Waylaid by Hurricane Harvey, artists Dean Ruck and Dan Havel soon put the finishing touches on their newest site-specific installation, Ripples, at Montrose’s Cherryhurst House. This time, the duo — known for their perspective-shifting sculptures made from reclaimed material — transform the artist residence home on the Cherryhurst property into a work of art itself, by meticulously removing sections of materials from the walls and floors.
LeBrina Jackson
AS WE GET into the holiday season, we’re reminded of what we have, what we want and what might be lacking. As Sheryl Crow says in her song, Soak up the Sun, “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you've got.” We caught up with LeBrina Jackson, owner of Escape Spa in Cypress, Texas, and learned how she tackles the holiday season with hope, love and most importantly, gratitude.
What are you hopeful for right now in this world?
More love from humanity, absolutely! Especially with the holidays upon us, I'm hopeful that we can all tap into that spirit of generosity and compassion. We've been through a lot, especially since the pandemic and its aftermath, and I think people are craving connection and kindness. I'm hopeful that we’ll take the time to truly appreciate each other and spread a little extra love this season.
What does love look like to you?
Love is about showing up for the people you care about, no matter what. It's about being present, offering support, celebrating their wins, and being a shoulder to lean on during tough times. Love is about creating a safe space where people feel seen and valued.
LeBrina, how do you incorporate the concept of gratitude into your daily life?
Gratitude is my secret weapon! Every morning, instead of reaching for my phone, I start my day by listing a few things I'm grateful for. It could be something as simple as a warm cup of coffee or the sound of my daughter laughing. Maybe it was my horse’s whinny of joy when I came to saddle him up and he knows a great ride is ahead. Or noticing my son working as hard on his homework as he does on the football field. Thinking of blessings like those helps me set a positive tone for the day and appreciate all the good in my life.
Why is that important to you? What do you get out of it?
Gratitude is like a reset button for my mind. It helps me shift my perspective from what's missing to what I already have. It keeps me grounded and reminds me of what truly matters. And honestly, it just makes me feel happier and more content.
How can you encourage younger generations, kids to embrace this idea?
I think it starts with instilling an attitude of appreciation from an early age. Leading by example is key — kids learn by watching us express our own thankfulness. Create a culture of appreciation at home or in the classroom, encouraging kids to notice the good in their lives. Teaching them to say “thank you” sincerely, to be aware of other people’s feelings and to show kindness can go a long way.
Employees?
Building a culture of celebrating each other is key! Encourage your team to acknowledge wins, big or small, with shout-outs, thank-you notes, or even a fun team lunch. When people feel seen and appreciated, it boosts morale and creates a ripple effect of positivity that our guests can feel too. Lead by example and celebrate your team’s accomplishments!
How can someone incorporate a gratitude ritual into their lives?
It’s easier than you think! Start by literally scheduling a few minutes each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. You can write it down in a journal, say it out loud, or just think about it quietly. It is a wonderful way to get in the mindset for your daily meditation time. Another idea is to incorporate gratitude into your existing routines, like saying what you’re grateful for before meals or when you tuck your little ones into bed.
What are you grateful for right now, at this very moment?
I'm grateful for this opportunity to share my thoughts on gratitude and hopefully inspire others to embrace it. I'm also incredibly grateful for my amazing family, my supportive friends, and my fantastic team at Escape Spa. And of course, I'm grateful for all of our wonderful guests who trust us to provide them with an escape from the everyday!
A giant astronaut now looks over Discovery Green where the PCMA conference will host its opening event
AMAL CLOONEY, LIZ Cheney and Brené Brown will be in Houston this week to speak at the Professional Convention Management Association’s annual conference. Houston First is bringing the conference — for meeting-planners who work on behalf of companies and associations to book conventions — to town. Houston First president and CEO Michael Heckman has referred to the event as “the Super Bowl of our industry,” as the organization hopes to book $200 million in new incremental business over the next five years.
Expecting an audience of 4,000 attendees at the GRB, Houston First is creating a working kitchen to showcase the city’s diverse dining scene. Participating Houston chefs and mixologists from Houston hotpsots like Jun, Kiran’s, Koffeteria, Ishtia, Gatlin’s BBQ, Julep, Maven and others will be serving up their most popular dishes. “Houston's culinary scene is uniquely vibrant, reflecting the city's rich cultural diversity and bold creativity,” says restaurateur David Skinner of Ishtia. “We’re proud to contribute to that dynamic tapestry through food and storytelling."
The conference opens on Sunday night with a massive street fair at Discovery Green, featuring Houston faves and icons like Art Cars, custom cowboy hats and a giant astronaut flying over the park. To round out the festivities, three-time GRAMMY® Award winner Gwen Stefani will perform a 90-minute set at Daikin Park on Tuesday night.
MUTINY WINE ROOM in the Heights is celebrating five years with a bash this month. Opening just months before the pandemic, the tasting-room-style bar and restaurant is run by Emily Trout and Mark Ellenberger, who also own Kagan Cellars in Napa Valley.
“Wine, at its worst is an expression, and at its best is a work of art,” said the founders in a statement. “We founded Mutiny Wine Room to create connections between wine lovers and the hands, hearts, and minds of the artists that create great wine."
The food menu at Mutiny is helmed by chef Eduardo Alcayaga who emphasizes local produce from specialty purveyors for his Cali-meets-Texas menu. The Ranch Board, for example, is a twist on the wine-tasting staple with sirloin steak, venison sausage and bacon roulade.
On Jan. 23, the anniversary party will also celebrate the exclusive release of Kagan Cellars' 2019 Vintages with a grazing table from chef Eduardo plus discounts on wine club memberships.
