Soul Story: Burleson Yard & Beer Garden- 

The Journalist of Existence

Interview by Jess Brunson

Beer.  Okay. Hammocks. Alright. Entertainment. Sounds good. What else do you have?

How many places can say they are giving you more than what you are seeing in front of your eyes and actually follow through without breaking the culture of what initially drew you to be there?  While some watering lounges can give you a typical sit and sip atmosphere, Burleson Yard is authoring a restored scene in San Antonio for those to exist in a vision.

As in Casablanca, Burleson Yard is willing to stick their neck out for the people that want to come and be a part a presence.

Anyone can visit a new place to see what it is going to be.  Possibly get on a train and see the sights along the way. But how does someone get to that point of traveling with a purpose of their vision? And now that you have reached your first stop what is happening now? A vision is just the beginning of more moments of ideas and pit stops that most are not willing to travel towards. Most are not willing to cover the sacrifice that goes into pursuing a successful journey.   As one who chooses to seek an optimum goal before it really exists, you must keep going. Especially when you come to the crossroads of being different to changing for popularity. How does a place keep its vision going after the train reached its destination?  How do you know this is the right place to be? Talking with Daniel D., he led on to cross the tracks that have led to Burleson Yard. 

What drives Burleson Yard?

Success and the ability to get there. We are more and we are doing more with what we offer and are willing to sacrifice. To please and make our people that come here happy that’s what we want to see, but…with more to give as the vision grows beyond what has already been seen.

---Interesting things happen every day. There is something to enjoy seeing when success comes through to the Yard.  Every day, every moment is an interesting thing.

What bevvie would be the signature?

Whiskey. It burns better with age. Gives the taste of dedication of success in a drink.

As time grows, so does the atmosphere with changing effects of dedication and belonging.

So what separates you from any other beer garden?

Dedication to the end goal. The clientele: we believe everyone belongs.

How does Burleson Yard rep San Antonio?

By refusing to change when people ask you to change. There is always an expectation to become something to fit in. Success is relative and we plan to be a place that lets you exist. For anything, it should not be subjective, you strive to succeed because there is a goal that you are willing to exist. We are here not just for a simple beer garden. Here in San Antonio we are becoming the place to serve what people deserve.

Are you ever looking to evolve?

We are not looking to evolve; we change only our surroundings to improve. At Burleson Yard we are actors of change, not as much currently represented, a catalyst that exist here in San Antonio for a future goal.

“The ability to suffer, be blessed, or spoiled…success is begat by sacrifice.” says Daniel D. As sounding as they are in the business of “War and Revolution” preparing to be the unexpected contenders, Burleson Yard is growing with linked associations of advantageous abilities capable of rising in a multifaceted expedition.

Burleson Yard is here because the vision is to be MORE. Welcome MORE. Become MORE. This place is writing a future for San Antonio and you should probably “be scene” there sometime soon to say you were a part of the success. The growing Texas mark is happening whether you are ready or not, and it is definitely wise to hop the tracks on over to see what it is becoming. 

Soul Story: Harol Avila: The Bold Agave Mentor- CEO & Founder of Sierra Vieja Tequila

Harol Avila: The Bold Mentor

Be Bold. Be Alive. Let the taste of happiness fill your life palettes with the craving to go farther than you have to go.

Rather than having a simple chat, Harol lent me the stories of his inspiration, love, and creation that have led to Sierra Vieja Tequila and his charitable lifestyle. Reminiscing with Harol contributed to the intensity of charging up deep seated memories that urged more than wanting to be a participant in conversation.  Our time at Co Lab was the beginning of getting to know how we want to encourage our lives. His words led to an opening of what is beyond what people know about him and into the romanticized experiences that have guided goals. Harol is a  man that is undeniably beyond the tequila that is growing among the tastes of fortunate explorers.

How do you feel living the way you do in this stage of your life?

Alive. More than I ever have than when working the typical corporate job life. The way I live now has brought me closer to real friends. Met a lot of acquaintances--- a lot.  But outside of all of the meetings, promoting, and unusual work schedule, I have been able to secure solid people in my life. I hang out with them more than my family as they have become that important to keep on this ride through business and hard work.

What or who is your inspiration?
My father. He is the reason and the purpose in which I am doing this and to give back to where I come from in Mexico. Though the tequila business can bring the wild party image and other views that it has tied to the culture of it, I have planned to do something better.  Tequila is a part of the memory of my family and cousins. It is a joke of my first taste and about where I come from. They are the reason in which I care about this and to bring whatever I do back to them.   

Define Tequila. Define Purpose.

Tequila: Hated as a kid. As in it (tequila) brought up an early memory of hitting puberty with cousins making fun, but it spoke tradition among us.

Purpose:  I have to do something bold to accomplish something farther than I have to go.

What do you believe to achieve with your Sierra Vieja Tequila business?

3 goals.

Why: To help my hometown. Send more than just money. How much does just money really lead to for the people? Money is not a mentor. So mentoring is a part of what I want to do to help my hometown.  We travel to Mexico with our donations for schools; these backpack trips to these dirt floor schools that need us. My hometown, and others like us, really can benefit from so little while they know that they can’t get but so much. They are truly grateful. They can see that there is more that they (especially children) can do.  

Children with school donations in Mexico

How can I do something great? I want to, I am, more than just promoting my tequila company. I want to cause awareness. Be greater than a product and be bold in giving more to people than just what I know I can give and explore that difference in other ways and be that new image.

All this hard work is happiness. That’s what life’s goal is and should be about when it comes to being able to live the way you want.  Achieve what you really enjoy and to do whatever it is that will give you that happiness daily.

First. Best. Last drink.

Shots of tequila. Amatitan Jalisco. Michelada.

First: Memory with family

Best:  Love of Titans. The romanticized Mexican tale of the 16^th century that traveling explorers saw the native people as such “Titans” and fell in awe of them. The people, the reason, to establish the historic town in the idea of the grand people.

Last: I like drinking what I know about and how it can relate to people no matter what you do or do not know about the name of a drink.

I definitely am going to bring back a traditional Paloma that will bring that home piece into my creation.

How deep is your love for creation?

It’s deep. Deep like creating a weird egg sandwich and putting in strange ingredients to try something new for a new day. Discovering how I can do something different and be more playful. In fact, to spur an event, let’s put weird guys and girls in funky costumes. That’s key. Creativity. Not the typical.

@Paramour

“Soul in the Kitchen. Blues in the Living Room. Rock in the Bedroom.” –Gary Clark Jr.

What’s your poem for living?

 Live life boldly <BE Bold.>

Be smooth with your love.

Why are we here, your choice, in Co Lab? Why are you in San Antonio?  

We’re getting to know one another better in a place where friends are. Less distractions and focus on hearing one another and having a fun time. We are enjoying who each other are here.

San Antonio is home. No matter what I do, my mind is where my home is, and I have found home in this city. It is great to have a place like this for what I am doing. I could be anywhere else and be great, but I am being greater here with real friends and happiness.

Taste what this man is living. From hometown memories to defining boldness that rises to the top of life. Harol has found a way to honor happiness. Like a historic unveiling, discover what a good conversation with heart can serve you.

Seek out Sierra Vieja at spots like the JW Marriott and Halcyon in Southtown and of course even more locations and fine stores around the city. Thanks to Co Lab for hosting in their open artists’ loft on Alamo and 8^th streets.

Salut & Shindig On.

JB

Tasting presentation @ Richter&Colt Wrangler Reveal

Sierra Vieja Tequila: www.sierravieja.com

Co Lab:  www.facebook.com/colab.satx

So what? V day happened. (On to the next please...)

I am not BITTER about not going out on a good date on Valentine's. (In fact, wait for my book, it’s gonna be hilarious about dating.) This post is not the way to go if you think this is a one-sided sort of post-modern V-Day blogging.  Since the beginning of time, well my time, up to the point of hearing both sides I say this, “Love Everyone.” Not telling you go to on the street and ask for hugs or kisses from the world (there are some nasty cooties out there), but try not to limit your knowledge/capability of caring to one person or special holiday.

A lady I study with, and it seems we are actually similar (she’s me in my mature years of cool life), I think nailed me on the head. She said, “This girl knows no strangers.” And I had to think and clap on that. It got me thinking, “Why IS everyone so freaking afraid of getting to know someone when they have nothing to lose when they did not know that person in the first place?” I mean, is the possibility of never knowing that person intimately (though you never knew them in your LIFE to begin with) because they are not interested in hanging with you ,THAT nerve-wrecking that you won’t get your panties(or boxers) adjusted to just say “Yo, how you doing?” (Thanks Joey Tribiani). If they say ‘no thanks’, just move a long cordially.

(Jay Z “On to The Next” Video) *Dance it out*

Valentine’s Day: Me and some really cool peeps took a bike ride out in the city and did something unexpected for the public and gave out flowers. Some were receptive and others, well I won’t kick their booty today for being a lil boogie. As my pal said, “We should do this as a social experiment…”, I was thinking what is holding someone back from just seeing the openness someone is trying to give and seeing that we are not trying to sell something. That we were just being nice to show the love, pay it forward, or just, as the lady friend said, “Just doing something friggn’ nice for ya!” Stranger danger should hardly be a concern after a certain age (with your good  ol' common sense) and so should your attitude towards other humans expectancy. This whole introvert\extrovert labels should go kaput to a black box island and officially be unknown.

As someone interested in finding that luuuuuuuuuuuuv, but not really ‘pressed’ (90s kids know the term) to get twisted out in these streets, finds just the practicality of getting to know someone. By saying “’Sup’”, can be sufficient to leading to a fun that is unexpected. A way to meet people that you never know can turn around for the best for you just because you kept it simple.

KEY: KEEP IT SIMPLE HUMAN.

And that’s just it, we are all HUMAN. Not everyone is in it for the cookie, or cake, or pie and eat chips with dip too. Until a clear statement, like some recent experiences I have encountered have grossly stated, get out of your head and reach your hand out for a cordial response and not a material or super emotional exchange. My guy/gal friends alike have had a crazy time finding love, getting to know folks in a new place, or just finding that similar weird in someone else (we all got something interesting going on).  All just because we’d forced it or didn’t just see that it is okay to just actually get to say 'hello' to a person first before you invest your entire heart and hard earned cash on someone. I have truly been able to confidently invest my heart, mind, and time in friends, networks, and new random peeps and seeing that everyone should have that pal that does not mind the bravery or simplicity it took to just reach out for a common word amongst humans.

Be positive in what may come out of your random chance for smiling. Try a new hobby, play somewhere with strangers, or just calling that new number (rather than texting) to see what can happen. Your results may not happen right away, but at least you are making SOMETHING HAPPEN. Try something, try it now. There is no harm in showing chill love for someone to know there are others out there willing to try something they have been thinking about doing too.

You may become someone’s story and liven up their world.

Without labels.

As human as not expected.

 

Soul Story : Vanessa Gonzalez

 Soul Story:

 Vanessa Gonzalez

People met on this journey to living, rather than surviving, have certainly made me (and many others) smile throughout the times spent with them. Practicing yoga regularly and encompassing new friendships throughout has made going forward that much happier. Ms. Vanessa has certainly brightened what I would have thought a task, into something you can laugh at yourself about, and after falling---laugh through the strength it takes in getting back up. Every time we meet and conjure up a new ideas or just shoot the breeze on love, life, education, and meaningful fun things there is never a doubt you will leave without learning or believing higher about yourself or what ANYTHING can become with a smile (she's radiant!). For the many aspects of life that can change, it is inspirational to hear the wellness and positivity from so much has changed one's life, but is willing to get others out NOW and keep that mind strong.


How did yoga come into your life?

Through sports. I started practicing yoga in High School at a racquetball & fitness class to supplement Track & Cross Country. It gave me the flexibility and mental strength to be a better runner.

 

What allows you to let go and let flow? 

Bring in the present moment and connecting my students. Tuning into what they need as I see them flow.

 

What have you learned about yourself (inside and out)?

Oh, wow! I can tell you a story about that. LOL… Yoga literally saved my life! Practicing yoga and being an instructor has allowed me to bring awareness to my breath, mind, and body. I changed at a cellular level. Not only did yoga help me physically, but it helped me internally. I suffered from epilepsy and with a consistent power yoga practiced, meditation and good nutrition, I healed. It (yoga) also helped shed the lies I had created in my mind that weighed me down and rediscovered my inner light. My new awareness has brought me back to my faith and now I can see my purpose more clearly. I have become more compassionate and loving with myself. Which in turn transfers over to others.

What in your life has changed due to growth?

Everything! As I stated before, it’s a regeneration at a cellular level. My perspective changed and my world changed. Having the new perspective about myself has opened up doors to opportunity within myself. I realized that I have always enjoyed being into Health & Wellness. The difference now is that I want to share how I feel and do with others. Transforming into the real me has changed my relationship and has opened up the doors to opportunity. 

Describe a mindful warrior.

We go through challenges and obstacles and we get through them. Being Mindful is that part we all need to develop. Mindfulness is about waking up and developing consciousness which will raise us to a higher level of consciousness.

Are there any goals in your future you want to conquer with Yoga?
Yes, the goal and vision is to teach our local and global community about Health & Wellness. By collaborating with local organizations and businesses in the future, I would like to take my yoga teaching to a global level and reach out to people in other countries.




Is there any encouragement to those who are new/shy about practicing yoga?

If you think about it you do yoga everyday without knowing it. You BREATH, with yoga you WAKE UP to a different level of awareness.
    The coolest thing I have seen was a person in a wheelchair do Power Yoga. They only had half their body movement. For me, I could not do a Chaturanga for 6 months! Since I only focused on running I had no upper body strength!

The first step is to come onto your mat as you are.

The rest is up to you, to step out of your comfort zone to come into something new, on or off your mat. Anybody CAN do it! Yoga is for all!

Any intentions for the 'Right Now' in your life? 

Yes, I am on my path toward healing and living my purpose. NO MORE HOLDING BACK!

 

Life lessons, what do you teach to your students and friends?

1. Everyone makes mistakes. Be compassionate with yourself.

2. When you let go of PEOPLE'S expectations of who you are meant to be, you realize YOU are the CREATOR of your REALITY.

3. Once you align your mind & hear---your true self comes out. 

4. Everyone has their path. Follow yours and you can’t go wrong. Let go of competition and comparison.

As such an inspiring and joyful teacher how do you intend to inspire others?

I intend to lead by example, and inspire others to embrace and love who they are, and to share their passions with others. When we share what we love we come together and create something beyond our dreams. Just like you, me and Sam, we shared what we love to do and now it’s come to this! ;)

Any tips on building a strong foundation (mindfully and/or physically) that can encourage people to keep going in anything they do? 

Yes, my faith really has set my foundation into everything I do, mentally and physically. That being said, not everyone is of the same faith.  From the yogi perspective, at the physical level, power yoga has allowed me to feel my body and hear my breath. As a result it connected mind and heart into alignment which has paved my path to where I am now. It has highlighted my strengths and weaknesses. So, that is a major part of being MINDFUL. It’s recognizing your strengths and your weakness. When you do that, you will see the areas in which you need to focus on. However, it takes discipline and the, “I can CHANGE and I AM Possible”, mentality to COMMIT to growth and set your roots down. Once you know where you need to root down (set your foundation), your branches will open up!

 

Embrace your era...The Brooklynite Experience

8:30pm- As I ask the mixing architect what to drink, the pleasant essence of revolution and freedom overcomes the scene. The lifting of Prohibition entices every spec of this classy vintage establishment and its decor. While the host of the Brooklynite showcases what he knows best, the humble and honesty to the craft brings solace to the end of a bustling day, yet lends feeling to the beginning of the best part of the day waiting to happen.

The crowd starts to fill as a legend prepares to give sound to what he does effortlessly.

9ish- A second cocktail is poured and the vibes draw higher as the element of lust and grace liven the joint with laughter, camaraderie, sensual draws and class of the unique only found here.
The premiere sight of pearls, gentlemen's hats, bow ties, and clinking of carefully crafted bevvies gives the longing to stay for more than just a sip. You want to actually be here. All should be here.

The crowd awakens as the  host cuts the music and the music begins. Jim Cullum.

THE Jim Cullum. The (happy) Jazz band.

Legandary.

The sound that not only promotes happy, but Jim catalyzes through my Southside cocktail. The feeling that I want more of with the fresh and invigorating taste. I want to go beyond exploration and hear more of what he has created with the times of Armstrong and pre-World War II. With humble and classic charm through sound and jolly, the exquisite room is roaring with delight and modern pleasure with swinging footsteps and que-meets of lovely new friends who have fallen in love here. As the -ish hour rolls on you await on the hopes of Jim to come back soon and round everyone once again into the rose colored feeling of time played through sounds of new and unknown tunes. But with no matter, all cannot help but enjoy the treasure that the night has lent to us to be a part of a musical institution's reverberation. A few, who are fortunate to get to admire personally the comfort and humble character of Mr. Cullum feel myriads more of being a part of this long awaited and whelming night.

What greatness it would be to one day BS with a legend, fill your peace with not only a place that raves a simplistic class...but allows you to feel as if you belong and wiser for choosing to stay.

The Brooklynite.

What a place. Where blues, jazz, and their relationship mean something beyond the sound. A taste, finesse, and poetry of essential craft defined by care and passion. A spot to relieve the mind to chat and learn the tastes of soul.

Give way to an experience with the key of soul & time to view what you really love about your heart as The Brooklynite brings creation of an era to love the creation of your own.





The Brooklynite
516 Brooklyn Ave
San Antonio, TX

Shindig your Way

I know I know about a lot of events, fun shindigs by friends, and get down and happy with the best of them. Most times though I enjoy being the quiet one at these events and watch/listen to how people interact instead of being the life of the party. Now the whole introvert\extrovert personalities can come into effect of how you place yourself in public settings. But when going to an event that you know people are going to interact and want some kind of attention from you or many how do you keep yourself open but mysterious at the same time?

I say: “Shut. Up.”

2 words that will totally catch the bold and shock the reserved. You can gear up (or down) who is gonna be your cup of tea at your next shindig. Those who react like they are ‘oh so taken aback’ will be your conservatives and low key folks that have that cool conversation with you. Although they may ghost out and you will be left like Cinderella’s shoe on a drunken homecoming night. Speaking of which, when is it cool to ghost out of a party??? 

Check out this story: http://ideas.evite.com/etiquette/is-ghosting-okay/

So don’t get your feelings hurt if these folks run out you like a bad ex-lover. Secondly, lol check this: http://ideas.evite.com/etiquette/the-dos-and-donts-of-seeing-an-ex-at-a-party/ 

Don’t worry you came to the party looking great and now you’re FABULOUS. Strut it and meet that someone new to spark your shindig experience.

So what about those that are like ‘Ha, hell yeah! I know right?!?’ and continue on when you say “Shut. Up.”??? Well, they are gonna take your shindig to another level you may or may not be ready for. In fact, they will keep you close like the conservative ones, but you may lose them in the crowd that will be fawning over them all night. They can be your networking wing-person and your crazy BF at the same time. Be warned though, these may be fast and confusing types of relationships that will leave you scratching your head. You won’t know if y’all are going steady or just a crush playing footsies like your middle school boyfriend/girlfriend at Thanksgiving dinner.

How do I know??? Trust , as a person on both sides of the overactive and mundane spectrums and listening to more than sometimes what I can handle of people telling me their life stories…I have definitely experienced my share of all the above and been the person on the other side. Ask your friends, if you ain’t scared, what they think of you when y’all go out.  Get that inner reflection from a non-biased sort. I love asking off guard to pals and colleagues alike what I am doing to hinder or help a relationship. It is awesome to be able to improve positive in your ways. Or if you like being a rude son of a gun or an overachieving people pleaser, by all means DO YOU. No one should like you more than you.

There is so much that you can learn about yourself and others if YOU just shut up. So do it. Shut. Up. (I mean that in the nicest way)

Adventure on.

JB

Belly Happiness Trail

If you are human, animal, or alien you like to eat one way or another. My buddies and I certainly like to adventure wherever the food is popping (occasionally healthy) with classy bevvies to boot. So recently, since we were on break from Grocery Adventures, we trekked the downtown area of San Antonio. Though a heat box while riding and rolling, we hit the city.

Here we go:

Just hop in your AC car or take into consideration of the environment and ride a bike to these spots. All are very close to each other and worth the social ride on a nice day. (not like the 100 degree day we did, whoa) We hopped on our B-cycle banana seats and rolled over to Alamo Beer company on Lamar and got some awesome hospitality with neato pints and great entertainment with board games and witty conversation (the games are hilarious).

As we thought our regular spot to the Pearl would suffice, we gasp at the relief at a cool biker joint at the Alamo Ice House. They had some really good apps and choices of cold cold cold bevs that certainly led to fancy conversation of how to stand up to the man. Yup, we got a good dose of "What you tell that Big Sir" to go sip on while you set the Man straight. Once again very hilarious.

As it was getting ridonkulously hot, that even a mule would kick our butts for being outside in the middle of the day, we biked homeward. Beading up sweat the size of the baseballs and seeking our cold break again we Epiphany the idea of our Icee Major. That would feed our fix. So after our "MAN" talk we race to Big Daddy's by Cevallos.

Talk. About. Major. Ice heaven. (check out photos) this was the papa of all icees if I ever seen. And ones with pickles (yes, you see correct), cucumbers, strawberry, coconut, and gummie bears! This place knows how to do CHILL.

The day was still young, and we were still feigning for super relief, so because we live in a city where there are cool spots on every corner on our way home, we stop again. And the spot was: The House. I cannot explain more than to give them their own feature on here because they are the coolest of cool.

But before I go and you need some places for the weekend to chill, Go to The House Boozy Ice Cream and Bar. One of the many great new businesses to hit the South Alamo stretch. I have been working on this feature for a while because they are truly a family with awesome work and connection values and a great vibe to the city. Check them out.

Back to our riding:
To wrap up our night we get so fresh and so clean for some food trucks, more quirky glasses and new friends along the way. we travel back to Alamo Beer because they are cool for skool and have a lil bit of brew talk with the peeps there and order some crazy tastes from The Box Street Social food truck and order pork BBQ stuffed avocado and a burger with mac n cheese and pork. Just brilliant.
 Shout out as well goes to Big Hops on N Alamo and the food truck of dynomite BLT with apple-wood smoked bacon and cheese galore by food truck Say She Ate and duck fat fries...ommmmmmnononononononononoom

      

And we attacked National Cheesecake Day.

Next up: The House
After that: White Elefant performance at the Alamo Lounge


SATX you rock. And we are still rolling...

Adventure on folks.

J

I promise...I am ALIVE!!!

And I must say, I have survived my surgery, conquered goals, and I am back in the socialite game!

This past 4th of July has been a memorable one as my I joined great friends and location on Woodlawn Lake in San Antonio, Texas. The house was excellent, the company was hilarious. Great stories, childlike feeling of fireworks and yummy food all weekend long. 

That reminds me...What did you do to make your weekend adventure top notch?

Well, as the weekender vibe closed, and like this boot on my foot, I am ready to kick off another adventure sooner rather than later. 

Second Thursdays at McNay Museum is happening this week and I hear to get there early. So as a mobile citizen again I am ready to see and hear some amazing things for that evening. From digital to musical art, McNay has something that has drawn quite the crowd to their events. Check them out at: Second Thursdays and see the special performance and the artist herself, Lesley Dill compose a digital form with vocalist Pamela Ordoñez in Drunk with a Starry Void


Catch up with the latest and greatest soon Weekenders!


Cheers!

Houston, oh yeah

Aside from my morning commute...Yall rock!
I gotta put my spot slot out for these peeps in Houston. And look tomorrow night for post one (of who knows) of the incredible excursions I had while visiting on my work trip.  (See, you can hedge fun at a work conference! )

Souls searching slot outs to:
8th Wonder Brewery
Hilton of Americas-Houston
SPAR International  :overload of incredible 3D tech
Minute Maid stadium : get a tour!
St Arnolds Brewing Company
Ride the fantastic Houston Rail
This place...whiz whoa The Galleria

And of course...my GPS and intentions on not following it to discover my own path .
See you on the country road!

Adventure on,

Jess