Nashville News

I’m dramatic. With this said, take what I say into proper consideration, because all I have to say is Nashville changed my life. It’s hard to put into words, but I think we all know when we are in our God-given element. If we are fortunate enough to find the one thing or things that really express who God has created us to be, then we are privileged. And I am. I’m privileged to have had the opportunity to see, for the first time, my music really come to life with a country flavor. This is my element.

I kept telling Frank, “Frank, it’s funny because I lived in DC for almost four years and made so few connections other than some very close friends, but never enough connections to advance myself. But I’ve been in Nashville for a few days and met tons of connections already and am actually EXCITED and CONFIDENT (key) about what we’re doing.” Our days were filled with little sleep, lots of studio time, some good conversations, eating fajitas (closest restaurant) and talking with connections. We had the chance to sit in on a pro-writing session with a guy from RCA as well (pro-writers are ones that have had a cut already). By the way, a new hot country artist will be hitting the scene soon and guess where he’s from??? Montana. Keep an ear out for John Pierce. All in all, we had tremendous positive feedback from writers and other folks who heard our stuff. Even the studio demo singers were impressed!

I think the neatest part for me was being in Studio A, which is where the band plays the song. I mean, when I heard these guys play “Jaded” or even “Where Have All the Good Men Gone,” I was in shock. They wrote the song into Nashville tablature and were playing it minutes later. It was amazing.

Anyway, I won’t ramble on, and I have a ton to get done anyway! But I just wanted you all to know the trip was absolutely a success and changed me in the sense that I KNOW this is what I’m supposed to do, even it takes a few years to cut a song! Thanks to many of you for your nice words, prayers and support.

Give It Your Best Shot

Today it’s rather dreary outside, and I know Mother Nature is mustering up some snow for us here in the mountains, much to my dread. Snow is depressing. Of course, the fact that it is peaceful here and having a fireplace and good coffee helps, but it’s just not the same when I can’t take the dumb dogs for a jog. I say “dumb” because they are in fact dumb. There’s no other way of putting it. However, they are cute. I suppose being cute covers a multitude of sins, right?

It has been a delightful week already, as three old friends emailed me out of the blue (we haven’t talked in a long time!). What is funny is that with one in particular (Mindy), I was going to write her a card the SAME day I received an email from her! ESP much? Ha! Sarah, Susha and Mindy, I’m glad in our busy lives, we’ve determined not to lose touch. I had to agree with Sarah when she said she was going through some old college pictures and thought it nice to be nostalgic. I like nostalgic every now and again. I suppose being nostalgic comes with the territory of being woman, and thank God for women! Women think of and feel everything you know. But who am I trying to convince? Just look around and see the proof.

Speaking of women, I’m thankful for my momma. That woman has a heart of gold. She’s stubborn and steadfast, but underneath it all, she would do anything for anybody and never think twice. I sometimes wonder why my mother didn’t strangle me as a child or as a teen. I was what most would call a “good” child on the outside, but on the inside (especially inside the front door of our home), I was rotten. I was an ungrateful brat, and I have often gone to mother over the years hence and apologized. Of course, Mom smiles and just says, “I knew you’d get over yourself.” Thanks Mom (sigh). It’s true. I’m learning on what it means to be as selfless as she, though I regret I am nowhere near close. I am reminded of this every time she loses a night’s sleep to help care for one of her grandchildren or how she’ll go without the nicer car so my sister, Sadie, can drive it or how she goes to the trouble to make an expensive cheesecake (you’d have to see them) for a local event when really, she doesn’t have the money to spare. To many people in my town, my mother is no doubt an enigma, or worse yet, many locals judge her because she had every child out of wedlock or what have you. I guess people always find vices to frown on, but in the end, I’m afraid they lose. They lose on getting to know a woman who could probably teach them a great deal more on life than they will ever know without having known her.

Billy just walked in the door, so I suppose it’s time to get my work out in before I prepare dinner. I will more than likely not blog again before I hit the big scene of Nashville in just a few days. In heading to Nashville, I’m reminded of the song I wrote about my momma (one that’s more than likely just four our ears), and her advice sticks with me to this day:

Single mom, three baby girls and the car’s packed
She’s gotta get out of this town, no way she’s lookin’ back

Everybody says, “Girl don’t you play the fool.
You’re alone with kids, how you ever gonna get through school?”

But she says
Life goes on
I’ve always been strong
I never let nobody talk me outa where I belong
‘Cuz I get one life
So I’m gonna give it all I got
And I’m never the fool
If I give it my best shot

A few years later, lots of coffee and some sleepless nights
She knows you get nothin’ in life without a little fight

She knows she’ll do it, yeah she knows she’ll make it through
And it took four years, but she finally got through nursing school
And she tells her girls

Girls, life goes on
You gotta be strong
And don’t let nobody talk you outa where you belong
‘Cuz you get one life
So give it all you got
You’ll never be the fool
If you give it your best shot

Bridge:
And people will throw their stones
They may try to get in your way
But in the end, it’s gotta be your life you live
So grab hold of what you can today

Life goes on
You gotta be strong
Don’t let nobody talk you outa where you belong
‘Cuz you get one life
So give it all you got
You’re never a loser
Just give it your best shot

This was my final picture with the Honorable. What a sweetie!!!  

Music, Politicians and Dreadful Creatures

There is a hush in the air tonight. Silence is golden. The parents are in Houston speaking until Sunday and the kids are nestled in bed. I, on the other hand, am trying to learn my music for Nashville. It's one thing to write a song and do my own thing on the guitar, but it's another experience to sing along to recorded music. Two of our songs we will be recording are "Where Have All The Good Men Gone?" and "Jaded."

As of late, I've thought much on having a voice through music. I thought my voice was going to be through politics, but I think I was wrong. In politics, there remains a golden rule: if you can't make your point in a few minutes, then don't share it because you'll lose listeners. Well, in music, you only GET a few minutes to make a point. I guess maybe some politicians could learn a few things from folks who write songs.

I've been plugging along with learning the business of helping folks who are in forclosures. I'm anticipating doing a "deal" soon. Good thing I have the Twyfords to help me out in these first stages. I've also been reading Stepping Heavenward, the journal of Katherine, a young lady in the 1800s. The book is just hysterical and touching as I journey through life with Ms. Katherine from age sixteen to her grown-up years. I would recommend it to anyone, especially all you ladies out there. I'll share a passage:

"How dreadfully old I am getting! Sixteen! Well, I don't see as I can help it. There it is in the big Bible in Father's own hand: Katherine, born January 15, 1815. I meant to get up early this morning, but it looked dismally cold out of doors and felt delightfully warm in bed. So I covered myself up and made ever so many good resolutions. I determined, in the first place, to begin this journal. To be sure, I have begun half a dozen and got tired of them after a while. Not tired of writing them, but disgusted with what I had to say to myself. But this time I mean to go on, in spite of everything. It will do me good to read it over and see what a creature I am."

Well Katherine, I can empathize on all accounts. In fact, this passage provoked me to go through my own journal. What a dreadful creature I am. Just dreadful and boring. In fact, I say the same things over and over. Hmmm. Well I,too, am determined to go on, in spite of everything and am of resolve when it comes to being a little more creative and positive in my journal. Who knows, maybe somebody will be reading my very own someday.

More On Dreaming...

Many of you have been praying for the Quatrone family and their consideration of moving to Colorado. Thank you. It's official. THEY ARE!!!!! Their plan is to be here around Christmas! This means Frank and I will spend several hours/week working on writing music and recording. To think that Frank and I met while I was walking across the street on my way to play guitar and sing at a Capitol Hill Bible study is rather flabbergasting. (By the way, did you know that Kenny Roger's song, "The Gambler" is Bible study material? ha) I don't think this "just happened." Since being here, I am convinced that one of my callings is to write music. Songs flow out of me here. I can be creative, and oddly enough, most of my writing takes place when I'm doing the more mundane chores around the house.

Did any of you get a chance to watch Oprah on Monday? I never watch it, but when I heard Faith Hill was going to be on it, I caved! It was so inspirational for me. I love her story, and I love the fact she was willing to consider a certain lady's music: Lori McKenna. Visit her website at http://www.lorimckenna.com/. This woman has such a way of conveying herself through words and music. Her lyrics are so transparent and raw; it's as if you know her without knowing her. Anyway, the entire episode had me in tears, because of one certain song: "Fireflies." This song reminds us to dream. Lori, a stay at home mother, wrote it to remind herself and her children to dream. Faith Hill heard it and had to record it. I don't blame her.

Well, here's to dreaming, and the Quatrone family moving here is another step towards some of my own dreams coming true! We plan to venture to Nashville sometime this month to record some decent songs we've written over the phone. You can all keep that in your prayers, too!

Off to the grocery store. Hopefully there will be no happenings with displays this time, but one never knows. Oh, and yes, I'm still alive, even after taking a long day ride with Steve on the motorcycle. What a lovely day that was. Thanks, Steve, for coming up to see me. It was a special time.