High School on career day about being an Author or Writer.
Even though the school administration wanted me to talk with the students about writing, there was concern about the students coming away with the wrong impression of discussion about a book title, “My Bad Tequila,” without seeing the bigger picture that the book tells, of making smart choices. Here below was my response to the school administrator and with the principal copied.
“Hello Joyce, I have never talked to students at a high school about ‘My Bad Tequila.’ I have talked to students about student government when I was running for the position of Mayor of Boise, Idaho, many years ago. I have talked about ‘My Bad Tequila’ at libraries where there were children & teenagers present with their parents and I've always received positive feedback. I always mention that there are consequences involved for all decisions we make; whether they be right or wrong. I do not promote or approve of excess drinking, underage drinking, casual sex - protected or unprotected, nor do I approve of hostility, gangs, swearing, disrespect to our elders and advise to treat all persons as ‘You wished to be treated’ - I live by the Golden Rule.”
This is the response I received from Joyce C., “Jill S., who is the Students Against Destructive Decisions advisor and she knows that often teenagers can learn from others' experiences and depending your approach, she felt ‘My Bad Tequila’ could be very powerful in promoting responsible decisions.”
I then drove the 3 hour drive the night before to the Lakeside / Show Low / Pinetop area so as to be ready and on-time for the 1st period instruction and seminar on writing and the importance of blogging with discussions on all 3 books. I started the first of three sessions with telling the students, that the thing I missed most about 1st period was the "Pledge of Allegiance" and asked them if they wanted to say it, they all responded, YES, including the school counselor. Each one of them stood and waited for me to begin, “I pledge ........" What a great way to begin the day and all the Students were unbelievable with super questions and some even vowed to begin their own Blogs, one girl stated, "I hope to write a book someday." I told her if she really wants to write a book that she will indeed write a book. I ended with "Fulfill YOUR Dreams, no matter what it is."
Special Thanks to the Hilton Hotel Family for donating a room at the Hampton Inn in Show Low, Arizona for my night’s lodging. Conrad Hilton is one of my heroes, loved his book, ‘Be My Guest.’ http://www.hilton.com/search/hp/us/az/show_low?WT.srch=1
After spending time with these high school students, I have more confidence in our nation and feel as if I gained more from this visit than did the students. Very moving experience reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance” for the first time in many, many years.
My first joint inaugural book signing was at the world famous, ‘Pinnacle Peak Patio’ in my now hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona. When I write ‘joint,’ I am telling about 2 books, including my first Children’s book, “ARIZONA Is Where I Live,” and the “ELVIS” book. At Pinnacle Peak Patio, I met Arizona’s Duuude, who is Arizona’s number one fan – Mr. Bob Roloff and Mr. Cory McCloskey, meteorologist on FOX 10 news, along with Big Marvin “Marv” Dickson – who has grilled more than 12 million steaks in the last 50 years, all at Pinnacle Peak Patio. Also in attendance was Chaz Lee of Six Gun Entertainment along with cute sidekick, “Miss Nugget.” http://www.pppatio.com/ http://www.sixgunent.com/ http://www.azphm.com/azduuude.htm
The second book signing was exactly 1000 miles to the North in Homedale, Idaho next to the mighty Snake River at the ‘Tango Saloon’ owned by the gracious couple of Lori Uranga Badiola and Ben Badiola of “back in the good ol’ days” of when I attended high school in nearby Marsing, Idaho, which too, is next to the mighty Snake River. Amigas Diana Uranga M., Andrea, Sondy, Dee Dee and Amigos Craig C., Ben, along with some others made it a fun and enjoyable “Literary Time mixed with Miller Time.” Next time, you’re passing through on Highway 95, stop by for a cold one and say “Hola” to the cool, Basque people at ‘Tango Saloon’ and then wander over and check out the ‘SRC Sports - Badiola Arena.’ If you ask me, I’d rename it to ‘Badiola BadAss Arena,” as this is a first class roping, bronc bucking, barrel racing, clown dodging, bull riding arena if ever there was one. Can you say “Cowboy Up!” If not, then a Cowgirl is gonna take You down, lil' pardner and You best leave town........ in a hurry! http://www.tangosaloonhomedale.com/ https://www.facebook.com/#!/badiolaarena?fref=ts
Next stop was to see my 'BloodyFine' Amigos & Amigas of Rich, Rhonda, Kory, Michelle, Leslie and Larry at private party in the foothills of East Boise. http://bloodyfine.com/
Saturday was a day filled with golf, 45 holes to be exact. This is the reason I am having trouble pounding out words on my laptop - even my f-cking fingers are sore. Great time with Uncle Dennie, Brother Sam and Cousins Chris, Rick, Jackie and my other cousin Chris at River Bend Golf Course and yep, You guessed it, also located on the mighty Snake River in Wilder, Idaho - home of my good Amigo Steve E.
Now Saturday night has arrived and Cabo San Lucas Amigos Rich & Rhonda take me to meet Margo H. and her husband Trent H. who is performing as one of Boise's Best Bands, "The Retreads" at 'The Gathering Place' in Eagle’s Landmark Orville Jackson Building. http://theretreads.net/bio/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Retreads/266500217633#!/pages/Th...
I just read in the USA Today where Washington Wizards Jason Collins is being touted as a HERO for coming out about his gay sexual preference. WHAT, a Hero? I don't believe so! If he wants to let the world know of his sexual preference and who he is as a person - fine; but, let's not push it and give him hero status. Let's say I come out and let the world know that I am a compulsive gambler, does that make me a hero? No, it is just me letting the world know who I am; I think Ben Shapiro, an editor at large for a conservative website Brietbart.com tweeted it best: "So Jason Collins is a hero because he's gay? Our standard for heroism has dropped quite a bit since Normandy." Amigas & Amigos, please do not get me wrong, I am not gay bashing; but, at the same time why does this guy deserve to be a hero other than wanting to tell the world his secret of being the first Gay Wizard. We all have secrets, some that we tell, some that we take to our graves. Maybe every living being on Earth right now is a Hero? What has our media and sports done to our world for the multitudes to be shouting in the streets: "Isn't it great that a sports figure came out of the closet." Shouldn't I be a hero for coming out and saying I am 100% heterosexual and prefer blondes or brunettes?
To me a hero in the sporting world is Pat Tillman, who served our country and died serving. A man that turned down millions of dollars and the limelight of being televised every Sunday during the NFL football season to fight for the freedom of the United States and for every one of us. Patrick Tillman is my hero for serving, not Jason Collins for being gay and announcing it.
Coming up this next May, on Sunday, the 19th will be the ‘Fifty Authors from Fifty States’ featuring ARIZONA and Rico Austin as the writer of this sensational piece of Western history and places of interest, representing the Grand Canyon / Copper State. http://annettesnyder.blogspot.com/ Check it out and see why Rico was selected to write about his great state.
Also, come visit Rico at his table #8 and at the Arizona Authors Association booth #525 in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 10th, 11th and 12th where Rico will be giving a seminar on Saturday, May 11th on "Success as a Writer: A discussion of social media - Why it is important to use; Especially if you are a beginning writer and/or blogger." We will then discuss and have readings from my novels. All three books will be available for purchase and for personal autographs. http://www.swbookfiesta.com/authors/RicoAustin.html
‘In the Shadow of ELVIS, Perils of a Ghostwriter,’ is the true story of the legitimate, illegitimate Son of the KING of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Mr. ELVIS Presley, strewn together with the adventures and perils encountered while telling of John Dennis Smith’s birthright. His secret has been closeted in the attics of the forbidden for over five decades. Now join me as I take you up the narrow stairway, through the cobwebbed doorway and together we will slowly open the creaking door, creep delicately to the darkened corner, open the dusty, wooden box, pick up the book carefully (we don’t want to awaken a sleeping scorpion), open the first page and begin to read the mystery that lies within Cave Creek, Arizona.
Country Singer & Legend, George Jones - RIP
Last, but not least, please “LIKE” my new page on Facebook, "ELVIS - (In The Shadow Of)" https://www.facebook.com/#!/InTheShadowOfElvisPerilsOfAGhostwriter?fref=ts
Now that You’ve had the opportunity to “LIKE,” it is now time to “Buy.” http://www.amazon.com/In-Shadows-Elvis-Perils-Ghostwriter/dp/1936745097/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1367280599&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=in+the+shadow+of+elvis
Saludos y Vayan con Dios,
Uncle Rico, Rico Austin Author, Blogger, Tequila Connoisseur, Co-Songwriter, Part-time Movie Star, CEO, Amigo & One Righteous Dude - MY BAD TEQUILA
"Have a Double Shot of Reality" TM
www.mybadtequila.com
blog.mybadtequila.com
http://site.mybadtequila.com/Guestbook.php
Can YOU believe it? April is nearly over with its Showers that will soon bring the Flowers of May and my beloved holiday, “Cinco de Mayo” !!!!.
Well, it has been a busy and glorious month of April with some great tequila tastings, some great music taken in and my first, book signings of my newest, exciting biography / memoir / autobiography of “In the Shadow of ELVIS, Perils of a Ghostwriter.” It has also been during this month that I visited and talked before high school students in Lakeside, Arizona at Blue Ridge High School on career day about being an Author or Writer.
Even though the school administration wanted me to talk with the students about writing, there was concern about the students coming away with the wrong impression of discussion about a book title, “My Bad Tequila,” without seeing the bigger picture that the book tells, of making smart choices. Here below was my response to the school administrator and with the principal copied.
“Hello Joyce, I have never talked to students at a high school about ‘My Bad Tequila.’ I have talked to students about student government when I was running for the position of Mayor of Boise, Idaho, many years ago. I have talked about ‘My Bad Tequila’ at libraries where there were children & teenagers present with their parents and I've always received positive feedback. I always mention that there are consequences involved for all decisions we make; whether they be right or wrong. I do not promote or approve of excess drinking, underage drinking, casual sex - protected or unprotected, nor do I approve of hostility, gangs, swearing, disrespect to our elders and advise to treat all persons as ‘You wished to be treated’ - I live by the Golden Rule.”
This is the response I received from Joyce C., “Jill S., who is the Students Against Destructive Decisions advisor and she knows that often teenagers can learn from others' experiences and depending your approach, she felt ‘My Bad Tequila’ could be very powerful in promoting responsible decisions.”
I then drove the 3 hour drive the night before to the Lakeside / Show Low / Pinetop area so as to be ready and on-time for the 1st period instruction and seminar on writing and the importance of blogging with discussions on all 3 books. I started the first of three sessions with telling the students, that the thing I missed most about 1st period was the "Pledge of Allegiance" and asked them if they wanted to say it, they all responded, YES, including the school counselor. Each one of them stood and waited for me to begin, “I pledge ........" What a great way to begin the day and all the Students were unbelievable with super questions and some even vowed to begin their own Blogs, one girl stated, "I hope to write a book someday." I told her if she really wants to write a book that she will indeed write a book. I ended with "Fulfill YOUR Dreams, no matter what it is."
Special Thanks to the Hilton Hotel Family for donating a room at the Hampton Inn in Show Low, Arizona for my night’s lodging. Conrad Hilton is one of my heroes, loved his book, ‘Be My Guest.’ http://www.hilton.com/search/hp/us/az/show_low?WT.srch=1
After spending time with these high school students, I have more confidence in our nation and feel as if I gained more from this visit than did the students. Very moving experience reciting the “Pledge of Allegiance” for the first time in many, many years.
My first joint inaugural book signing was at the world famous, ‘Pinnacle Peak Patio’ in my now hometown of Scottsdale, Arizona. When I write ‘joint,’ I am telling about 2 books, including my first Children’s book, “ARIZONA Is Where I Live,” and the “ELVIS” book. At Pinnacle Peak Patio, I met Arizona’s Duuude, who is Arizona’s number one fan – Mr. Bob Roloff and Mr. Cory McCloskey, meteorologist on FOX 10 news, along with Big Marvin “Marv” Dickson – who has grilled more than 12 million steaks in the last 50 years, all at Pinnacle Peak Patio. Also in attendance was Chaz Lee of Six Gun Entertainment along with cute sidekick, “Miss Nugget.” http://www.pppatio.com/ http://www.sixgunent.com/ http://www.azphm.com/azduuude.htm
The second book signing was exactly 1000 miles to the North in Homedale, Idaho next to the mighty Snake River at the ‘Tango Saloon’ owned by the gracious couple of Lori Uranga Badiola and Ben Badiola of “back in the good ol’ days” of when I attended high school in nearby Marsing, Idaho, which too, is next to the mighty Snake River. Amigas Diana Uranga M., Andrea, Sondy, Dee Dee and Amigos Craig C., Ben, along with some others made it a fun and enjoyable “Literary Time mixed with Miller Time.” Next time, you’re passing through on Highway 95, stop by for a cold one and say “Hola” to the cool, Basque people at ‘Tango Saloon’ and then wander over and check out the ‘SRC Sports - Badiola Arena.’ If you ask me, I’d rename it to ‘Badiola BadAss Arena,” as this is a first class roping, bronc bucking, barrel racing, clown dodging, bull riding arena if ever there was one. Can you say “Cowboy Up!” If not, then a Cowgirl is gonna take You down, lil' pardner and You best leave town........ in a hurry! http://www.tangosaloonhomedale.com/ https://www.facebook.com/#!/badiolaarena?fref=ts
Next stop was to see my 'BloodyFine' Amigos & Amigas of Rich, Rhonda, Kory, Michelle, Leslie and Larry at private party in the foothills of East Boise. http://bloodyfine.com/
Saturday was a day filled with golf, 45 holes to be exact. This is the reason I am having trouble pounding out words on my laptop - even my f-cking fingers are sore. Great time with Uncle Dennie, Brother Sam and Cousins Chris, Rick, Jackie and my other cousin Chris at River Bend Golf Course and yep, You guessed it, also located on the mighty Snake River in Wilder, Idaho - home of my good Amigo Steve E.
Now Saturday night has arrived and Cabo San Lucas Amigos Rich & Rhonda take me to meet Margo H. and her husband Trent H. who is performing as one of Boise's Best Bands, "The Retreads" at 'The Gathering Place' in Eagle’s Landmark Orville Jackson Building. http://theretreads.net/bio/
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Retreads/266500217633#!/pages/Th...
I just read in the USA Today where Washington Wizards Jason Collins is being touted as a HERO for coming out about his gay sexual preference. WHAT, a Hero? I don't believe so! If he wants to let the world know of his sexual preference and who he is as a person - fine; but, let's not push it and give him hero status. Let's say I come out and let the world know that I am a compulsive gambler, does that make me a hero? No, it is just me letting the world know who I am; I think Ben Shapiro, an editor at large for a conservative website Brietbart.com tweeted it best: "So Jason Collins is a hero because he's gay? Our standard for heroism has dropped quite a bit since Normandy." Amigas & Amigos, please do not get me wrong, I am not gay bashing; but, at the same time why does this guy deserve to be a hero other than wanting to tell the world his secret of being the first Gay Wizard. We all have secrets, some that we tell, some that we take to our graves. Maybe every living being on Earth right now is a Hero? What has our media and sports done to our world for the multitudes to be shouting in the streets: "Isn't it great that a sports figure came out of the closet." Shouldn't I be a hero for coming out and saying I am 100% heterosexual and prefer blondes or brunettes?
To me a hero in the sporting world is Pat Tillman, who served our country and died serving. A man that turned down millions of dollars and the limelight of being televised every Sunday during the NFL football season to fight for the freedom of the United States and for every one of us. Patrick Tillman is my hero for serving, not Jason Collins for being gay and announcing it.
Coming up this next May, on Sunday, the 19th will be the ‘Fifty Authors from Fifty States’ featuring ARIZONA and Rico Austin as the writer of this sensational piece of Western history and places of interest, representing the Grand Canyon / Copper State. http://annettesnyder.blogspot.com/ Check it out and see why Rico was selected to write about his great state.
Also, come visit Rico at his table #8 and at the Arizona Authors Association booth #525 in Albuquerque, New Mexico on May 10th, 11th and 12th where Rico will be giving a seminar on Saturday, May 11th on "Success as a Writer: A discussion of social media - Why it is important to use; Especially if you are a beginning writer and/or blogger." We will then discuss and have readings from my novels. All three books will be available for purchase and for personal autographs. http://www.swbookfiesta.com/authors/RicoAustin.html
‘In the Shadow of ELVIS, Perils of a Ghostwriter,’ is the true story of the legitimate, illegitimate Son of the KING of Rock ‘n’ Roll, Mr. ELVIS Presley, strewn together with the adventures and perils encountered while telling of John Dennis Smith’s birthright. His secret has been closeted in the attics of the forbidden for over five decades. Now join me as I take you up the narrow stairway, through the cobwebbed doorway and together we will slowly open the creaking door, creep delicately to the darkened corner, open the dusty, wooden box, pick up the book carefully (we don’t want to awaken a sleeping scorpion), open the first page and begin to read the mystery that lies within Cave Creek, Arizona.
Country Singer & Legend, George Jones - RIP
Last, but not least, please “LIKE” my new page on Facebook, "ELVIS - (In The Shadow Of)" https://www.facebook.com/#!/InTheShadowOfElvisPerilsOfAGhostwriter?fref=ts
Now that You’ve had the opportunity to “LIKE,” it is now time to “Buy.” http://www.amazon.com/In-Shadows-Elvis-Perils-Ghostwriter/dp/1936745097/ref=sr_1_cc_2?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1367280599&sr=1-2-catcorr&keywords=in+the+shadow+of+elvis
Saludos y Vayan con Dios,
Uncle Rico, Rico Austin Author, Blogger, Tequila Connoisseur, Co-Songwriter, Part-time Movie Star, CEO, Amigo & One Righteous Dude - MY BAD TEQUILA
"Have a Double Shot of Reality" TM
www.mybadtequila.com
blog.mybadtequila.com
http://site.mybadtequila.com/Guestbook.php
Lori Uranga Badiola with Author Rico Austin & Diana Uranga Maxwell
Tango Saloon in Homedale, Idaho - book signing
Tango Saloon in Homedale, Idaho - book signing
Tango Saloon with Craig Clapier, Lori Uranga Badiola, Rico Austin & Diana Uranga Maxwell
Amiga & Bartender Dee Dee behind the bar! ;-)
Amiga & Bartender Dee Dee behind the bar! ;-)
Pat Tillman #42 ASU Football - This is a Hero!
He gave up millions of $$$ of being an NFL Football Player to Serve OUR Country!
Pat Tillman as an Arizona Cardinal #40 before going to war
Pat Tillman as an Arizona Cardinal #40 before going to war
Fear & Loathing - Author Rico Austin & Johnny Depp headed to VEGAS!
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