#The Singing Seamstress of Houston Texas

[houstonphotojourney]

Just when you think you’ve seen it all….I had the extreme pleasure of meeting “The Singing Seamstress”!  

That would be Ms. Heather Gabriel.  My beautiful niece is getting married soon to her perfect mate so off to find a seamstress…she found Heather based on great, (21 of them and ALL FIVE STARS), reviews from www.TheKnot.com and a few other searches. My daughter accompanied my niece to the first appointment and called me immediately telling me how much I would adore Ms. Gabriel.  She was correct! I did attend the second fitting and from the moment you walk up to her door, you can see and feel Heather’s sewing passion!!! Sometimes a photo IS worth a thousand words!! 

One of the first things that really grabbed me was this….but then she opens her door…

Then I saw a HUGE collection of matryoshka dolls, (Russian nesting dolls), Ms. Gabriel had on display and was dumbfounded!!  As it turns out, Heather began her Matryoshkas collection in college, but the fascination goes much further back than that. When The Singing Seamstress was a little girl, she watched the Sesame Street show and they had a segment where they took apart a Russian doll and stopped motion filming and put it back together. She thought it was the coolest thing ever – art you can play with!! It appealed to the kid in her and it appeals to the adult in her now, does me too! I think Heather and I both like that simply by looking at them you can’t tell how many dolls are inside.

Of course next, I HAD to know how she came to be called “The Singing Seamstress”? Ends up that Ms. Gabriel is a classically trained opera singer and actress right here from the University of Houston! Go figure?!? She says it was one of her theater friends who first dubbed her “The Singing Seamstress”.  Heather has acted in performances for Stage Door with roles such as  Maria in the Sound of Music, Mrs. Lovett in Sweeney Todd and genderbent Scrooge in Christmas Carol to name a few. I’m jealous too of her travels to places like Alaska, Hawaii, England, Scotland, Ireland! Although she still has dreams of one day traveling to all of the countries that her ancestors are from like Sweden, Norway, France, Germany, Czech Republic, Romania, Poland. Certainly shopping for Matryoshkas in Russia is on her future bucket list too!  “The Singing Seamstress” would like to play Mama Rose in Gypsy, Ursula in Little Mermaid and Miss Mona in Best Little Whorehouse in Texas too.  I have no doubt she will eventually do them all! 

Getting back to sewing….as my niece came to her for wedding dress alterations, I know of her awesome skills now, but others may not.  I asked how “The Singing Seamstress” first became interested in sewing.  She replied, “I started sewing when I was nine years old. My mother taught me. It wasn’t until I was in my 30’s however, that I got very seriously into costuming. I had an assistant who worked for me who was the head of costuming for a very large medieval festival and she helped me hone my skills.”

It was only a matter of time before couldn’t stop myself from asking Heather to share a bridal story with me! Here we go …”One thing that working with the public does for you is increase your cache of stories A thousandfold. One of my favorite stories is I had a frazzled bride call me in a panic as she got halfway to my studio before she realized that she had forgotten her dress and had to turn around to go get it. She was so wound up when she got here that I knew we would not be able to do a fitting. So after ascertaining her preference of wine and chocolate, I commanded  her to sit and proceeded to place both in front of her. I sat down with her, poured the wine and we talked for an hour while she calmed down. After that we did the fitting. The funny part is that the next two fittings went exactly the same.” 

Bottom line is Heather Gabriel is not only a wonderful, very reasonably priced seamstress, but a heck of a fascinating person! I would highly recommend her for any of your alterations, costumes or special projects. Contact her here or call  (713) 742-2217 or via Facebook.  You’ll love her! 

Thanks for visiting!!

Elizabeth and Max (Urrr…Max is already buggin’ me about his Halloween costume….Oh Heather….HELP!!!)

  The Singing Seamstress?!?! Russian Nesting Dolls? What Give’s In Houston?! Alterations And Sewing With Flare! Just when you think you've seen it all....I had the extreme pleasure of meeting "The Singing Seamstress"

[blackkudos]

Solange Knowles

Solange Piaget Knowles (/soʊˈlɑːnʒ/; born June 24, 1986) is an American singer, songwriter, dancer, model and actress. Expressing an interest in music from an early age, Knowles had several temporary stints in Destiny's Child, before signing with her father Mathew Knowles's Music World Entertainment label. At age 16, Knowles released her first studio album Solo Star (2002). Between 2005 and 2007, Knowles had several minor acting roles, including the direct-to-video Bring It On: All or Nothing (2006) and continued writing music for her older sister Beyoncé Knowles-Carter and for ex-Destiny's Child group members Kelly Rowland and Michelle Williams.

In 2007, Knowles began to record music again. Her second studio album Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (2008) deviated from the pop-oriented music of her debut to the Motown Sound of the 1960s and 1970s. It peaked at number nine on US Billboard 200 and received positive reviews from critics. She followed this up with the 1980s pop and R&B–inspired extended play True (2012) on Columbia Records and her imprint Saint Records. Her third studio album, A Seat at the Table (2016) became her first number-one album in the United States. The album's first single, "Cranes in the Sky" won the Grammy for Best R&B Performance. In December 2016, Billboard magazine ranked her as the 100th most successful dance artist of all-time.

Knowles is heavily influenced by Motown girl groups and says that her first passion is songwriting. She is frequently compared by the media to her sister, Beyoncé, but Solange insists they have different aspirations and are musically different. Her other ventures include an endorsement deal with Rimmel London and a line of hip-hop-oriented merchandise for young children. On November 16, 2014, Knowles married music video director Alan Ferguson in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Early life

Knowles was born in Houston, Texas, to Mathew Knowles and Tina Lawson. Solange's older sister is singer Beyoncé. Her father, originally from Alabama, is African American, and her mother, originally from southern Louisiana, is Creole (with African, Native American, French, and 1/32 Irish ancestry). Her maternal grandparents are Lumis Beyincé and Agnéz Deréon, (a seamstress). She is also a descendant of Acadian leader Joseph Broussard. As a child, Knowles studied dance and theater. At the age of five, she made her singing debut at an amusement park. She began writing songs at the age of nine. At 13, she decided to pursue recording, but her parents initially advised her to wait. At the age of 15 Knowles replaced a departed dancer and performed with her sister's group Destiny's Child on tour. During the group's opening stint for American pop singer Christina Aguilera's tour, Knowles temporarily replaced Destiny's Child member Kelly Rowland after she broke her toes backstage during a costume change. When Knowles was 16, her father, who was then also her manager, signed her to his recording company, Music World Entertainment, along with Columbia.

Career

2001–2003: Early career and Solo Star

Managed by her father Mathew, Knowles's first time into the music business was in 2001 as the lead singer, backed with Destiny's Child, on the title theme song for the animated television series The Proud Family. She also was a featured performer on "Hey Goldmember" for the soundtrack to the 2002 film Austin Powers in Goldmember, as well as a backup singer on the track "Little Drummer Boy" on her sister's group's 2001 holiday album 8 Days of Christmas. In 2002, she was featured on Lil Romeo's second studio album Game Time, singing portions of Luther Vandross-penned "So Amazing" on the single "True Love", and on Rowland's debut solo album Simply Deep, for which she also wrote the title track and "Alone". In 2001 she also appeared as Lil' Bow Wow's date in the music video for his single "Puppy Love". She also made an appearance on The Master of Disguise soundtrack and made cameos in Play's video for "M.A.S.T.E.R. (Part II)" featuring Lil' Fizz.

In 2002, she lent her voice for the character Chanel, the cousin of the protagonist Penny Proud, in the episode "Behind Family Lines" to the animated television series The Proud Family. In June 2003, Mathew Knowles excitedly announced that he was considering adding Solange to Destiny's Child when the group reunited in 2004, thus turning them into a quartet for the first time since short-lived member Farrah Franklin left in 2000. Mathew Knowles said he was testing the reactions, and, judging by what he had heard, "it seems like a good idea". Later in August, however, Beyoncé said it was only a rumor and Destiny's Child would remain a trio. Rowland added, "She's a solo star," name-dropping Knowles's debut album.

At the age of 14, Solange Knowles started working on her debut album Solo Star, which involved American producers such as Jermaine Dupri, The Neptunes, Linda Perry and Timbaland among others. The album is primarily uptempo R&B, although Knowles said there are pop, rock, reggae and hip hop influences. Knowles co-wrote and co-produced some of the 15 tracks in the album, including its lead single, "Feelin' You (Part II)". The song failed to enter the Billboard Hot 100, but reached number three on both the Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Singles Sales and Hot Dance Music/Maxi-Singles Sales chart. Solo Star was released on January 21, 2003 in the United States, where it debuted at number 49 on the Billboard 200 and reached number 23 on the Top R&B/Hip-Hop Albums chart. Solo Star had a mixed critical reception: William Ruhlmann of AllMusic called it a "state-of-the-art contemporary R&B album", but deemed Knowles "lost somewhere in the mix". By mid-2008, the album had sold 112,000 copies domestically according to Nielsen SoundScan.

2004–2008: Films and Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams

In 2004, she guest starred in the episode "The Catch" of the sitcom One on One. Knowles appeared as a teenager in the 2004 comedy film Johnson Family Vacation, starring alongside American actors Cedric the Entertainer, Vanessa Williams and Bow Wow. She provided a song for its soundtrack—"Freedom", a collaboration with the Houston-based funk-jazz band Drop Trio. Although the reviews were generally negative, Knowles earned praise from Variety magazine: "Solange Knowles is nearly as dazzling as big sister Beyoncé and does little more than smile winningly in her first bigscreen outing." In 2006, she starred as a cheerleading captain in the film Bring It On: All or Nothing, the third installment of the Bring It On series, alongside American actress and singer Hayden Panettiere. What little critical reaction the low-budget, direct-to-DVD movie got was negative, and Knowles was described as an "affordable young starlet". Knowles uses her full name for her acting, rather than just the first name she uses when singing; for Bring It On: All or Nothing, she was billed as Solange Knowles-Smith, reflecting her married state at the time.

After the release of her debut album, Knowles started acting in films followed by a career break. While she was married, her family moved to Idaho, and, while staying there, resumed writing songs including the singles "Get Me Bodied" and "Upgrade U" from her sister's second solo album, B'Day. Knowles earned the R&B and Hip-Hop Song accolade for "Get Me Bodied" at the 2008 ASCAP Awards. She had also written songs for Destiny's Child, and members Rowland and Michelle Williams. In 2004, while pregnant with son Daniel, she made a cameo appearance in Destiny's Child's music video for "Soldier".

After the divorce, Knowles returned to Houston to begin working on her second album. Knowles renewed her management, signing a record deal with Geffen and a publishing deal with EMI. Knowles finished working on her second studio album in 2008 and titled the project Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams. It includes production by CeeLo Green, Soulshock & Karlin and Mark Ronson as well as an appearance by Bilal. A collection of 1960s and 1970s influenced songs, it is seen as a departure from her pop-oriented debut, with what Billboard magazine called "more of a modern twist on hip-hop and R&B flecked with tinges of blues and jazz". The album was released on August 26, 2008 in the United States. By December 2008, the album had sold over 114,000 copies according to Nielsen SoundScan. The album was positively received by critics, some of whom considered it far better than her debut. The album's lead single, "I Decided", was released in April 2008, and reached the top of the Billboard Hot Dance Club Play chart; Rolling Stone magazine labelled it her breakthrough single. In support of the album, Knowles began the Solange Presents Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams Tour in Britain in November 2008. Knowles also co-wrote "Scared of Lonely" and "Why Don't You Love Me" for her sister's third studio album I Am... Sasha Fierce.

Knowles announced, via her blog HadleyStreetJournal.com, that she would be releasing a series of mixtapes to coincide with the album. The first mixtape, I Can't Get Clearance..., includes the leaked track "Fuck the Industry (Signed Sincerely)". On this record, Knowles expressed her views on the current state of the music industry. The lyrics to the song name check some major artists such as Mary J. Blige, Ashanti, Keyshia Cole, and Beyoncé, although she made a point of stating that it does not have "a negative light to any of [them]". The mixtape was never released, but Solange released "Fuck the Industry (Signed Sincerely)" as a single in 2010.

2009–2014: True EP and Saint Records

In an interview with MTV in 2009, Knowles revealed that she was determining the type of sound for the follow-up to Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams. Knowles also parted ways with the Interscope-Geffen-A&M record label group. She would now release her third studio album independently. Early in 2010, Knowles traveled to Australia to work with Australian rock band, Midnight Juggernauts on her third studio album. Knowles had planned to release the album in summer as revealed on her official Twitter account in 2009. She also revealed on her Twitter account that she rented a house in Santa Barbara, California to get into a certain state of mind while writing and making music. On May 7, 2010, Knowles made a guest appearance on the popular children show, Yo Gabba Gabba! for a "Mothers Day Special" where she performed an original song called "Momma Loves Baby".

In an interview with Vibe on July 7, 2010, Knowles said she suffered "a little bit of a breakdown" while recording her new album: "I literally gave up my sanity for a while to do this record. [...] We literally were waking up in the morning and just making music all day and all night. [...] It just started to wear on me in so many different ways. I started having these crazy panic attacks." Knowles explained how she made sacrifices "mentally, emotionally and financially", and continued, "It's more than an album to me. It's a transitional time in my life." Regarding the musical direction of the album, she said the inspiration came from new wave and stated, "This is a dance record, but the lyrics can get pretty dark at times." The singer has also worked on songs with Chromeo and long-time collaborator Pharrell Williams.

In September 2012, Solange released a teaser video for "Losing You", which was announced as the lead single from her third studio album. This release marked Solange's first release as a signee of the independent label Terrible Records. The video was shot in Cape Town, South Africa in early September 2012. Knowles revealed in an interview that her mother Tina Knowles had paid for Solange and her friends to fly out and record the video as her birthday gift. On October 24, 2012, Knowles held a listening party in New York City for her EP True, released for digital download on iTunes November 27, 2012. The CD and vinyl was made available January 8, 2013. Following the EP's release, Solange appeared on the cover of The Fader magazine's 84th issue.

On May 14, 2013, Knowles announced that she had launched her own record label named Saint Records, which she will be using to release her third full-length album and future music projects distributed through Sony. Solange also collaborated with The Lonely Island on the song "Semicolon" which was featured as part of YouTube's Comedy Week and is featured on The Lonely Island's album, The Wack Album. On November 11, 2013, Knowles's record label released its first compilation album, Saint Heron.

2015–present: A Seat at the Table

On May 15, 2015 Knowles performed "Rise" for the first time at an HBO-sponsored event, which was inspired by police killings in Ferguson and Baltimore and the subsequent protests. In July 2015, Knowles announced that her third studio album was nearly complete. On her thirtieth birthday, June 24, 2016, she stated that she completed A Seat at the Table, her third studio album three days before her birthday, on June 21, 2016. The album was released on September 30, 2016, to widespread critical acclaim. It became her first number-one album in the United States. This made her and Beyoncé the first sisters to have both had US number-one albums in a calendar year. During the 2017 Roots Picnic Festival in Philadelphia, PA, Knowles performed a rendition of the sing-along from The Proud Family, the television series whose theme song she was featured on in 2001.

Artistry

Music and influences

Knowles cites as her influences Motown girl groups such as The Supremes and The Marvelettes, and Martha Reeves, lead singer of Martha and the Vandellas. She also listened to the music of English pop singer Dusty Springfield, and according to Knowles, her "greatest music influence" is her mother, Tina Knowles, who was a one-time member of the 1960s harmony group The Veltones, she is also heavily influenced by the late great Aaliyah, whom influenced A Seat at the Table. Knowles says her first passion is writing songs. Her early writings were vastly inspired by the writing style of French poet Paul Verlaine. She has been doing this since she was nine years old, and has collaborated with a number of songwriters and producers.

On her debut album, Knowles had no control over which kinds of music to produce, because "when you're 14, everyone else is older and more seasoned and you trust their decisions". Knowles was more concerned with pleasing her record label by submitting to their desires. Her musical influences were better expressed on Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams, when she considered herself mature and was able to write and produce songs as she wished, without worrying about the expectations of others. Knowles's lyrics tackle relationships, world issues, and deceased friends, with her second album focusing on events in her life, such as marriage, divorce, and parenthood. The album touched upon a variety of genres including pop-soul, psychedelic soul, electronica, and R&B. Knowles's debut extended play True is a new wave album with Knowles stating, "This is a dance record, but the lyrics can get pretty dark at times." Knowles described the EP as "eclectic with 1980s references and African percussion influences." Sonically the extended play is influenced by the keyboard sounds and beats of early 1980s pop and R&B music. The extended play was recorded in five cities including Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, Houston, New York, and on the German autobahn.

Aside from recording, Knowles occasionally paints as her hobby: "I think that painting, for me, is such an affirmative expression in that sometimes you don't know what the outcome is gonna be and each stroke and each brush for me is an emotion and, in the end, it comes out as a piece which is the most amazing thing. ... It definitely provides a different outlet."

Public image

Knowles has always been compared by the media to her sister, Beyoncé, whom she considers one of her role models. She has expressed her opinion of the comparison in the lyrics to "God Given Name": "I'm not her and never will be" – which was purposely set as the album's opening track to show their differences. In his review for the album, Jody Rosen of Rolling Stone magazine referred to the lyrics as a declaration of independence. In an interview with the Daily Mail, Knowles commented: "People think there should be this great rivalry between us, but there's never been any competition. There's a big age gap and we are two very different characters." Beyoncé was unwilling to bring her sister into the recording industry, reasoning that it "involves a lot of pressure". Knowles countered by saying, "It's good to have her advice, but we really have different goals".

In January '17, Beyonce interviewed Solange for "Interview" magazine and discussed the effect of "A Seat at The Table." Beyonce recalling the week leading up too the release of the first single. The sisters' exchange is a testimony on the heart Solange puts into her craft.

In recent years, Solange has also garnered considerable attention as a fashion icon. Her knack for bold colors, mixed prints and retro styles as well as her knack for glamorous, fashion forward looks in her music videography and public appearances has become integral to her current image. She has been photographed wearing Alexander Wang, Alexander McQueen and Chanel. The music video for her 2012 single "Losing You" featured a heavy demonstration of the contemporary sartorial movement throughout Africa, La Sape. Similarly, her decision to grow her natural hair initially generated strong reactions from the public. Since trimming off her straightened hair, her nostalgic and modern afro hairstyles have captured the attention of the media and the public alike.

Other ventures

Knowles has been promoting Baby Jamz, a hip hop-styled toy line for pre-schoolers. It was inspired by her son, Julez, who is fond of hip hop music. She is the executive producer of the CD, composed of updated hip hop inspired nursery rhymes, which is featured in all of the toys.

In 2008, Knowles was named as ambassador for Giorgio Armani's younger diffusion line, Armani Jeans. Armani said Knowles epitomizes the style, which is a "vision of a young, independent, casual lifestyle with a strong and cool, fashion sensibility".

Also, Knowles has been known for her work in the award-winning children's television show, Yo Gabba Gabba!. She performed "Momma Loves Baby" during the live performance when it toured the Dallas–Fort Worth area. She also performed "Mama Loves Baby" during a 2010 episode called "Baby".

In 2011, Knowles along with Alejandra Ramos Munoz and Zooey Deschanel, was announced as the new face of Rimmel London. In February 2012, Solange became Vogue.com's Today I'm Wearing guest blogger sharing a photograph of her outfits daily for one month.

In 2016 Solange is Michael Kors's new face for his fashion works.

House of Deréon

Knowles and sister Beyoncé model for their family's clothing line, House of Deréon, named after their grandmother, Agnéz Deréon. She also helped launch Deréon, a junior apparel collection and a sister line to House of Deréon. Both sisters model for Deréon, and are featured in most of Deréon's marketing campaigns. Together they were featured in a "Got Milk?" campaign ad, while still wearing House of Deréon.

Personal life

Knowles married Daniel Smith in February 2004 when she was 17 and he was 19. On October 18, 2004, Knowles gave birth to their son, Daniel Julez J. Smith, Jr. Knowles has partly expressed regret that she bore a child at an early age, but calls her son the greatest unplanned blessing. A song she wrote for her baby, "6 O'Clock Blues", was included on Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams. After Daniel Julez's birth, the family moved to Moscow, Idaho, where Knowles's husband continued studying in college. In October 2007, Solange confirmed in an interview with Essence magazine that she and Smith had divorced. They co-parent the child. After the divorce, Knowles and her child moved to Los Angeles, where they established their new home. In August 2013, Knowles announced that she and her son were moving to New Orleans, Louisiana.

On May 12, 2014, TMZ released security video footage of Solange physically assaulting brother-in-law Jay Z and being restrained by a security guard in an elevator at The Standard, High Line, in Manhattan, following the 2014 Met Gala. Jay Z remained passive and did not retaliate while Solange's sister Beyoncé, who was also present, did not react to either party throughout the altercation. The footage and story went viral, however the reason for the altercation remains unknown. Matthew Knowles, however, has hinted that the incident may have been faked for attention, saying: "So you sometimes have to ignite that tour. It's called a Jedi mind trick. The Jedi mind trick fools you a lot...all I know is the Jedi mind trick. Everyone's talking about it. Ticket sales went up. Solange's album sales went up 200%!" It is also rumored the cause to be Jay Z's infidelity, which Beyonce speaks about in her album "Lemonade".

On November 16, 2014, Knowles married music video director Alan Ferguson in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Discography

Solo Star (2002)

Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams (2008)

A Seat at the Table (2016)

Tours

Headlining

Solo Star Tour (2003)

The Art of Love Tour (2008)

Solange Presents Sol-Angel and the Hadley St. Dreams Tour (2008)

True Promo Tour (2012)

A Seat by the Table Tour (2017)

Supporting

Simply Deeper Tour (2003)

Wikipedia

[bongaboi]

Revons Plus Grand, Chapter 10

Revons Plus Grand

Chapter 10:

Up As She Rises

Back at NRG Stadium, Earl led Georgette Lemare and Sadako Shimohara to a suite in the 100 level, closest to the field. "So this is what the field looks like," said Georgette, seeing the markings, the yellow goalposts, the different colored endzones, the Super Bowl LI logo and the competition logo itself, a shield with eight starts and an American Football and the red letters "NFL." National Football League.

"Yes, this is the field," Earl said, smiling wide. "What are you names, by the way?"

"I am Georgette, from the North of France in Barenton, Normandy. My partner here is Sadako, and she is a visitor from Hiroshima."

"War regions, huh?"

"Correct," Sadako said.

"World War II...yep. I was born a decade after that war ended, by the way."

The three of them ate their prematch meal, the order from the nearby McDonald's, still warm to the touch. "You should tell us more about yourself since you seem to be from here."

"Sure." A big bite of a Big Mac, and then he spoke. "I am from a small town in Texas called Tyler. It's located north of here in East Texas. I attended a university in another city in the state called the University of Texas at Austin. The team colors are burnt orange and white and the team name is called the Longhorns."

"You played football for the Texas Longhorns, Mr. Earl?" asked Sadako.

"I was an All-American in 1975 and 1977, winning the Davey O'Brien Memorial Trophy and the Heisman Trophy. My No. 20 is retired over at the university. I placed with the Houston Oilers from 1978-84 and played two more season with the New Orleans Saints before retiring from the game in 1985. I was a five-time Pro Bowler, most valuable players from 1978-90, and my No. 34 jersey is retired by the current iteration my old team, the Tennessee Titans. Finally, I am in the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame."

"Wow, you had a great career then!" exclaimed Jose.

The background music played, an opus by Samuel Spence called Classic Battle, footage from past games showing on the big board. "Back in my day, the players were real, tough men of character, no nonsense individuals that were willing to lay their lives on the line when they went to battle. The hits were tougher, the action was more intense...it was the type of stuff that NFL Films romanticized. That's one of the branches of the league's operations by the way."

"Tougher and more intense, huh?"

"Football in those days was a game not for the faint of heart, that's why fans loved to watch it back in the 70's and 80's. Nowadays, concerns for player health and safety have caused the league to deemphasize the aspects of the game that made it so fun to watch and gloss over for future generations. In short, it's declined in a way, and that is very disappointing to hear."

"Sorry to hear that, Mr. Earl," said Sadako, frowning.

"Do you work anywhere, by any chance?"

"We work in Paris for a football team over there called Paris Saint-Germain," said Georgette.

"PSG, ah, that's the soccer team, right?" Earl asked.

"We are support staff that help take care of maintaining the training facility. It's a lot of work but we are paid well for it and just got our first stipend since we started last week," Sadako explained.

"They are a rich club so naturally you would get paid well. Here in Houston there is a local soccer team that plays in the domestic competition here, the Houston Dynamo. They are in preseason right now and will begin competitive play in early March, which is next month. Unlike your league in France, we run on Spring-Fall scheduled to accommodate touring sides from Europe and elsewhere. Did you know that your team are the defending champions of the International Champions Cup?"

"What's that?" Jose asked.

"A preseason tournament that pits the best teams in Europe for matches in Australasia, North America and Europe. Your team happened to win the North America/Europe leg in the ICC last summer by going unbeaten."

"I didn't know that."

"So you have a massive reputation and image to uphold so work hard when you are out there okay?"

"Yes, Mr. Earl!" they both said.

"Just call me Mr. Campbell, if you don't mind," he replied, saluting back. The three of them continued to eat as the fans slowly made their way into the expansive indoor battleground deep in the heart of Texas.

"Just got the news that Flying Officer Beurling was given an honorable discharge from the 507th and has returned to Verdun in the Faraway Land," said Waltrud.

"Elizabeth, right?" asked Edytha.

"Correct. She also chose to quit smoking and drinking and has decided to work as a seamstress and telephone operator for the local company there. Her attitude apparently changed and she decided to believe in the power of living in peace without worry or depression. Finally, she got engaged to someone out there as result of changing her lifestyle. She is happy now."

"Exactly," said Ursula. "And she wanted me to give this poem to you as a parting gift, Flying Officer Krupinski."

"Hmm? What is this?" asked the Countess, receiving the paper.

"It is a poem called 'Modern Love' and she wanted you to set it to music. Our X-11 has developed a proposed melody and harmony to it, with the assistance of Sanya."

"Ah, I like singing," said Waltrud. "Thus, I shall give this a heartfelt attempt."

"You're gonna sing for us, Countess?" asked Commander Rall.

"The Countess possessess a deep singing voice that sounds very masculine," said Edytha. "Ethereal tones, so I have heard from Heidemarie."

"Please give it a listen," said Sanya. "Countess, when you are ready." She winked, and the X-11 played the most of the background, while Sanya did the piano part. As if she had sung it before, Waltrud's perfect pitch was on showcase...as well as her unique impromptu dance moves in the style of Sir Michael Jagger, a Brittanian peer from the other side simply known by his advocates as Mick.

"I know when to go out

And when to stay in

Get things done.

I catch a paper boy

But things don't really change

I'm standing in the wind

But I never wave bye-bye

But I try I try

There's no sign of life

It's just the power to charm

I'm lying in the rain

But I never wave bye-bye

But I try, I try

Never gonna fall for

(Modern Love)

Walks beside me

(Modern Love)

Walks on by

(Modern Love)

Gets me to the Church on Time

(Church on Time)

Terrifies me

(Church on Time)

Makes me party

(Church on Time)

Puts my trust in God and Man

(God and Man)

No confessions!

(God and Man)

No religion

(God and Man)

Don't believe

In Modern Love

It's not really work

It's just the power to charm

I'm still standing in the wind

But I never wave bye bye

But I try, I try

Never gonna fall for

(Modern Love)

Walks beside me

(Modern Love)

Walks on by

(Modern Love)

Gets me to the Church on Time

(Church on Time)

Terrifies me

(Church on Time)

Makes me party

(Church on Time)

Puts my trust in God and Man

(God and Man)

No confessions!

(God and Man)

No religion

(God and Man)

Don't believe

In Modern Love

Modern love - Modern love

Modern love - Modern love, walks beside me

Modern love - Modern love, walks on by..."

In the distance over the tannoy, another Samuel Spence opus played, aptly named "Up As She Rises," an arrangement of the traditional Brittanian sea shanty "Drunken Sailor."

"The Super Bowl," Earl went on to say as he and the two girls watched the fans get their potato chips, hot dogs, pop corn, peanuts, pizza, beer and soft drink before heading to their designated seats, "is televised the world over. Many of the game's current presentation dynamics to be displayed on the transmissions of the participating international broadcasters, including the main feed from Fox, were pioneered by a failed fledgling league in 2001 called the XFL. See that hovering device over the field?"

"Oh?" asked Georgette as she noticed a camera floating over the field.

"The sky camera, or skycam, is used in many outdoor competitions in various disciplines. There are some people on the ground with cameras to show reactions and dialougue from players on the sidelines, after making plays, and so on. Team introductions are more robust and energetic than in my time playing. See this?" Earl held up a Falcons football helmet with a built in microphone and other gadgets.

"So this is the helmet used, huh?" asked Sadako, examining the helmet.

"Used by players who play the positions of quarterback and middle linebacker, these football helmets are equipped with radios and microphones to receive plays and audibles to help score points or prevent the opposition from scoring."

"This is similar to the headsets we have at our base during operations, but adapted for this setting," she told Jose.

"Remarkable."

Earl continues to speak. "Increased locker room access and sex appeal for cheerleaders is another part of the experience at some games. Across major competitions around the world, fans are now more attached to their respective teams and now feel that they have a stake in the whole process. That helps with ratings and gets them to react through what we call social media...in this dimension and timeline."

"Dimension and timeline?" asked Sadako. "You...don't tell me..."

Jose was surprised. "You...know about...?"

The cat tracker jumped into Earl's lap as his glasses glinted. "Don't worry about it," he said. "Look." They looked at the field, the players starting to warm up as the venue continue to fill, loud music in the air resonating all over. "The show is about to begin."

"Mr. Campbell?"

He turned to her. "Yes, young lady?"

She and Sadako put fingers to their lips. "Please keep this a secret from everyone," they both said with a collective wink. A simple nod and a wide, weathered smile from Earl was all they needed to ensure that they were just guests at one of the biggest celebrations of this particular sport and nothing else.

Living the dream. The Liberion Dream. So it seems...

"So why are we leaving Hikari alone?" asked Yoshika Miyafuji as she and Takami Karibuchi went back to the dining hall to watch scenes from the other side. The Hartmann sisters were doing some special cooking, and had a spread of potato dishes being made, to go with a new sausage dish they were testing, provisionally called currywurst. The X-11 was playing from its internal sound archives a rendition of a march by Liberion composer John Philip Sousa called "King Cotton" while standing stationary in a pose called the "Gunbuster Pose" by the consensus on the other side.

"She wants to practice playing the game I beat her on and, unfortunately, is using Omiya," she replied with a disappointed sigh. Yoshika had completed the first-person storyline part of the game. "Hikari is playing a different mode in the game, the Career Mode. This way, she can learn the dynamics of managing a team of that stature."

"Wow...unfortunately is a bit too harsh, though."

"Perhaps. But sometimes," said Takami, "peers like Naoe underestimate the one intangible that makes her vital to our squad: creativity and adaptability. Aside from that, she is able to analyze the issues regarding civilian organization and can create numerous strategic tactics that foster stability and continuity while expanding its reach and relevance through brand leverage. She never gives up on realizing what she believes can be possible."

"Takami, that is an amazing mindset from your sister."

"For someone who is four years my senior that is very mature and assertive but when she loses to me, she wants to atone by allowing me to give her mental strength the way I would do to a child when I decide I want to become a full-time mother and housewife. When she is focused, she means business. She's just like you in a way, which is why on occasions, telling the difference takes time for me. Then I remember this: she likes to run. You like to heal, cook and clean."

The images of sport and music were being conveyed as the others in the room ate and chat about the other side's puzzling quirks. "That's true. How far does Hikari run?"

"She likes doing circuits about town and runs marathon-length distances when she is not doing any operations for our team and me," said Takami. "I'll share an anecdote."

"Please."

"As the story goes, Hikari once told me she wanted to be in the Olympic Games running the women's marathon because she believes her speed and stamina will be better than any established distance runner out there. But I told her, you're too young, you need to train, and you would have to request clearance from the Commander and have it approved to take an extended leave to actually train for the Games."

"A process. Understandable."

"The event is currently suspended due to the ongoing conflict but it will be taking place over in London in a few years, assuming our region is stabilized enough. Finally, a women's marathon has not been established yet, so Hikari can only do running events of shorter lengths, as well as jumps. I am confident that all of Fusou will support her efforts and do very well because she is very athletic and competitive and she wants to win."

"That's why she doesn't like losing to anyone, even you."

"But my presence, and perhaps my body itself, allows her to focus. She dedicates her work, her service, her legacy to those whose lives she touches, but most of all, she does it for me. Hikari hasn't been keen to have a male partner herself because she wants her bust size to be as big as mines. So she likes drinking milk a lot. All types. Even my own."

"She really is conscious of her bust though, isn't she? I've been flat-chested for a long time, even with training, but I am not worried. Your sister is a different case."

"One day, she will have the sizes she wants to progress further. Hikari is feisty, tenacious, and willing to die for everyone she loves. That's why she's with me. I love her so much. When she is happy, I am. She keeps me smiling and keeps me positive about what I do for everyone. Hikari is our guidepost, so we commit our work to her too. All of us."

"Hmmm..."

"Just like you are the guidepost of the 501st, Yoshika. Our squads may be different, but our vision and objectives remain the same, even with a break in the war as we speak. And our hearts are intertwined."

"Takami..."

"When I saw that you were coming in to join us, I felt really happy because I know you'll like my company, and Hikari and I will enjoy using your inspiration and legacy...and unmistakable touch as an indelible motivation."

"Oh my."

"It is said that many musicians, poets and novelists over in Fusou have told and retold your legendary story in different contexts and forms. Your legacy is regarded by a few as mythical. And I felt like a second younger sister came into my life, but one that is spontaneous and independent in terms of character, tact and professionalism while not being overtly serious, in the manner of Commander Rall."

"Thank you for those kinds words, Takami, I appreciate it." The two girls helped themselves to some potatoes and sausage. "Oooh, this is very creamy. Not too heavy."

"Do you like it, Yoshika?" asked Erica, swallowing a small potato whole. "We love potatoes, Ursula and I. But we also love bratwurst and we decided to make a new sausage dish."

"We discovered a new recipe for making curry ketchup and integrated it into bratwurst and Thuringers," Ursula said. "We call it the currywurst and it can be eaten with pommes frites or in the style of a Liberion hot dog or a Brittanian sausage roll. These are examples."

"These are great," the Commander said, getting a second helping. "Goes well with beer."

"Slightly spicy but not overwhelming," said Edytha. "A comforting viand."

"Sister, they seem to like our dish," Ursula said to Erica, who exchanged a fist bump, common among youth and drinking mates on the other side.

"Very much so, Ursula."

"You should disclose to us the recipe so we can try to replicate this," said the Commander.

"Our apologies Commander," said Erica.

Ursula added, "with all due respect, this is..."

"A TRADE SECRET!" chorused the two of them, forming the fusion pose.

"Very well, I shall withdraw my offer to be a consultant to marketing your game consoles," said Gundula.

Got em. One second later... "We take that back, Commander Rall, please accept our recipe!" exclaimed the sisters, throwing themselves down as they presented Commander Rall with a paper.

"Pilot Officer Miyafuji!"

"Y...yes, Commander Rall?" she asked heading over.

"Can you replicate this recipe to the finest of details?" said Gundula.

"I can."

"Good. We're counting on you."

Ursula and Erica turned to Yoshika before hugging her. "Danke Yoshika!" they both said, their familiar ears and tails popping out.

"Right, right, get off me already. Both of you, come on."

They went back to their seats as they continue to eat. "So this is what the call the coin flip," said Waltrud, studying proceedings. "We saw a nice pregame show and heard the national anthem of Liberion, it seems. At last, the game will begin. Are we all going to pick New England?"

"I will pick Atlanta," said Yoshika.

"New England for me," said Waltrud.

“New England,” said the Commander.

"I will go with the Patriots," said Edytha.

"We will take the Patriots," said the Hartmann sisters, posing back to back.

"I am going to be neutral and not make a selection," said Sanya V. Litvyak, who was overhearing the conversations and simply watching while eating.

"Flight Lieutenant Karibuchi?" asked the Commander.

Takami thought about it for a while, then chose to let Yoshika's head snuggle her bust. "I will take Atlanta, because I like getting down and dirty with girls I idolize," she said in an alluring tone.

"Settled," said Gundula. "Let's find out what happens."

The women in the dining hall watched with intent and anticipation as the kickoff started the sports event called Super Bowl LI on the other part of the world, timeline and dimension. Naoe Kanno, meanwhile, was too fast asleep in her own quarters to even be bothered as she imagined being at the mercy of Sadako's bodily charms. And of course, Hikari was playing simulation football on the soon-to-be mass produced KG1.

END CHAPTER 10