Mailbag - May 2021

TOGETHER Alexia Kazilas adopted her dog, Osi, three years ago, and the two have been inseparable ever since. The two were hiking alone in Big Bend State Park when Alexia fell. (Photo: lawellphoto.com)  

Cover-girl moment

I remember receiving The Buzz magazines in my mailbox when I was as little as 10 years old, looking at the different people on the front cover thinking of them as models and celebrities. I can’t believe 20 years later I’m now receiving the magazine with my face and my dog on the cover [of The West University Buzz] followed by a three-page spread telling our story [A Lucky Break, Road-trip-gone-south leads to home, by Pooja Salhotra, March 2021]. I’m not a model or a celebrity, but I’m not going to lie – that’s how I felt for a bit! It has been exciting to hear from old friends and new who just read about my accident for the first time. After my accident, I never really cared to share my story beyond my immediate network of friends and family. Since I wasn't really seeing people due to the pandemic, I never felt that I needed to. But, I’m so grateful I didn’t, now that a much more talented writer took the lead in telling it. I feel so honored and grateful that Pooja took the time to listen and write about it in such an inspiring way. I’m in serious awe. Thank you, Buzz Magazines, for featuring me and my pup!

Alexia Kazilas

Let’s play chess

Jennifer wrote a captivating article that took a hard subject like chess and made it fun to read [War Over the Board: Young chess players face off, by Jennifer Oakley, April 2021]. I thought it was lovely and well done – spotlighting all the kids and chess!

Alexandra Simotas

Birding story tickles family

What a lovely issue! We are all delighted and thrilled that Houston Audubon has been honored with such great photos and fine words [Spotting Beauty: Spring wave of color delights Houston birders, by Meg Scott, April 2021]. I have no idea how Meg fit in all of the too-many details I sent her way! Like drinking from a fire hose. My family will be tickled not only that they appear in the article but also that Mom and Dad receive such praise and credit. They really did start it all. I wish they were here to have been part of the fun, but I suspect there is a lively birdwatching party being organized in Heaven right about now. The picture of Carl’s kids is the grand prize winner. Adorable!

Sara Bettencourt

Join them on the road

We enjoyed sharing our story [Travel Buzz: Life in an Airstream, by Tracy Barnett, March 2021]. We hope this inspires others to overcome adversity and find ways to connect with others, connect with nature, and enjoy life!

Rame Hruska

School in the spotlight

Thank you so much for featuring the story about the International Festival at West U Elementary School [Buzz About Town: Around the world in West U, by Angie Frederickson, April 2021]! It means a lot for us and our neighborhood community!

Anastasia Domakhina

Pulled off the cat story

Andria, you did a great job on the article [Herding Cats: And meeting lovely neighbors, by Andria Frankfort, April 2021]! You took a multifaceted personal story with lots of people involved and were able to weave together a lighthearted crisp story. A real talent! I couldn't have done it, and I lived it.  

Kevin Trautner

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