| Rusty Wier Hearing was musician Rusty Wier's last sense to go, so although he was unresponsive when surrounded by relatives and friends, including Jerry Jeff Walker, at his son Coby's house in Driftwood on Thursday night, Wier tried to raise up his head when the group sang "Amazing Grace." By the next morning the Austin musician, who had a hit when Bonnie Raitt covered his "Don't It Make You Wanna Dance" on the soundtrack to "Urban Cowboy," was dead after a two-year battle with cancer. He was 65. "There's this myth about the hippies and the rednecks meeting at the Armadillo and passing joints and Lone Stars to each other," Austin musician John Inmon said. "But the rednecks and hippies were the same people. That was Rusty. He was a redneck son of Central Texas, but he was also a hippie." Although Wier got his own chapter in Jan Reid's book "The Improbable Rise of Redneck Rock," which chronicled Austin's "cosmic cowboy" scene of the '70s, Wier's contribution to Austin music goes back to the mid-'60s. As a student at Southwest Texas State, the Manchaca-raised Wier was recruited to play drums in the Wig, Austin's answer to the Monkees. He later played drums and sang in the Lavender Hill Express, a popular country/rock cover band. But he wanted to step out front. "One day he just gave up the drums and started woodshedding on guitar," said Inmon, who played with Wier in the trio of Rusty, Layton and John. "He locked himself in a room and practiced and practiced. He was a natural entertainer, so he could get his music across, but it took him awhile to get good." He established himself in the early '70s as a folk singer with rock 'n' roll eyes and a ever-present, low-crowned black hat. Wier's first three albums - Stoned, Slow, Rugged in 1974, Don't It Make You Wanna Dance in 1975, and Black Hat Saloon in 1976 - came out on three different major labels. But in the clubs is where he made his money. "Bartenders loved Rusty," musician Bob Livingston said. "He had this thing during his show where he'd hold up a shot of tequila and everybody would go to the bar to buy their shots. Bar business was always good when Rusty played." Wier played the Saxon Pub every Thursday for almost 15 years, almost never missing a gig, owner Joe Ables said. "He played the Saxon one last time in March," Ables said. "He was so sick I had to carry him to his wheelchair, but he was in a great mood. People had come from all over to see him. He truly got to find out that he was loved." A memorial service will probably take place at the Saxon, Ables said, though details are still being worked out with the family. He's survived by four children from four different wives, Inmon said. |
Past Updates
Photo Update Ausgust 17, 2009
Hello there! Nice to be back to share a few with you. Hard to believe its been almost a month since my last update.
Ive been doing well and the end of the summer break has me doing the parental school preparation responsibilities. My Son has one week left of
summer break. Sad to say for him, he is spending it recovering from the loss of 4 wisdom teeth that were pulled this morning. Hopefully he will recover
by Thursday in time to enjoy a last adventure to Krause Springs for a swim. Its the only watering hole I know of that is worth the drive for a swim. The
lake is way to low and way to hot. Scary to see it so low.
I was truly at a loss as what to share with you on this update. I have some great photography, but the time for sharing it just did not feel right. I decided
to pull some photo's of friends and family that I have captured during the beginning of the year to almost present. To much to work with so I only made
it half way through this years photo's before obtaining enough pics to go with the song I chose (Friendship by Ray Charles).
I would like to invite all of you and your friends to a benefit walk for the Dravet Syndrome that is coming up on October 10. One of my best friends has
a 9 year old daughter (Jordan) with this syndrome and her mother has volunteered the reponsibility for organizing the event. Please visit the website
and participate if you can (Site for walk will hopefully be behind the Dell Children's Hospital.).
In addition to this, we have reserved a spot at Ruta Maya for October 28th for Jordan. All funds collected at this function will go directly to Jordan's
medical needs. I plan to have a silent auction with my Art at this event so if you would like a chance to win some wonderful art of L.Z. Love, Shelley
King, Leeann Atherton, Guy Forsyth, and many others this will be the perfect time to do so. We have not lined up the musicians yet but once we have it
all set in stone I will let you know. Please visit these two sites to learn more about the efforts of Janet Herrera, Jordans Mommy, and to find out the
location of the benefit walk. Any help and prayers you can provide will be greatly appreciated and never forgotten.
The benefit: Location of Walk still to be announced.
http://adayfordravet.kintera.org
Janet and Jordan's website:
Under Repair: Be back asap with this info.
Hope you enjoy the flick and thanks for stopping in for a look see. Its always nice to view my stats and see that you good folks are checking in to see if
I have something fresh. Keeps me motivated ( : In closing, I wish nothing but the best for what this week has to bring and smile when you go to sleep
tonight because this photographer in South Austin will be saying a prayer for you and your family.
Peace and Love,
Wesley
Ive been doing well and the end of the summer break has me doing the parental school preparation responsibilities. My Son has one week left of
summer break. Sad to say for him, he is spending it recovering from the loss of 4 wisdom teeth that were pulled this morning. Hopefully he will recover
by Thursday in time to enjoy a last adventure to Krause Springs for a swim. Its the only watering hole I know of that is worth the drive for a swim. The
lake is way to low and way to hot. Scary to see it so low.
I was truly at a loss as what to share with you on this update. I have some great photography, but the time for sharing it just did not feel right. I decided
to pull some photo's of friends and family that I have captured during the beginning of the year to almost present. To much to work with so I only made
it half way through this years photo's before obtaining enough pics to go with the song I chose (Friendship by Ray Charles).
I would like to invite all of you and your friends to a benefit walk for the Dravet Syndrome that is coming up on October 10. One of my best friends has
a 9 year old daughter (Jordan) with this syndrome and her mother has volunteered the reponsibility for organizing the event. Please visit the website
and participate if you can (Site for walk will hopefully be behind the Dell Children's Hospital.).
In addition to this, we have reserved a spot at Ruta Maya for October 28th for Jordan. All funds collected at this function will go directly to Jordan's
medical needs. I plan to have a silent auction with my Art at this event so if you would like a chance to win some wonderful art of L.Z. Love, Shelley
King, Leeann Atherton, Guy Forsyth, and many others this will be the perfect time to do so. We have not lined up the musicians yet but once we have it
all set in stone I will let you know. Please visit these two sites to learn more about the efforts of Janet Herrera, Jordans Mommy, and to find out the
location of the benefit walk. Any help and prayers you can provide will be greatly appreciated and never forgotten.
The benefit: Location of Walk still to be announced.
http://adayfordravet.kintera.org
Janet and Jordan's website:
Under Repair: Be back asap with this info.
Hope you enjoy the flick and thanks for stopping in for a look see. Its always nice to view my stats and see that you good folks are checking in to see if
I have something fresh. Keeps me motivated ( : In closing, I wish nothing but the best for what this week has to bring and smile when you go to sleep
tonight because this photographer in South Austin will be saying a prayer for you and your family.
Peace and Love,
Wesley
| Click the Photo below to view "Best Friends are Family!" Photo along w/ a few others in the flick captured by Daniel Martz (Thanks Daniel! : ) |
Photo Update August 25, 2009
| I had the wonderful opportunity of being one of the many guitars to break the World record for the most guitars playing simultaneously at Luckenbach this past Sunday. The two songs being performed while setting the Guiness Book of World Records for most guitars played was "This Land is Your Land" and "Luckenbach Texas". Im not exactly sure what the final count was of guitarist present (I quit counting when they gave me # 2121), but I do know that we beat out the old record that was set in Germany by over a thousand plus guitarist. I had a wonderful time bouncing around the crowded guitarist in hopes of capturing the energy that the unity brought to everyone there. I think I achieved my goal! I feel as if I turned another memory into a purpose of understanding. Enjoy the show friends! Peace and Love, Wesley |
Willie Nelson: Luckenbach Texas
Photo Update August 20, 2009
I took this photo while on the way to Galveston about a month ago. I remember thinking to myself as I was trying to accelerate far
enough ahead of em' to get the photo in the rear-view, "I'd rather be in the front than in the back!". Looking at it now, a different
thought comes to mind; "Everyone I once knew who I have lost...be it in the front or in the back....time will never take my love for
you... away from me!."
enough ahead of em' to get the photo in the rear-view, "I'd rather be in the front than in the back!". Looking at it now, a different
thought comes to mind; "Everyone I once knew who I have lost...be it in the front or in the back....time will never take my love for
you... away from me!."
This shot was captured at Pier 21 in Galveston. I love photo's that remind me of my past and this photo does exactly this. As a child in
Kindergarten, there was a bird that would come to the back porch every morning at a certain time during the early am hours. Upon realizing
this, I would sit at the sliding glass door awaiting her arrival every Saturday morning (Gave up my Saturday morning cartoons without
hesitation!).
After about a month the bird trusted me enough to allow me to come out of the kitchen and talk to it without flying away. I named that wild bird,
"Marcy", as this was the name of a little girl I had a fancy for in my pre-grade school days.
Unfortunately for me, every time I tried to talk to Marcy, she would "run" away. Marcy on the back porch trusted me though...this in some
uncanny way brought me more comfort than I realized at the time. Thanks nature ( : for being a best friend. ; ) I see your magical ways now!
Kindergarten, there was a bird that would come to the back porch every morning at a certain time during the early am hours. Upon realizing
this, I would sit at the sliding glass door awaiting her arrival every Saturday morning (Gave up my Saturday morning cartoons without
hesitation!).
After about a month the bird trusted me enough to allow me to come out of the kitchen and talk to it without flying away. I named that wild bird,
"Marcy", as this was the name of a little girl I had a fancy for in my pre-grade school days.
Unfortunately for me, every time I tried to talk to Marcy, she would "run" away. Marcy on the back porch trusted me though...this in some
uncanny way brought me more comfort than I realized at the time. Thanks nature ( : for being a best friend. ; ) I see your magical ways now!
| Prayers and Praises for Jordan Precious Jordan, now age 9, has a rare and incurable form of Epilepsy known as Dravet Syndrome (formally known as SMEI or Severe Myoclonic Epilepsy of Infancy). She has suffered from Seizures since she was 6 months old. She is the bravest, smartest, sweetest, prettiest little girl we know and every day she is "A Hero". Jordan (2 of my dearest friends sweet little girl) has suffered from seizures since she was 6 months old; she had her 1st seizure the day of her 6 month immunizations, due to a high fever. Her 2nd seizure was at 8 or 9 months old due to an ear infection and high fever. Her 3rd seizure was the day of her 12 month immunizations due to a high fever. From there on out they started her 1st anti-convulsant medication and as time went on, they have gone through approximately 15 different other anticonvulsants, her seizures have continued to worsen and progress over the years, as well as her disabilities. She is now on 4 seperate anti-convulsants, nine medications total per day. She has a vagel nerve stimulator (installed in Oct. '04), uses the wheelchair from time to time when seizures are worse or if outings are lengthy. Part of her dravet syndrome, she suffers from hyperthermia and hypothermia. She has a cooling vest that we can heat or cool during extreme hot and cold temperatures. Learning disabilities have been a huge part of Jordan's problem's. Her diagnosis includes progressive regression and cognitive memory loss. We are having to learn the alphabet for the 4th time. She receives PT, OT and Speech through the school district and has recently had evaluation to receive extended services outside of school due to regression over the last 2 years. Jordan has had a really rough couple of years. Mostly due in part to hormone levels due to early puberty onset (not sure if brought on by seizures or syndrome?). But when that started 2 summers ago, the seizures worsened at a frighteningly rapid rate, more meds were administered, as well as hormone shots and eventually a hormone implant. And most recently, she has developed Atexia, a physical disabitilty! Needless to say; Jordan has been incredibly strong throughout the duration of this trial in life. She is a joy to life and to everyone who can appreciate life, and if you do not then meet her, you will. I am proud of Jordan and her Parents, and have nothing but admiration for the love and efforts her family and friends have provided. I consider each and everyone of you my family. If you take the time to visit this site, then I know you have a heart. Those who don't...now is your chance to take the time to appreciate what a heart can deliver. "PEASE" sign up today for Jordan's E-mail Newsletters and Updates. Jordan will look forward to hearing from you. Just click here to Contact Jordan and she will be more than happy to send you regular updates. Don't forget to view her wonderful family photos and pictures from Jordan's Make-A-Wish trip to Disney World! Also, see how you can help Jordan and other charitable organizations associated with Dravet Syndrome and learn more about Jordan's disability and about her specific needs, hopes and goals by clicking here. I would like to thank all of you for taking the time to recognize the efforts of what Jordan needs right now. Personally I have set a goal to raise $11,000 that will go toward buying Jordan a Seizure Service Dog. I am doing this by selling my art, and by obtaining sponsorship from a few other caring entities who support my artistic eye. On January 30th we will have a benefit at Ruta Maya with family, friends, and kewl music. I plan to share 20-25 pieces of my art for a silent auction that will include a handful of my favorite musicians. Leeann Atherton, Shelley King, LZ Love, Bob Schnieder, Gary Clark, Clifford Antone, and many many others. The exciting part is that I have a sponsor that is willing to give me a dollar for every dollar earned from the art that I sell. Bonus...need I say more ( : If you want some classy Austinite art for your music room, now is your chance to get it. Not to mention, my art rocks...and you will smile every time you walk into your room and look at it. ( : If any would like to contribute to the Silent Auction please contact me at 512-785-7874. Thanks and I look forward to hearing from you. Peace and Love, Wesley |
Photo Update Sept. 4, 2009
Christmas photo of Jordan captured in "08"
Photo Update Oct. 11, 2009
Hello Compadres,
I created this art today to commemorate the beloved memory of Rusty Wier. Our town here in Austin is small, but large when it comes to folks like
Rusty.
A dreamer, and a keeper of hearts. His music has been an inspiration to many, but even more so, a part of what make's our little ole' home town
unique.
I take comfort in knowing that your prayers and support will help to bring what it is that a heart can surely deliver.
The photo used to create this art was captured by Winker at the Saxon Pub (Thanks Winker!) . Rusty was looking into the lights after singing a song
to commemorate the memory of his Mother. I take comfort in knowing that she will be there to welcome him to a place that he is deserving of.
Respectfully,
Wesley Balli
Photograher/Artist/Austinut
I created this art today to commemorate the beloved memory of Rusty Wier. Our town here in Austin is small, but large when it comes to folks like
Rusty.
A dreamer, and a keeper of hearts. His music has been an inspiration to many, but even more so, a part of what make's our little ole' home town
unique.
I take comfort in knowing that your prayers and support will help to bring what it is that a heart can surely deliver.
The photo used to create this art was captured by Winker at the Saxon Pub (Thanks Winker!) . Rusty was looking into the lights after singing a song
to commemorate the memory of his Mother. I take comfort in knowing that she will be there to welcome him to a place that he is deserving of.
Respectfully,
Wesley Balli
Photograher/Artist/Austinut
| Taking you on a personal journey capturing the essence of people, places and things thru his (Jes Garcia) words, music, and pictures! Fasten your seat belts and Expect the Unexpected (brought to you by AustinIthinkYouShine). |
Photo Update December 20, 2009
Hello again Friends,
Here we are at the tail end of another decade. Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas is upon us with another adventurous New Year to follow.
I hope everyone had a thankful Thanksgiving and that your Christmas will deliver smiles and endless joy to be shared with the ones you love. I plan to
spend mine here at home with family. Feels nice to know that I will not have to deal with any holiday traffic.
Still not sure what plans the New Year will bring. Guess I had better get thinking on it before it sneaks by me the way this entire year has. The New
Year will surely deliver one thing that I am certain of. That being more photography and art to be shared by Jes and I. I have some very kewl art that I
have created over the past 2 months but have yet to share it. All in good time I guess. I plan to use most of it to auction off at the benefit that will be
held for baby girl Jordan. We had planned to have the event on Jan. 30 but that date has changed along with the location. As soon as it is all hashed
out I will be sure to let you know and pray that you can attend to share your love and energy.
In closing I just would like to say I appreciate the support you have given to both Jes and I with this site. The hits are high and the feedback plentiful. Be
sure to check out the new link of Recipes that Jes and I have created. Great stuff man! Trust me….. Well, Im off to create something Holidayish for you
folks to watch. Enjoy and I hope to see and bump elbows with you folks soon.
Silver Bells and Ring-a-Ling,
Wesley
Here we are at the tail end of another decade. Thanksgiving has passed and Christmas is upon us with another adventurous New Year to follow.
I hope everyone had a thankful Thanksgiving and that your Christmas will deliver smiles and endless joy to be shared with the ones you love. I plan to
spend mine here at home with family. Feels nice to know that I will not have to deal with any holiday traffic.
Still not sure what plans the New Year will bring. Guess I had better get thinking on it before it sneaks by me the way this entire year has. The New
Year will surely deliver one thing that I am certain of. That being more photography and art to be shared by Jes and I. I have some very kewl art that I
have created over the past 2 months but have yet to share it. All in good time I guess. I plan to use most of it to auction off at the benefit that will be
held for baby girl Jordan. We had planned to have the event on Jan. 30 but that date has changed along with the location. As soon as it is all hashed
out I will be sure to let you know and pray that you can attend to share your love and energy.
In closing I just would like to say I appreciate the support you have given to both Jes and I with this site. The hits are high and the feedback plentiful. Be
sure to check out the new link of Recipes that Jes and I have created. Great stuff man! Trust me….. Well, Im off to create something Holidayish for you
folks to watch. Enjoy and I hope to see and bump elbows with you folks soon.
Silver Bells and Ring-a-Ling,
Wesley
The view of the tree while spinning
endlessley and trying not to fall... ( :
endlessley and trying not to fall... ( :
Guitar Christmas: Away In A Manger
Buddy Guy: Mary Had a Little Lamb
| Art by Wesley Balli We see ourselves...Looking deeper within! Much farther than any other ever could! What can you do...be that man, our just lose yourself? Lose yourself to the blues...chose to run in your mind to the moon! Follow what that heart hides, call yourself...Say within yourself the way you know you feel! Look into your eye...find your whites...find the sparkle that makes you no mans fool! |
| Feb. 4, 2010 Hey there strangers…I say this because I have been in a cognitive state for awhile now. My apologies for this, as I have other obstacles in life that have caused a diversion of what it is that brings me that piece of mind. Art, interaction with those who I cherish, and overall…getting out an capturing the smiles that helps to make me flow! New trials with this New Year have remained to be a do it yourself obstacle course. My dearest friend sent me this quote last week, and I feel compelled to share it with you. “You are as Happy as you decide to be!” These words over the past week have helped me to realize something. “Choice”…It’s a simple thing! “We all have it!” What separates the folks from the mice, is the example set by those blessed individuals who have chosen to acknowledge this. Hey man! If I can see it, then I know you can as well. Really!!!! Turn your blue sky to something you’re not afraid to welcome. Happiness is the cheapest asset that we all have if your able to believe in it and most of all yourself. Simple isn’t it! ( : I know…easier said than done. Nevertheless; it’s only as hard as you make in your mind to be. Can I be happy or do I chose to be a pain in my own ass… I wish all of you nothing but the best for what the New Year has delivered thus far, and even “more” what it has in store for each and every one us who are in tune with the souls of others as much as our own. There’s no street signs to give us directions! We have to find our way…..the one to make us feel that we can make it on our own. With this final thought Im going to say goodday! Enjoy todays Art (My Eye!) and feel free to send me any ideas you may have to help this site deliver something each and everyone us is deserving of . Unconditional Happiness… Wesley |