I've been spending some time on this holiday season getting caught up with some online things. I did a year end wrap up podcast, indulged my passion for vintage clips on YouTube (everything from rock TV clips to soap operas) and some archived audio sites and message boards. Doing the latter, I caught wind of some items from the Twin Cities way that I want to acknowledge.
-Big congrats to my dear friends Tim and Paul, the Frantzich Brothers, for appearing on A Prairie Home Companion in November. I am so proud of these guys. I go way back in their history when they were making the gals swoon as part of the rock band Ride Ruby Ride at the old Music City Cafe in St. Paul. Their spiritual and musical growth has been remarkable to witness. This was exciting as when TD Mischke and Michael Loonan appeared on APHC a couple of years ago at the show's MN State Fair broadcast.
- Speaking of TD Mischke, I also learned of the passing of a frequent caller to his radio show. "Undertaker Fred" was a delightful personality, always with a song on his lips and his faith on his sleeve and in his heart. He will be missed. (By the way TD, a shout out to you, keep being as creative as you are. And please make a new CD one of these days.)
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Season's Greetings...
Having done my Christmas celebrating with friends and work family, I'm getting ready to enjoy a couple of days off from driving and the rush hour mess here in Nashville. My Christmas gift happened in April this year, when I moved into town. I'm just happy to be living here and grateful the adjustment to a new home went smoothly on so many fronts.
I'm thinking about the first Christmas I had in Minnesota 18 years ago. Things were especially challenging and I decided it wasn't a good time to fly back East for the holidays. The weather was kind of gray and depressing (well, it actually is here now, too, but it's about 40 degrees milder, so what the hey). A lift would have been good. I was volunteering for a Minnesota Public Radio production at the time, and out of the blue, the host of the show called me to say hi. It was totally unexpected, and I didn't even know he had my phone number. It was such a sweet gesture, and exactly what I needed. Dan, whereever you are, your kindness has never been forgotten after all these years.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone. May you celebrate in a way that suits you and not what someone else tells you how you are supposed to.
I'm thinking about the first Christmas I had in Minnesota 18 years ago. Things were especially challenging and I decided it wasn't a good time to fly back East for the holidays. The weather was kind of gray and depressing (well, it actually is here now, too, but it's about 40 degrees milder, so what the hey). A lift would have been good. I was volunteering for a Minnesota Public Radio production at the time, and out of the blue, the host of the show called me to say hi. It was totally unexpected, and I didn't even know he had my phone number. It was such a sweet gesture, and exactly what I needed. Dan, whereever you are, your kindness has never been forgotten after all these years.
Merry Christmas and happy holidays, everyone. May you celebrate in a way that suits you and not what someone else tells you how you are supposed to.
Friday, December 07, 2007
Another Senior Trip
I'm getting ready for yet another Mark Lowry Senior Trip...this one being the Christmas Celebration at Gaylord Opryland. Once again, I will be doing a report on the three day events and I've set up a blog.
Watch this space for the updates.
Watch this space for the updates.
Sunday, December 02, 2007
Icing On The Cake
Well, of all the wonderful things that have happened since my move to Nashville, tonight was the icing on the cake. But, I'm not gonna tell you about it on this blog. You need to click here.
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Thanksgiving Ponderings
I had a good Thanksgiving weekend. I did just what I said I was going to do...eat and then take a nap on my couch. I didn’t travel to CT because travel's just too difficult to arrange right now and I won’t for Christmas either, but I did talk to my sister. I did have one invite, but I just decided I was sick of driving a car and didn’t want to have to do that for a couple of days. So I found a small turkey breast which was free range and had all organic veggies and potatoes and gravy, stuffed myself and as predicted was out like a light on my couch for 2 hours or so.
I usually use the holidays for downtime. In Minnesota, when someone would ask me if I had any plans for the holidays and I would say "no", some people there would say "oh", not "why don’t you come to our place?". So I guess I’ve gotten used to making plans on my own when the holidays come. But, I had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal the previous Friday with my work family, a great potluck with a wonderful group of songwriters the weekend before and I just had lunch with my church CARE group. So, that’s people enough. It doesn't make it less because all this didn't happen on Thanksgiving day itself. After all, I've thumbed my nose at the Hallmark way of life for years.
But now the weekend’s almost over and it’s time to go back to work again tomorrow. I procrastinated until the last minute to get my month end writings done. I think I have one piece done and I need an ending for another. To think I had four days to do all this. I did do another podcast, though, a short one about Internet radio (which I hadn’t talked about previously).
The weather, well, it’s been kind of depressing the last few days. It’s been gray, rainy and was as cold as low/mid 40s for a high. I actually did break out the lighter parka once. But if this is as cold as it gets here, I’ll take it.
Once again...I love this town. I’m thankful to be here.
I usually use the holidays for downtime. In Minnesota, when someone would ask me if I had any plans for the holidays and I would say "no", some people there would say "oh", not "why don’t you come to our place?". So I guess I’ve gotten used to making plans on my own when the holidays come. But, I had a wonderful Thanksgiving meal the previous Friday with my work family, a great potluck with a wonderful group of songwriters the weekend before and I just had lunch with my church CARE group. So, that’s people enough. It doesn't make it less because all this didn't happen on Thanksgiving day itself. After all, I've thumbed my nose at the Hallmark way of life for years.
But now the weekend’s almost over and it’s time to go back to work again tomorrow. I procrastinated until the last minute to get my month end writings done. I think I have one piece done and I need an ending for another. To think I had four days to do all this. I did do another podcast, though, a short one about Internet radio (which I hadn’t talked about previously).
The weather, well, it’s been kind of depressing the last few days. It’s been gray, rainy and was as cold as low/mid 40s for a high. I actually did break out the lighter parka once. But if this is as cold as it gets here, I’ll take it.
Once again...I love this town. I’m thankful to be here.
Monday, November 12, 2007
Baptism
Yesterday I was baptized as an adult, with many wonderful new friends from my church looking on and one dear musician friend who offered me the gift of her voice. I'll let you read her account of it here: http://allisonlynn.blogspot.com/
I was baptized as a child. I was approached about baptism as an adult when I joined my church here. I thought it would be a great idea to do it to symbolize where I really am now in my faith. I had the honor of being baptized by Pastor Stan Mitchell, who I've written about in other pieces on this website--so it was meaningful to me to have him be a part of this.
Allison's simple acoustic rendition of "Jesus Loves Me" set the scene for us all beautifully. Many other musical images came to my mind regarding baptism: the scene from "O Brother Where Art Thou?" with the song "Down In the River To Pray", Trent Tomlinson's video for "One Wing In the Fire" and the Randy Travis/Kenny Chesney song "Baptism", which I first heard in the "Touched By An Angel" episode Randy starred in.
The water was warm, and so was the feeling that afternoon.
I was baptized as a child. I was approached about baptism as an adult when I joined my church here. I thought it would be a great idea to do it to symbolize where I really am now in my faith. I had the honor of being baptized by Pastor Stan Mitchell, who I've written about in other pieces on this website--so it was meaningful to me to have him be a part of this.
Allison's simple acoustic rendition of "Jesus Loves Me" set the scene for us all beautifully. Many other musical images came to my mind regarding baptism: the scene from "O Brother Where Art Thou?" with the song "Down In the River To Pray", Trent Tomlinson's video for "One Wing In the Fire" and the Randy Travis/Kenny Chesney song "Baptism", which I first heard in the "Touched By An Angel" episode Randy starred in.
The water was warm, and so was the feeling that afternoon.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Blast From The Past
As I was doing some radio airplay tracking for a client on a folk dj mailing list group, I came across a post from John Platt who hosts "City Folk Sunday Breakfast" on WFUV. He noted that he had Steve Katz and Danny Kalb, formerly of the Blues Project, in for an interview in support of their new acoustic blues collaboration with Stefan Grossman, "Played A Little Fiddle". As a 12 and 13 year old growing up in the 60s and in discovery of FM rock, the Blues Project and Blood, Sweat and Tears were two groups that meant a lot to me. So naturally when I heard about this interview, it was like throwing a huge bone to this puppy.
Now, as I've noted elsewhere on my website, I was a big Al Kooper fan. His vocal style didn't exactly get rave critical reviews (but that didn't matter to me and to this day it still doesn't), but to me he was real and passionate. One other prominent vocalist in the Blues Project and BS & T was Steve Katz, much different in style, with a warm voice like velvet, one that always caused me to lean into the speakers whenever songs like "Steve's Song" or "Sometimes In Winter" were played. Al, bless his heart, is still out there doing his thing with another new album due from him soon, but Steve has been off my radar for years. So, it was great to hear this interview and especially to hear him sing again, both in clips from the CD and as an extra treat in the interview, a live acoustic performance of "Sometimes In Winter". His voice retains that warm beauty and reminded me what it was like to hear him back when I was 13. I sure would have loved it if he’d done "Steve's Song" as well, but hey, you take these bones when you can get them.
I do ponder this: judging by some of the e-mail I received on my pieces about 60's FM radio and the over 1,000 plays my podcast on this topic registered just this year alone, it's obvious that 40 years later, the music of this time is still endearing, passionate and meaningful to so many of us boomers. It reflected an important time in history, one of intense cultural and social change. I just wonder if the music that the 13 year olds are growing up with today will have the same lasting effect.
Thus, I now have to buy this Grossman/Kalb/Katz CD and the Blues Project Anthology. Because now, I've got "Flute Thing" playing in my head, too.
Now, as I've noted elsewhere on my website, I was a big Al Kooper fan. His vocal style didn't exactly get rave critical reviews (but that didn't matter to me and to this day it still doesn't), but to me he was real and passionate. One other prominent vocalist in the Blues Project and BS & T was Steve Katz, much different in style, with a warm voice like velvet, one that always caused me to lean into the speakers whenever songs like "Steve's Song" or "Sometimes In Winter" were played. Al, bless his heart, is still out there doing his thing with another new album due from him soon, but Steve has been off my radar for years. So, it was great to hear this interview and especially to hear him sing again, both in clips from the CD and as an extra treat in the interview, a live acoustic performance of "Sometimes In Winter". His voice retains that warm beauty and reminded me what it was like to hear him back when I was 13. I sure would have loved it if he’d done "Steve's Song" as well, but hey, you take these bones when you can get them.
I do ponder this: judging by some of the e-mail I received on my pieces about 60's FM radio and the over 1,000 plays my podcast on this topic registered just this year alone, it's obvious that 40 years later, the music of this time is still endearing, passionate and meaningful to so many of us boomers. It reflected an important time in history, one of intense cultural and social change. I just wonder if the music that the 13 year olds are growing up with today will have the same lasting effect.
Thus, I now have to buy this Grossman/Kalb/Katz CD and the Blues Project Anthology. Because now, I've got "Flute Thing" playing in my head, too.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
TN vs MN, Continued
We're now into fall down here in Nashville. I've not seen all that much color yet but I'm hoping by this weekend it'll be more scenic and I can get out and take some pictures.
At this time of year when I was in Minnesota, I would swear I would not give in to putting on my heavier coat until the first of November, the "unofficial" first day of winter there as far as I was concerned. This year here in Nashville, I didn't start wearing my light jacket until perhaps last weekend. We've been pretty much in the 60's with some 70s. I'm liking this.
Like Monday night, for instance. I went to WSM's Listener Appreciation Concert featuring Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Vince Gill, Mel Tillis and Ralph Emery. I hung out at the back entrance before the doors opened. It was a beautiful, mild evening, just about to get fully dark and I sat along the side with my favorite building hovering over me. Except since it's not the BellSouth building anymore, they took off the lettering, so it's not quite the same for me. It looks kinda naked now. But I did get a good shot of it on my cell phone camera to use as a screen saver.
Oh yeah, the concert was great. Whatta deal for $6.50 (or $12, with Ticketmaster fees added in). I love this town.
At this time of year when I was in Minnesota, I would swear I would not give in to putting on my heavier coat until the first of November, the "unofficial" first day of winter there as far as I was concerned. This year here in Nashville, I didn't start wearing my light jacket until perhaps last weekend. We've been pretty much in the 60's with some 70s. I'm liking this.
Like Monday night, for instance. I went to WSM's Listener Appreciation Concert featuring Country Music Hall of Fame inductees Vince Gill, Mel Tillis and Ralph Emery. I hung out at the back entrance before the doors opened. It was a beautiful, mild evening, just about to get fully dark and I sat along the side with my favorite building hovering over me. Except since it's not the BellSouth building anymore, they took off the lettering, so it's not quite the same for me. It looks kinda naked now. But I did get a good shot of it on my cell phone camera to use as a screen saver.
Oh yeah, the concert was great. Whatta deal for $6.50 (or $12, with Ticketmaster fees added in). I love this town.
Saturday, October 13, 2007
Music That Soothes...
In my most recent Encouraging Words newsletter, I did a piece about how songs can inspire and express things for us better than words can. Having been through certain chewed up and spit out experiences, in those times I've turned to music to help me sort things out and gain a fresh perspective.
Gospel music is a no-brainer source, naturally. But actually, I find that two other musical types have strong healing properties for me: Bluegrass and early Beatles. Don't ask me why or how...I can't quite put my finger on it. I just know that listening to both has a calming and soothing effect on me.
As for artists, one in particular seems to have a way of speaking down into my soul in rough patches: Rob Thomas. No matter what I'm dealing with, if I'm listening to Rob's songs, it just seems like he "gets it". Again, I'm not sure why, either...something about his voice or his lyrics, in an abstract way, that says he's been there and just nails it.
Go here for the list of my 5 most inspirational and encouraging songs.
Gospel music is a no-brainer source, naturally. But actually, I find that two other musical types have strong healing properties for me: Bluegrass and early Beatles. Don't ask me why or how...I can't quite put my finger on it. I just know that listening to both has a calming and soothing effect on me.
As for artists, one in particular seems to have a way of speaking down into my soul in rough patches: Rob Thomas. No matter what I'm dealing with, if I'm listening to Rob's songs, it just seems like he "gets it". Again, I'm not sure why, either...something about his voice or his lyrics, in an abstract way, that says he's been there and just nails it.
Go here for the list of my 5 most inspirational and encouraging songs.
Thursday, October 11, 2007
Big Bands and Standards
Back when I was a kid in the 60s and first digging the Beatles, my dad was not into it at all. He kept telling us that Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey and those folks with the big bands were the "real" music. Now that I am a bit older and have learned about and appreciate all types of musical styles, my position is if it's done well, I'll listen.
There are two recent releases done in big band or orchestrated style that are most definitely worth listening to. One is Mark Lowry's "I Love To Tell the Story" hymns CD which I discussed here. The other is a new CD by Reggie and Ladye Love Smith, two superb singers you probably are most familiar with from the Gaither Homecoming videos. Their new release, aptly called "Standards", is a collection of covers of some of the classic big band/easy listening standards, such as "It Had To Be You", "All of Me", and many others. I heard Reggie and Ladye sing some of this music at the first Mark Lowry Senior Trip, with Rory Partin and his orchestra. They did an amazing job and I waited for this project with great anticipation. Ladye grew up on this music, her dad (a guest musician on this CD) having played in big bands. Her feel and sense for the music is obvious, and her pure soprano makes a perfect match. Reggie Smith could quite possibly be one of the best kept male vocalist secrets across any genre (see the couple's MySpace page for more proof)...he's emotive, versatile and stylish. Put the two together and it doesn't get much better than that.
I'm sure my late dad would have given these his stamp of approval.
There are two recent releases done in big band or orchestrated style that are most definitely worth listening to. One is Mark Lowry's "I Love To Tell the Story" hymns CD which I discussed here. The other is a new CD by Reggie and Ladye Love Smith, two superb singers you probably are most familiar with from the Gaither Homecoming videos. Their new release, aptly called "Standards", is a collection of covers of some of the classic big band/easy listening standards, such as "It Had To Be You", "All of Me", and many others. I heard Reggie and Ladye sing some of this music at the first Mark Lowry Senior Trip, with Rory Partin and his orchestra. They did an amazing job and I waited for this project with great anticipation. Ladye grew up on this music, her dad (a guest musician on this CD) having played in big bands. Her feel and sense for the music is obvious, and her pure soprano makes a perfect match. Reggie Smith could quite possibly be one of the best kept male vocalist secrets across any genre (see the couple's MySpace page for more proof)...he's emotive, versatile and stylish. Put the two together and it doesn't get much better than that.
I'm sure my late dad would have given these his stamp of approval.
Saturday, September 29, 2007
Beatles-A-Rama
I've found a great online station to listen to. It's called Beatles-A-Rama--it plays all Beatles songs, Beatles solo work, outtakes, interview clips, related artists, cover songs and "Beatle-esque" songs by artists that are Beatles-influenced. It will also play "British Invasion" era songs, a touch which I think effectively sets the scene for what it felt like to experience that time period...nostalgic if you're in my age group, and educational if you weren't born yet.
If you are a Beatles fan, it can be addicting. 40 years later, there's something just so comforting about those early Beatles songs. Maybe it's because I was lucky enough to grow up in that era. As a youngster I was swept up in the moptop frenzy, but bottom line I believe the music endures because these guys were great singers, great songwriters and fine musicians.
Listening to this station introduced me to a lot of the solo work I'd never heard. Paul is a pop craftsman, John's is soul-bearing transparency, George has some of the most interesting and introspective work, and Ringo is endearing and entertaining. I've also checked out an artist or two played in the "Beatle-esque" category that impressed me.
Take a listen, but be warned--it may be hard to pull yourself away.
If you are a Beatles fan, it can be addicting. 40 years later, there's something just so comforting about those early Beatles songs. Maybe it's because I was lucky enough to grow up in that era. As a youngster I was swept up in the moptop frenzy, but bottom line I believe the music endures because these guys were great singers, great songwriters and fine musicians.
Listening to this station introduced me to a lot of the solo work I'd never heard. Paul is a pop craftsman, John's is soul-bearing transparency, George has some of the most interesting and introspective work, and Ringo is endearing and entertaining. I've also checked out an artist or two played in the "Beatle-esque" category that impressed me.
Take a listen, but be warned--it may be hard to pull yourself away.
Monday, September 10, 2007
Birthday Weekend
Well, I must say that this birthday has been the best since my 50th, when my co-workers at the time completely covered my desk with 50th birthday paraphrenalia. I had little "50s" coming out of my keyboard for months. My favorite thing, though, was the sign that one of my co-worker's daughter made: Wow, the big 50. I kept that one.
Anywho...this weekend was quite awesome. It started with a dessert get-together with some friends. I got a bunch of cards, little gifts, even one from someone I'd just met that evening who stopped over. One highlight was when two songwriter friends came and showed their musical magic to those friends of mine also new to town or otherwise not part of my musical circle of singer/songwriters.
I had a good long lunch with a friend Sunday and then the icing on the cake: a concert by Gordon Mote and Buddy Greene with Jeff Taylor (a/k/a "Michael Card's twin brother"). The crowd was smaller than expected due to rain, but no matter: their sets were incredible. I snuck in the door while the soundcheck was going on. Most people who hear the end results probably don't realize just how much preparation goes into the technical aspects of the sound. When some level is off, the artists know exactly what's needed to get it right in terms I and my untrained ears haven't a clue about.
Gordon Mote continues to amaze me with the level of his vocal and keyboard talent. Having heard Buddy Greene in a full bluegrass concert (see my Nashville Blend blog for a report) and then switch gears in this gospel themed concert showed me again how impressively versatile this man is. Once again, he was beautifully supported by Jeff.
We were even treated to some special guest singers: Kimberly Mote, Gordon's wife, due with a new baby this month (if this gal ever cuts her own album, she will be very major in the Christian music area--you heard it here first); Wes Hampton of the Gaither Vocal Band who was in the audience with his family (one of the most down to earth persons I've met in the Southern Gospel arena...as are all of those who performed this evening); and former Florida Boys bass Gene McDonald, handling bus duties for Gordon. If that all were not enough, Buddy and the players sang Happy Birthday to me from the stage. Wow. What else could a person ask for.
Man, I love this town.
I also got tons of birthday e-mails, message board posts and my MySpace page is covered with comments. I am not accustomed to such attention, self-celebration having been the norm for me for so many years. I humbly thank you all.
Did I mention I love Nashville??
Anywho...this weekend was quite awesome. It started with a dessert get-together with some friends. I got a bunch of cards, little gifts, even one from someone I'd just met that evening who stopped over. One highlight was when two songwriter friends came and showed their musical magic to those friends of mine also new to town or otherwise not part of my musical circle of singer/songwriters.
I had a good long lunch with a friend Sunday and then the icing on the cake: a concert by Gordon Mote and Buddy Greene with Jeff Taylor (a/k/a "Michael Card's twin brother"). The crowd was smaller than expected due to rain, but no matter: their sets were incredible. I snuck in the door while the soundcheck was going on. Most people who hear the end results probably don't realize just how much preparation goes into the technical aspects of the sound. When some level is off, the artists know exactly what's needed to get it right in terms I and my untrained ears haven't a clue about.
Gordon Mote continues to amaze me with the level of his vocal and keyboard talent. Having heard Buddy Greene in a full bluegrass concert (see my Nashville Blend blog for a report) and then switch gears in this gospel themed concert showed me again how impressively versatile this man is. Once again, he was beautifully supported by Jeff.
We were even treated to some special guest singers: Kimberly Mote, Gordon's wife, due with a new baby this month (if this gal ever cuts her own album, she will be very major in the Christian music area--you heard it here first); Wes Hampton of the Gaither Vocal Band who was in the audience with his family (one of the most down to earth persons I've met in the Southern Gospel arena...as are all of those who performed this evening); and former Florida Boys bass Gene McDonald, handling bus duties for Gordon. If that all were not enough, Buddy and the players sang Happy Birthday to me from the stage. Wow. What else could a person ask for.
Man, I love this town.
I also got tons of birthday e-mails, message board posts and my MySpace page is covered with comments. I am not accustomed to such attention, self-celebration having been the norm for me for so many years. I humbly thank you all.
Did I mention I love Nashville??
Monday, September 03, 2007
My Birthday Poem
I am having a birthday this coming weekend. I've gotten some cool gifts in my time, but my friend Teresa pretty much nailed my Nashville journey in this poem she wrote for me. Enjoy.
Wendy's Birthday
It's time for Wendy V's big day
And happy birthday is what I want to say.
This year's been a busy one for my friend
Exploring the streets of Nashville from morn til days end.
Just think, last year at about this time
She was asking for God to give her a sign.
A big move she was wanting to make
And decided to do it standing by faith.
Nashville was beckoning for her to come
To hear the music and have lots of fun.
One day some friends offered to lend her a hand
And packed up her stuff into a rented van.
After some misadventures she was on her way
And Wendy was in Nashville in a couple of days.
A new apartment awaited for her to arrive
Where unknown opportunities would begin in her life.
Now Wendy's having her first birthday in Tennessee
I forget how many this will be, fifty one, two or three?
If you want to celebrate with her and don't know where she's at,
Just look through the crowd until you see a red hat.
I'm sure she can be found waiting in a concert line
Trying to be first so a good seat she'll find.
Her dreams of living in Nashville finally came true.
And I want to say congratulations and happy birthday too.
© 2007 Teresa Hicks Banda
Reprinted with permission
Wendy's Birthday
It's time for Wendy V's big day
And happy birthday is what I want to say.
This year's been a busy one for my friend
Exploring the streets of Nashville from morn til days end.
Just think, last year at about this time
She was asking for God to give her a sign.
A big move she was wanting to make
And decided to do it standing by faith.
Nashville was beckoning for her to come
To hear the music and have lots of fun.
One day some friends offered to lend her a hand
And packed up her stuff into a rented van.
After some misadventures she was on her way
And Wendy was in Nashville in a couple of days.
A new apartment awaited for her to arrive
Where unknown opportunities would begin in her life.
Now Wendy's having her first birthday in Tennessee
I forget how many this will be, fifty one, two or three?
If you want to celebrate with her and don't know where she's at,
Just look through the crowd until you see a red hat.
I'm sure she can be found waiting in a concert line
Trying to be first so a good seat she'll find.
Her dreams of living in Nashville finally came true.
And I want to say congratulations and happy birthday too.
© 2007 Teresa Hicks Banda
Reprinted with permission
Sunday, September 02, 2007
Different...But OK
We're now into Labor Day weekend as I write this. In St. Paul, the Minnesota State Fair would be just wrapping up. It's the first one I've missed in 18 years. But of course, I have a good excuse since I'm now living in Nashville. Yet, it was still a bit strange not being there. Usually I'd be making my way to the media booths, going to the live broadcasts of the local TV news broadcasts and offering a word of encouragement to the reporters if the opportunity arose. One of my yearly rituals was going to the Morning Show radio broadcast at the Minnesota Public Radio booth. This time, I was there virtually via streaming radio...so at least I didn't miss it entirely.
I must note, however, it dawned on me that I did survive not having my fix of a bucket of french fries, foot long hot dogs and malts from the dairy barn.
The weather has finally cooled here in Nashville, so I took a walk with my IPod phone. Some of the songs I'd listen to as I walked along the Mississppi River path down Shepard Road in St. Paul popped up, and momentarily my mind went back there. But now there are new places and paths to walk. Nashville is home now, I have a sense of place and settlement here. I'm looking forward to discovering even more and building new rituals.
I must note, however, it dawned on me that I did survive not having my fix of a bucket of french fries, foot long hot dogs and malts from the dairy barn.
The weather has finally cooled here in Nashville, so I took a walk with my IPod phone. Some of the songs I'd listen to as I walked along the Mississppi River path down Shepard Road in St. Paul popped up, and momentarily my mind went back there. But now there are new places and paths to walk. Nashville is home now, I have a sense of place and settlement here. I'm looking forward to discovering even more and building new rituals.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
The opposite of Minnesota is...
Instead of two weeks of below zero wind chills, in middle Tennessee we are dealing with two weeks of 100 degree temperatures and heat indexes.
There are a few similarities here for me. Deceptively beautiful blue skies may lure you outdoors, but you don't want to stay out for very long because, instead of stiffening up and feeling like you're turning to ice in a Minnesota winter, here you are soaking wet after just taking a few steps. But as there are hale and hearty Minnesotans who don't let the cold stop them, folks here are still going to county fairs and other outside events despite the heat.
And just like in the winter in Minnesota where my weight goes up because I don't want to walk in the cold, here I am putting on weight now because walking is too uncomfortable.
It doesn't snow in Minnesota too much during a deep freeze because they say it's too cold. Here, we've seen very little if any rain over the past couple of weeks.
But, just like Minnesota weather, it will all change eventually if you stick it out. Won't it?
There are a few similarities here for me. Deceptively beautiful blue skies may lure you outdoors, but you don't want to stay out for very long because, instead of stiffening up and feeling like you're turning to ice in a Minnesota winter, here you are soaking wet after just taking a few steps. But as there are hale and hearty Minnesotans who don't let the cold stop them, folks here are still going to county fairs and other outside events despite the heat.
And just like in the winter in Minnesota where my weight goes up because I don't want to walk in the cold, here I am putting on weight now because walking is too uncomfortable.
It doesn't snow in Minnesota too much during a deep freeze because they say it's too cold. Here, we've seen very little if any rain over the past couple of weeks.
But, just like Minnesota weather, it will all change eventually if you stick it out. Won't it?
Thursday, August 02, 2007
Bridge collapse
The shockwave of the I-35 bridge collapse in Minneapolis was felt across the country. I know the area well, of course, it's in the U of MN area and it's just unimaginable to me. Please pray for all those involved. Because I lived and worked in St. Paul and am a freeway chicken, I would not have been in that area during rush hour in the last couple of years.
Update: all of my close friends have checked in with me and all were safe, thank God.
I've had occasion the past few days to meet new people and tell them I moved to Nashville from St. Paul, MN. It used to be when I'd say that, people would ask me about the cold weather. Now, they ask me about the bridge.
Probably the must surreal thing for me about it all was watching Channel 5 in the Twin Cities webcast their news online. Just as I would have watched from home if I were still in St. Paul. That made me realize that as much as I love my new life here in Nashville, nonetheless the Twin Cities and I are still connected.
Update: all of my close friends have checked in with me and all were safe, thank God.
I've had occasion the past few days to meet new people and tell them I moved to Nashville from St. Paul, MN. It used to be when I'd say that, people would ask me about the cold weather. Now, they ask me about the bridge.
Probably the must surreal thing for me about it all was watching Channel 5 in the Twin Cities webcast their news online. Just as I would have watched from home if I were still in St. Paul. That made me realize that as much as I love my new life here in Nashville, nonetheless the Twin Cities and I are still connected.
Sunday, July 15, 2007
More oldies, more often
It's been great hearing WCBS-FM back on the air in New York City (via webstream for me, of course), and even better reading the comments by listeners from all over the place on the message boards. The outpouring of support, and emotions, from folks is really something to behold. If people thought radio was something to take for granted and doesn't have the ability to touch the listeners' souls, these posts will prove otherwise.
But I must say, also on the dial in New York is a great show on Saturday night that I never had a chance to listen to until last night. I know these things are around, but I always have to be reminded to actually get in and listen. WABC, one of the great classic top 40 stations of all time in its heyday, sets aside its now talk format on Saturday nights for a Saturday Night Oldies show hosted by Mark Simone, a DJ I also listened to for many years. It will actually serve as a complement to CBS-FM, as it plays songs that fall outside of CBS' 60s-80s format. Anyhow, last night the guest was the great Dan Ingram. His wit was as quick as ever, and the audience was clearly thrilled to hear him again.
It's been a great week. The spaghetti days end on Monday as I take on a new long term temp assignment which should be interesting. But I sure was glad to be freed up last Thursday and Friday to hear radio history happen.
But I must say, also on the dial in New York is a great show on Saturday night that I never had a chance to listen to until last night. I know these things are around, but I always have to be reminded to actually get in and listen. WABC, one of the great classic top 40 stations of all time in its heyday, sets aside its now talk format on Saturday nights for a Saturday Night Oldies show hosted by Mark Simone, a DJ I also listened to for many years. It will actually serve as a complement to CBS-FM, as it plays songs that fall outside of CBS' 60s-80s format. Anyhow, last night the guest was the great Dan Ingram. His wit was as quick as ever, and the audience was clearly thrilled to hear him again.
It's been a great week. The spaghetti days end on Monday as I take on a new long term temp assignment which should be interesting. But I sure was glad to be freed up last Thursday and Friday to hear radio history happen.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Oldies Fans Vindicated In NYC
It's a great day for oldies fans in New York today.
Two years ago, the heart was ripped out of New York oldies fans (and some of us long-distance transplants elsewhere) when its beloved legendary station WCBS-FM was "JACK-ed" to the mixed music format and all of its air personalities gone without a chance to say goodbye. It was like a death in the family to many of us who loved the station and its jocks. We feared it may be gone forever.
But, two things happened. First, the audience continued to speak and remain fiercely loyal, due in part to a New York Radio Message Board forum provided by Allan Sniffen. That gave fans a vehicle in which to continue to share with one another and carry the flame for the music they loved. Second, JACK-FM's ratings in New York continued to slide. Ultimately, CBS Radio President Dan Mason had the courage and vision to right a wrong and restore WCBS-FM's format with a 60s-80s playlist and the return of some of the familiar names like Bob Shannon, Mr. G, Dan Taylor and others. One person said Mason should be given a parade on 5th Avenue.
For me, it's just not New York City without WCBS-FM. It was like cutting a big chunk out of the city and throwing it into Long Island Sound or something. When I would fly into New York on my way to Connecticut to see family, the one thing I looked forward to the most was getting on the Metro North train and tuning my radio into WCBS-FM and enjoying it for as long as I could until the signal started to fade.
WCBS-FM officially returns to the airwaves at 1:01 p.m. Eastern time today. Nice work, everyone who made this happen.
Two years ago, the heart was ripped out of New York oldies fans (and some of us long-distance transplants elsewhere) when its beloved legendary station WCBS-FM was "JACK-ed" to the mixed music format and all of its air personalities gone without a chance to say goodbye. It was like a death in the family to many of us who loved the station and its jocks. We feared it may be gone forever.
But, two things happened. First, the audience continued to speak and remain fiercely loyal, due in part to a New York Radio Message Board forum provided by Allan Sniffen. That gave fans a vehicle in which to continue to share with one another and carry the flame for the music they loved. Second, JACK-FM's ratings in New York continued to slide. Ultimately, CBS Radio President Dan Mason had the courage and vision to right a wrong and restore WCBS-FM's format with a 60s-80s playlist and the return of some of the familiar names like Bob Shannon, Mr. G, Dan Taylor and others. One person said Mason should be given a parade on 5th Avenue.
For me, it's just not New York City without WCBS-FM. It was like cutting a big chunk out of the city and throwing it into Long Island Sound or something. When I would fly into New York on my way to Connecticut to see family, the one thing I looked forward to the most was getting on the Metro North train and tuning my radio into WCBS-FM and enjoying it for as long as I could until the signal started to fade.
WCBS-FM officially returns to the airwaves at 1:01 p.m. Eastern time today. Nice work, everyone who made this happen.
Thursday, July 05, 2007
4th of July week
Hope all had a happy 4th of July holiday. I watched the Nashville celebration at Riverfront Park on TV rather than go down there live. CMA week was still fresh in mind for me. The sound was a bit off in spots and the cameras should have been showing shots of the fireworks in places they were focusing on the orchestra members, but it was good. I remember watching this event a couple of years past on TV and wishing I was living there. Who knew. In fact, I did a little driving around earlier yesterday, with not a lot of traffic, with WSM on the radio, and just thinking about how much I am enjoying life here, even in the midst of spaghetti days.
Pondering: I wondered how many of those orchestra members, most of whom had their backs to all the fireworks action, were tempted to take their eyes off their scores and take a peek at what was going on? I'm sure they are all very professional and very focused. All the same, it made me curious.
I did take in one event this week and another coming up later but I will detail those in the Nashville Blend blog as soon as the second one is done.
Update on the last post on the Mark and Tony taping: there is some backstage footage of the taping at marklowry.com . Thanks, guys, for the two seconds of fame!
Pondering: I wondered how many of those orchestra members, most of whom had their backs to all the fireworks action, were tempted to take their eyes off their scores and take a peek at what was going on? I'm sure they are all very professional and very focused. All the same, it made me curious.
I did take in one event this week and another coming up later but I will detail those in the Nashville Blend blog as soon as the second one is done.
Update on the last post on the Mark and Tony taping: there is some backstage footage of the taping at marklowry.com . Thanks, guys, for the two seconds of fame!
Saturday, June 23, 2007
Saturdays With Mark and Tony-Live
Being that I have some free time these days, I was up to a weekend road trip to Stockbridge, GA for a live taping of Mark Lowry and Tony Campolo's internet video podcast "Saturdays With Mark and Tony". It was held at a warm and friendly little church called the Village Church. Special guest along with Mark and Tony was arranger/producer Paul Johnson, who just finished up Mark's upcoming CD "I Love To Tell the Story", adding some great theological insights to the many topics.
Questions from the audience sparked some of the topics over the 5 hour or so taping. I won't give you complete details because I don't want to be a spoiler and I want you to see the shows when they are aired (and it's hard to keep up when the discussion gets going). But here are some topics you can look forward to:
- Justice and the USA's role in the world
- Full revelation of God in Christ
- How can we integrate the church racially, socially, economically, etc.?
- Why does God not always allow us to use the gifts He gave us?
- Can prayer change God's mind?
- What happens when you die?
There were also specific questions for Mark about certain aspects of his career. Afterward, we celebrated Mark's 49th birthday this weekend.
Tony Campolo amazes me. No matter what subject or question you throw at him, he's able to speak at length about it knowledgably and articulately. I couldn't help but ask him if he's ever been stumped on these occasions, and he told me no--at age 72, he says, he's just about dealt with it all.
If the taping weren't enough, Sunday was the inclusion of Mark and Tony in the Village Church's Sunday morning service. What a thrill it must have been for this sweet church to have these two minister. Mark seemed genuinely touched that a number of people came from outside of Georgia to be there to hear him and Tony. Mark sang the "Heaven medley" and "Unfinished Hymn (Come To Jesus)" (Paul Johnson accompanied Mark on piano for the latter song) and by request, "Mary Did You Know". I'm not sure I can adequately describe Mark's singing. It was beautiful, passionate, emotional. He was so incredible that I had to catch my breath. Tony Campolo gave a typically dynamic sermon that went down so many wonderful roads including prayer, seeing Jesus in the eyes of a homeless person offering a cup of coffee, and the thought that "the King has one more move!"
Update: You can now experience this service on the Village Church's website media page.
It was also a special pleasure to meet and visit with Peggy Campolo, a gentle soul with a strong ministry in her own right.
(As a side note--we headed out quickly to make it to a wonderful closer to this weekend, a concert by LordSong at a Nashville church. Their music and ministry was effective and powerful. Those folks have great hearts. An excellent review of this concert can be found at averyfineline.com . )
Sunday, June 17, 2007
Spaghetti Days
It's been an interesting week.
I make it a policy not to discuss job things here, but let's say that this past week I returned to what author and entrepreneurial hero Barbara Winter calls "spaghetti days". For me, it's been a good thing. I must say I've missed those days of my first month here where I've been able to spend mornings awash in the beauty of my surroundings and get out and walk (and now that it's hot enough, swim now and then). But eventually, bills must be paid...and they will be. Some people believe I should go back to "settling" for any job that will pay the bills, regardless of the personal price (been there, done that). After this past week, I am choosing to believe that I have a right to something better. Why shouldn't I be happy and hold out for something that I will enjoy and want to go into with the enthusiasm of a racehorse wanting to belt out of the starting gate at the Belmont?
I also realized this week that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Some circumstances that I thought might be different here in Nashville looks like they will be the same as when I was back in Minnesota. But it's okay. The weather's warmer here. The music's great. It's all good.
I make it a policy not to discuss job things here, but let's say that this past week I returned to what author and entrepreneurial hero Barbara Winter calls "spaghetti days". For me, it's been a good thing. I must say I've missed those days of my first month here where I've been able to spend mornings awash in the beauty of my surroundings and get out and walk (and now that it's hot enough, swim now and then). But eventually, bills must be paid...and they will be. Some people believe I should go back to "settling" for any job that will pay the bills, regardless of the personal price (been there, done that). After this past week, I am choosing to believe that I have a right to something better. Why shouldn't I be happy and hold out for something that I will enjoy and want to go into with the enthusiasm of a racehorse wanting to belt out of the starting gate at the Belmont?
I also realized this week that the more things change, the more they stay the same. Some circumstances that I thought might be different here in Nashville looks like they will be the same as when I was back in Minnesota. But it's okay. The weather's warmer here. The music's great. It's all good.
Friday, June 08, 2007
CMA Fest-My Full Take
Last year I decided that whether I was living in Nashville at this time or not, I was going to experience the CMA Music Festival and got me a four day pass. Well, I am living here and life got busy...so I decided I'd have to skip one day to work and sleep in between.
I did not realize that the artists perform at the festival free and proceeds are donated toward education. That is a great thing. That said and acknowledged, I must say after my initial experience that while the music's been great, there were a few things that disappointed me. Unfortunately, you have to for the most part make a choice between catching the great shows out at Riverfront Park or going through the autograph lines to meet artists at the exhibit halls. This is not as easy as it looks on TV. To do this, you have to stand in line for an hour very early in the morning to get through the doors of the convention center. Then once you are inside, you have to wait another hour for the exhibit doors to open up and snatch up tickets for autograph lines. If you don't have a ticket, it's difficult to get a place in line. It was also true for some non-ticketed signings. I was turned away in at least three places where lines were smaller, sometimes rudely (but it didn't stop me from taking a picture). At some booths, it was hard to figure out just where the line was because fans were standing in one spot and people were holding ropes somewhere else...so then you get accused of line-cutting. I did make it through to Jamie O'Neal, one artist I most wanted to hear at CMA. It would have been a shame to miss the chance to offer her a word of support just because I also wanted to hear her show.
Once I got to LP Field the first evening, I wondered if I'd ever get to my seat. I had a seat at the club level and there was no clear signage inside on how to get up there. I asked no less than five staff event people how to get there and not a one could answer my question. My thanks to the young lady who worked at the gift shop who gave me the proper directions. And yes, I found the outside club entrance for the next evening. All the concerts I went to were great, even though the sound quality varied at times. My personal favorite of the acts on the big stage: Big and Rich.
With one day under my belt, I had a few things figured out for the next couple of days--like how to get back toward downtown when leaving the concert because you can't get out the way you came in (I almost feared I'd be pushed onto the freeway, which would have struck terror in my heart at 11:30 pm). And, one thing most of us realized--drink LOTS of water and have plenty of dollar bills to buy it, because you can't take it with you.
If you go and are spending time at the convention center, take in the acoustic stage and you'll hear some very fine acts who deserve your attention, like Rachel Williams, who I caught on Thursday. While roaming the exhibit hall floor, I also sought out artists who didn't have long lines, to give them a word of encouragement. I met Roni Stoneman of the well-respected musical Stoneman Family, the awesome bluegrass family act Cherryholmes, and a lovely gentleman named Will Clements. Unfortunately, his acoustic set was scheduled when I couldn't make it...but I will certainly remember him and check out his music sometime.
The sun was a little too intense for me to spend any long period of time at the Riverfront Park over the weekend, so I decided to shell out and take in two shows which were going on at the Ryman: the Grand Ole Opry matinee on Saturday and Sunday Mornin' Country. They were both great shows and a welcome respite from the exhibit hall madness. Saturday's Opry Matinee was not broadcast so no ads in between...I kinda missed the Martha White Flour theme. "Sunday Mornin' Country" was a gospel concert featuring a mix of artists from Connie Smith to Chris Young and a host of others known in the country gospel circles. Connie Smith did a brief signing after the show. She is a stunningly beautiful woman.
I thought my biggest fear I mentioned earlier might happen on Sunday when I asked one policeman how to get back to downtown after the show (since they blocked the street I came in toward downtown on Saturday --I got a little creative and found an alternate route. I wasn't completely sure how I pulled it off). This cop said I had no choice but to go on to the freeway. It's not bad, he says, just get off the first exit to downtown. Hmm...didn't look that easy to me on a map. So, I got a second opinion from another policeman and he told me to go the way that I figured out last night. I did, and aside from a brief wrong turn, it worked. That's why the BellSouth building with the two antenna things is my favorite one in downtown Nashville. It's anchored me many a time when I wasn't sure where I was going. So nice try, cop #1, but freeway, schmeeway.
A few other random observations:
- Nicest artists I did meet over the course of the weekend: Bill Anderson (who gets my top vote. I told him I moved here from St. Paul and he keyed right into it with quips about the winters and the St. Paul Winter Carnival Ice Palace), Ralph Emery, Brad Cotter, Con Hunley, Kassie DePaiva of One Life To Live (getting a country music career going), Jason Meadows, a young lady named Joanna Smith and the aforementioned Roni Stoneman, Rachel Williams and Will Clements. They were the ones to take time to do more than sign and push you through, and acknowledge you when you gave them an encouraging word. For the record, I only went through lines that were manageable, so I'm not comparing to, say, a Carrie Underwood type line that went on for hours, where you understandably couldn't expect any response.
- Some of the staff managing the lines could be more organized and a little less heavy-handed. I went to one fellow's booth to try to hear some of his CD samples and got a steady eagle eye kept on me from someone working the Nashville Star booth next to him where the Hacker siblings were signing...she was making sure I wasn't going to jump in and cut that line, I guess. Sheesh.
Despite the fact that the music was great, would I do CMA fest again next year? Right now I'd have to say no. I'm just not cut out for all the driving hassles, lines, lack of rest, lack of healthier food fare and needed endurance. I think I'll watch it all on TV instead and stick to the smaller gigs.
I did not realize that the artists perform at the festival free and proceeds are donated toward education. That is a great thing. That said and acknowledged, I must say after my initial experience that while the music's been great, there were a few things that disappointed me. Unfortunately, you have to for the most part make a choice between catching the great shows out at Riverfront Park or going through the autograph lines to meet artists at the exhibit halls. This is not as easy as it looks on TV. To do this, you have to stand in line for an hour very early in the morning to get through the doors of the convention center. Then once you are inside, you have to wait another hour for the exhibit doors to open up and snatch up tickets for autograph lines. If you don't have a ticket, it's difficult to get a place in line. It was also true for some non-ticketed signings. I was turned away in at least three places where lines were smaller, sometimes rudely (but it didn't stop me from taking a picture). At some booths, it was hard to figure out just where the line was because fans were standing in one spot and people were holding ropes somewhere else...so then you get accused of line-cutting. I did make it through to Jamie O'Neal, one artist I most wanted to hear at CMA. It would have been a shame to miss the chance to offer her a word of support just because I also wanted to hear her show.
Once I got to LP Field the first evening, I wondered if I'd ever get to my seat. I had a seat at the club level and there was no clear signage inside on how to get up there. I asked no less than five staff event people how to get there and not a one could answer my question. My thanks to the young lady who worked at the gift shop who gave me the proper directions. And yes, I found the outside club entrance for the next evening. All the concerts I went to were great, even though the sound quality varied at times. My personal favorite of the acts on the big stage: Big and Rich.
With one day under my belt, I had a few things figured out for the next couple of days--like how to get back toward downtown when leaving the concert because you can't get out the way you came in (I almost feared I'd be pushed onto the freeway, which would have struck terror in my heart at 11:30 pm). And, one thing most of us realized--drink LOTS of water and have plenty of dollar bills to buy it, because you can't take it with you.
If you go and are spending time at the convention center, take in the acoustic stage and you'll hear some very fine acts who deserve your attention, like Rachel Williams, who I caught on Thursday. While roaming the exhibit hall floor, I also sought out artists who didn't have long lines, to give them a word of encouragement. I met Roni Stoneman of the well-respected musical Stoneman Family, the awesome bluegrass family act Cherryholmes, and a lovely gentleman named Will Clements. Unfortunately, his acoustic set was scheduled when I couldn't make it...but I will certainly remember him and check out his music sometime.
The sun was a little too intense for me to spend any long period of time at the Riverfront Park over the weekend, so I decided to shell out and take in two shows which were going on at the Ryman: the Grand Ole Opry matinee on Saturday and Sunday Mornin' Country. They were both great shows and a welcome respite from the exhibit hall madness. Saturday's Opry Matinee was not broadcast so no ads in between...I kinda missed the Martha White Flour theme. "Sunday Mornin' Country" was a gospel concert featuring a mix of artists from Connie Smith to Chris Young and a host of others known in the country gospel circles. Connie Smith did a brief signing after the show. She is a stunningly beautiful woman.
I thought my biggest fear I mentioned earlier might happen on Sunday when I asked one policeman how to get back to downtown after the show (since they blocked the street I came in toward downtown on Saturday --I got a little creative and found an alternate route. I wasn't completely sure how I pulled it off). This cop said I had no choice but to go on to the freeway. It's not bad, he says, just get off the first exit to downtown. Hmm...didn't look that easy to me on a map. So, I got a second opinion from another policeman and he told me to go the way that I figured out last night. I did, and aside from a brief wrong turn, it worked. That's why the BellSouth building with the two antenna things is my favorite one in downtown Nashville. It's anchored me many a time when I wasn't sure where I was going. So nice try, cop #1, but freeway, schmeeway.
A few other random observations:
- Nicest artists I did meet over the course of the weekend: Bill Anderson (who gets my top vote. I told him I moved here from St. Paul and he keyed right into it with quips about the winters and the St. Paul Winter Carnival Ice Palace), Ralph Emery, Brad Cotter, Con Hunley, Kassie DePaiva of One Life To Live (getting a country music career going), Jason Meadows, a young lady named Joanna Smith and the aforementioned Roni Stoneman, Rachel Williams and Will Clements. They were the ones to take time to do more than sign and push you through, and acknowledge you when you gave them an encouraging word. For the record, I only went through lines that were manageable, so I'm not comparing to, say, a Carrie Underwood type line that went on for hours, where you understandably couldn't expect any response.
- Some of the staff managing the lines could be more organized and a little less heavy-handed. I went to one fellow's booth to try to hear some of his CD samples and got a steady eagle eye kept on me from someone working the Nashville Star booth next to him where the Hacker siblings were signing...she was making sure I wasn't going to jump in and cut that line, I guess. Sheesh.
Despite the fact that the music was great, would I do CMA fest again next year? Right now I'd have to say no. I'm just not cut out for all the driving hassles, lines, lack of rest, lack of healthier food fare and needed endurance. I think I'll watch it all on TV instead and stick to the smaller gigs.
Tuesday, June 05, 2007
Wild week to come...
I think it was a couple of years ago or so I posted about having "8 days of insanity", a week long stretch of engagements, travel or whatnot without much of a break in between. I've got a week like that coming up. I'm attending a songwriter showcase where I will be speaking briefly, then there's the four days of the CMA music festival. It's my first time attending, so I have no idea how good my endurance will be. We're talking long days and late nights. I may not want to do it again after this, but hey, with my first year in Nashville, I just couldn't pass it up. I may pass on Friday because I do need to rest (and have a day job). For those looking for updates, if I have time in between I will try to post either here or in the Nashville Blend blog...but I won't see much of my e-mail during then, so I will have to get back to you later.
Sunday, May 27, 2007
Busy, busy
I've been busy and believe it or not, I have added yet another blog: Wendy V's Nashville Blend. It really was just a matter of time before I started this up. After attending a couple of events so far, I knew I had to get to work in showing support for the great talent I've been hearing out here. I pray that it has the kind of helpful impact eventually that "Local Blend" I did for the Twin Cities music community did.
The weather here has been spectacular for the past couple of weeks. Sunny and in the 80s. If it rained, it didn't last long.
My car is not doing well, though. I don't know if Father Time is catching up with her finally at 11 years or if she is making a rough transition to Nashville, but she is coming up with more ailments. Keep her, and my budget, in your prayers.
I was taking the car out yesterday morning to get checked, and on the way out I saw one of our nature attractions where I live, a duck family of a big mama or papa duck (whichever--I don't know, but it's got a big green neck) leading five other little duckies out for a walk. I forgot my watch and had to go back and get it. By the time I was leaving my building, there was the whole ducky family right out in the middle of a very busy road in harm's way. I wasn't going in their direction, but here I was with my window open and yelling at them "get out of the road". (I don't know if they would have listened to me. They aren't real friendly to people--I tried to take their picture once and the big ducks started to try to chase me, so I hightailed it outta there.) I wonder what the other cars did. Apparently they were unscathed as they were back in their usual spot later in the day.
The weather here has been spectacular for the past couple of weeks. Sunny and in the 80s. If it rained, it didn't last long.
My car is not doing well, though. I don't know if Father Time is catching up with her finally at 11 years or if she is making a rough transition to Nashville, but she is coming up with more ailments. Keep her, and my budget, in your prayers.
I was taking the car out yesterday morning to get checked, and on the way out I saw one of our nature attractions where I live, a duck family of a big mama or papa duck (whichever--I don't know, but it's got a big green neck) leading five other little duckies out for a walk. I forgot my watch and had to go back and get it. By the time I was leaving my building, there was the whole ducky family right out in the middle of a very busy road in harm's way. I wasn't going in their direction, but here I was with my window open and yelling at them "get out of the road". (I don't know if they would have listened to me. They aren't real friendly to people--I tried to take their picture once and the big ducks started to try to chase me, so I hightailed it outta there.) I wonder what the other cars did. Apparently they were unscathed as they were back in their usual spot later in the day.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
Think I'm Giving Up Walking
Today I took a walk at lunch to try to get to the post office. Well, I tried to walk, anyway. But, I ended up running. Running across streets, because you can't walk without risking getting hit, and dodging cars so you don't get bumped along the road by cars because there are no sidewalks in most of these spots.
Being a pedestrian in Nashville is as tricky for me as driving in traffic. I have never seen a city that is so car-oriented. No walk up ATMs at the banks...have to do business from your car. Also, I tried out a Sonic drive in--on foot. It took a few minutes for me to figure out that you can place an order if you walk up, so long as you're willing to eat outside if you stay. Otherwise, you drive up and order from your car. The burger was very good.
And yes, people have told me they go only a block or so for lunch by car...'cause I guess you can't do it on foot. I tried that and cheated death and injury a few times. So, I'm considering biting the bullet and doing the same. Thus, so much for losing weight from walking.
Being a pedestrian in Nashville is as tricky for me as driving in traffic. I have never seen a city that is so car-oriented. No walk up ATMs at the banks...have to do business from your car. Also, I tried out a Sonic drive in--on foot. It took a few minutes for me to figure out that you can place an order if you walk up, so long as you're willing to eat outside if you stay. Otherwise, you drive up and order from your car. The burger was very good.
And yes, people have told me they go only a block or so for lunch by car...'cause I guess you can't do it on foot. I tried that and cheated death and injury a few times. So, I'm considering biting the bullet and doing the same. Thus, so much for losing weight from walking.
Sunday, May 13, 2007
Getting Around and Getting Along
I've been in Nashville six weeks now and still loving it. I am slowly making progress on making my apartment livable. I found a couple of furniture pieces at yard sales and did some creative purchases to come up with inexpensive options. For example, instead of a big dining table, I bought one of those personal folding tables and a decent looking folding chair, threw a tablecloth on the table and there you go--a mini dining space. I'm still on the lookout for a couple of other items that will help me avoid having to buy things you have to assemble. That's not one of my talents.
For a lot of folks who think of Minnesota, the standout is cold and snow. For me, besides the music here in Nashville, it's the traffic. I never thought I'd say this, but I almost started to miss the buses in the Twin Cities.
I just finished my first week at the job I'm doing and it's supposed to be a short distance. But, it's taken me 15-20 minutes each way during rush hour (and yes, people here say "that's not traffic" and I should be thankful). I've spent the first week trying to figure out the best way to get there and back. The commute home was interesting. One way I was stuck in the middle of an intersection twice on a red light because there are too many cars to always keep moving. Scary. Then I was forced onto the freeway on another route because two left turn only lanes appeared out of nowhere and I got stuck in one (if you aren't in the lane you need to be in out here, you're outta luck --there's no getting over). Even scarier for me. I got off the first exit I could and then spent 30 minutes bumper to bumper from the exit to the road leading to my street. Left turns are a crapshoot coming or going from my place or other areas where there's no turn arrow. So many times, I have to turn right and pick out a turnaround spot someplace when you can go left and spin around so you're heading right.
But, I'm learning. Believe it or not, my Geo is almost at it's second thousand miles since it got here (which would make it 17,000 miles).
Other than that, life here has been pretty seamless. The busyness I always had going on in MN is starting to happen here and the calendar's filling up. If I spend too much time reading the weekly listings of what's happening here, I can get overwhelmed. I have to remember not to book myself too much so I don't take time to rest.
For a lot of folks who think of Minnesota, the standout is cold and snow. For me, besides the music here in Nashville, it's the traffic. I never thought I'd say this, but I almost started to miss the buses in the Twin Cities.
I just finished my first week at the job I'm doing and it's supposed to be a short distance. But, it's taken me 15-20 minutes each way during rush hour (and yes, people here say "that's not traffic" and I should be thankful). I've spent the first week trying to figure out the best way to get there and back. The commute home was interesting. One way I was stuck in the middle of an intersection twice on a red light because there are too many cars to always keep moving. Scary. Then I was forced onto the freeway on another route because two left turn only lanes appeared out of nowhere and I got stuck in one (if you aren't in the lane you need to be in out here, you're outta luck --there's no getting over). Even scarier for me. I got off the first exit I could and then spent 30 minutes bumper to bumper from the exit to the road leading to my street. Left turns are a crapshoot coming or going from my place or other areas where there's no turn arrow. So many times, I have to turn right and pick out a turnaround spot someplace when you can go left and spin around so you're heading right.
But, I'm learning. Believe it or not, my Geo is almost at it's second thousand miles since it got here (which would make it 17,000 miles).
Other than that, life here has been pretty seamless. The busyness I always had going on in MN is starting to happen here and the calendar's filling up. If I spend too much time reading the weekly listings of what's happening here, I can get overwhelmed. I have to remember not to book myself too much so I don't take time to rest.
Wednesday, May 02, 2007
Promised news
OK, here is the news I promised you: I will be doing a monthly article for the Southern Gospel News.com website. . This website is one of the most successful in the Southern Gospel music field, featuring news items, articles by industry professionals, charts and forums. I'll be writing on one of my "expert" topics: being a fan. I'm very grateful to have this opportunity. My first one is called "Joys of Southern Gospel Fandom" and you can find it here: http://sogospelnews.com/index/articles/comments/7198/
And yes, there is news on the job front: I have a long term assignment for a company close to where I live, doing something along the lines of the last two tech jobs I had. It's been a great "vacation" but now it's time to start building a "normal" life routine. By the way, for anyone looking for a job, I recommend posting a resume on Monster.com -- it worked for me.
And yes, there is news on the job front: I have a long term assignment for a company close to where I live, doing something along the lines of the last two tech jobs I had. It's been a great "vacation" but now it's time to start building a "normal" life routine. By the way, for anyone looking for a job, I recommend posting a resume on Monster.com -- it worked for me.
Sunday, April 29, 2007
Settling update
It's hard to believe this coming week will mark one month since my move here to Nashville. It's starting to feel more like home here. I'm getting used to the faster pace of the traffic and the patterns, and figuring out what lane I'm supposed to be in on what stretch. Unless it's some off peak times during the day or weekends, you better know where you're supposed to be or you'll have to make the next turn and circle around, because you won't get much of a break getting to the proper lane. I think my car's starting to get used to it, too...she sort of struggled in the beginning but for a small car, she's doing okay.
My plant that has seen me through my last two apartments and my house is doing very well out in Nashville. She was looking a little leaned to one side for awhile in St. Paul but out here, her leaves and branches look much better rounded and filled out. This is the place for nature to thrive. Every morning I wake to "birdie birdie birdie" chirps of the birds. My favorite contemplation spot is a small pond where I get to watch two big duckies and all their babies roam around together.
Slowly but surely I am getting little furniture pieces and accessories, all on the cheap. My friend gave me a few items. I bought a folding table at Walgreen and a task chair at WalMart so I am not sitting on the floor anymore running my computer as I had been for the past three weeks. I got a stereo for $8 at a yard sale. However, the "processing area" in my living room will have boxes for a while until I get me a bookcase.
The one question everyone wants to know, is the J-O-B question. I will say that I have had a few inquiries due to a resume posting. But I will send everyone who asks the question here for the answer, which is: when I have something to report, I will let you know. So, just keep checking here, ok?
I will have one piece of exciting news to share--but I'm going to let that wait for just a bit.
My plant that has seen me through my last two apartments and my house is doing very well out in Nashville. She was looking a little leaned to one side for awhile in St. Paul but out here, her leaves and branches look much better rounded and filled out. This is the place for nature to thrive. Every morning I wake to "birdie birdie birdie" chirps of the birds. My favorite contemplation spot is a small pond where I get to watch two big duckies and all their babies roam around together.
Slowly but surely I am getting little furniture pieces and accessories, all on the cheap. My friend gave me a few items. I bought a folding table at Walgreen and a task chair at WalMart so I am not sitting on the floor anymore running my computer as I had been for the past three weeks. I got a stereo for $8 at a yard sale. However, the "processing area" in my living room will have boxes for a while until I get me a bookcase.
The one question everyone wants to know, is the J-O-B question. I will say that I have had a few inquiries due to a resume posting. But I will send everyone who asks the question here for the answer, which is: when I have something to report, I will let you know. So, just keep checking here, ok?
I will have one piece of exciting news to share--but I'm going to let that wait for just a bit.
Sunday, April 22, 2007
GMA and encouragement
This weekend I attended the GMA (Gospel Music Association) Indie Impact day. I went there to hopefully make some network connections and perhaps find out what some of the support needs of artists were. I did meet some great people, but I'm not sure that what I went for ended up being what I got out of it all. Instead, I learned that I needed to remain true to my calling. I also learned after hearing Dez Dickerson say many of the things to artists that I wrote in my booklet many years ago that at least I am in line with the pros on some things. So, now I should get going on getting that digitally published. I asked a panel of artists, which included Russ Lee and Allison Durham Speer, how encouragement played a role in their journeys. Allison, in her response, encouraged me personally and I was so blown away.
I do know why I am here---I'm called to encourage artists. I'm just not sure in what form yet I will do that here in Nashville. But I'll tell you the great thing about it being that this weekend here I have met people whose work I've enjoyed or admired. The celebrity part of it isn't what it's about for me at all. The best thing is being able to personally tell these people "I love what you do."
Some people tend to focus on one person, or one artist. Sometimes you'll have one opportunity to encourage people and they're blessed. Other people you can lift up for a dozen years straight and they still won't believe you. I've wanted to be the "#1 fan" of someone but that desire put me in a dark and unhealthy place. So I am grateful for the call and opportunity to encourage several people at many different levels, meeting them right where they are.
I do know why I am here---I'm called to encourage artists. I'm just not sure in what form yet I will do that here in Nashville. But I'll tell you the great thing about it being that this weekend here I have met people whose work I've enjoyed or admired. The celebrity part of it isn't what it's about for me at all. The best thing is being able to personally tell these people "I love what you do."
Some people tend to focus on one person, or one artist. Sometimes you'll have one opportunity to encourage people and they're blessed. Other people you can lift up for a dozen years straight and they still won't believe you. I've wanted to be the "#1 fan" of someone but that desire put me in a dark and unhealthy place. So I am grateful for the call and opportunity to encourage several people at many different levels, meeting them right where they are.
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Back From Branson
Well, if one road trip last weekend wasn't enough, I am now back from another one. This time it was an 8 hour journey to Branson, MO, for Mark Lowry's Senior Trip. I have all of that report detailed here: http://www.wendyv.com/srtripbranson.htm
Now I am back in Nashville. The place is coming along. I now have a sofa, bed, TV cart but still a deskless office. But you learn to work around those things. Next on the agenda is dealing with making a living and attending the GMA Indie Impact weekend on Saturday and Sunday.
Now I am back in Nashville. The place is coming along. I now have a sofa, bed, TV cart but still a deskless office. But you learn to work around those things. Next on the agenda is dealing with making a living and attending the GMA Indie Impact weekend on Saturday and Sunday.
Wednesday, April 11, 2007
Week 1 Continued...
So far, so great. I got my new loveseat sofa and it feels like one big pillow, just like my beloved old beat up St. Paul loveseat did. I also got my new drivers license (not a half bad picture either), emissions test for the car and new plate. If I hadn't thrown myself out of the way by missing a turn on the way back, I'd have had all this done in two hours time rather than three. This process covered three different places and things went very smoothly...so not an all-day wait like I feared.
When you are adjusting to a new environment and managing details, weird things can happen. Some people may remember on my original "Ponderings" blog the story of how I thought my car was stolen but I had put it in the wrong garage. I have a bonehead story for you that I think beats that one. I went out walking yesterday and all of a sudden I heard this continual buzzing tone everywhere I went. I thought it was something going off in the complex, so I took a walk outside the area. I still heard it. It was bugging me now, so I took a short drive. I still heard it. Now I started getting nervous that I had developed some sort of tinnitus or ear problem. Oh God, I thought, how could you bring me to Nashville to dig all the music and now have something go wrong with my hearing?
My friend called to check on me and told me to lie down and if it wasn't better, she would come get me. I decided to bring her over to take me to a change of scene, thinking that might help. When she arrived, she heard the ringing tone, too. She did all kinds of checks and told me to call the emergency maintenance to tell them something was wrong in the apartment. Then she walked closer to me and said "I hear it around you." I had my purse nearby. I dumped it out and we discovered the culprit was my pocket key light alarm which got moved to the alarm position...but the battery was dying, so it emitted this tone instead of the usual loud blast. I didn't care how stupid I felt calling back maintenance to tell them to cancel the emergency call. All I cared was that I wasn't having a hearing problem and I was thankful to God.
Today we had some thunderstorms. After all my running around was done, I took a nap as I watched the storm outside my window. Then the weather moved on and we had a beautiful sunny afternoon.
It was a most wonderful day.
When you are adjusting to a new environment and managing details, weird things can happen. Some people may remember on my original "Ponderings" blog the story of how I thought my car was stolen but I had put it in the wrong garage. I have a bonehead story for you that I think beats that one. I went out walking yesterday and all of a sudden I heard this continual buzzing tone everywhere I went. I thought it was something going off in the complex, so I took a walk outside the area. I still heard it. It was bugging me now, so I took a short drive. I still heard it. Now I started getting nervous that I had developed some sort of tinnitus or ear problem. Oh God, I thought, how could you bring me to Nashville to dig all the music and now have something go wrong with my hearing?
My friend called to check on me and told me to lie down and if it wasn't better, she would come get me. I decided to bring her over to take me to a change of scene, thinking that might help. When she arrived, she heard the ringing tone, too. She did all kinds of checks and told me to call the emergency maintenance to tell them something was wrong in the apartment. Then she walked closer to me and said "I hear it around you." I had my purse nearby. I dumped it out and we discovered the culprit was my pocket key light alarm which got moved to the alarm position...but the battery was dying, so it emitted this tone instead of the usual loud blast. I didn't care how stupid I felt calling back maintenance to tell them to cancel the emergency call. All I cared was that I wasn't having a hearing problem and I was thankful to God.
Today we had some thunderstorms. After all my running around was done, I took a nap as I watched the storm outside my window. Then the weather moved on and we had a beautiful sunny afternoon.
It was a most wonderful day.
Monday, April 09, 2007
Settling in...
All things considered, I am pretty well organized. I still feel a little bit like a fish in a different pond of water, but now that I have TV and cable, things are starting to feel more normal. I don't have any furniture yet and it will be some time before I have most things, but I am doing some creative improvising, like sitting up against walls with pillows at my back. I am getting a loveseat sofa first, so that will help.
But boy, this traffic out here, I tell ya. Me and the Geo are learning how to step it up and go. We don't have much choice.
This morning was the first time I watched the Weather Channel without fear, because I didn't have to worry about the weather in the upper Midwest any more for travel plans. I did notice MN is getting more snow though. Heh heh heh. Sorry, I know that's not nice but I couldn't resist.
But boy, this traffic out here, I tell ya. Me and the Geo are learning how to step it up and go. We don't have much choice.
This morning was the first time I watched the Weather Channel without fear, because I didn't have to worry about the weather in the upper Midwest any more for travel plans. I did notice MN is getting more snow though. Heh heh heh. Sorry, I know that's not nice but I couldn't resist.
Sunday, April 08, 2007
I'm here...
Well, we made it to Nashville this morning. My friends got here yesterday morning, made everything fit into the minivan, and we covered about 10 hours on the road before stopping for the night in Marion, IL. The weather cooperated all the way and I am very proud of how my Geo Metro did. That is the most surreal part about this whole deal...it is so strange to be driving my car out here and not some rental car with fancy gadgets that make me nervous.
No, we didn't make our goal of getting to church on Easter, but that's okay. We're safe, we're happy...and we're tired.
More later when I'm back online full time.
Happy Easter, everyone.
No, we didn't make our goal of getting to church on Easter, but that's okay. We're safe, we're happy...and we're tired.
More later when I'm back online full time.
Happy Easter, everyone.
Saturday, April 07, 2007
"Good" Friday???
4/6 5 p.m.
I’m still in St. Paul. And I’m not going anywhere tonight. What a nightmare this day has been.
I stayed the night before in my apartment complex guest room, which was the best thing I could have done for myself. It was as classy as any 4 star hotel room. So the next morning, somewhat calm and hopeful, I go to Caribou Coffee with my laptop to check my e-mail and thought I would check the flight arrival web site. The tranquility quickly became short lived, as I saw “flights in and out of O’Hare are being delayed by one hour due to wind.” Great. That means my friends would never make their connection. I was expecting the phone to ring any time to give me the bad news, but it didn’t. Gee, maybe that meant no news was good news and their flight went off.
Nope. 11 am, when they should have landed, came and went with no word. Back into panic mode. I was scrambling for the airline phone number when the phone rang. Sharon and Kate were now on the road driving to Midway Airport from O’Hare to make it to a Northwest flight that was scheduled to leave at 2 pm and arrive at 4. They didn’t tell me because they knew I would be a basket case, which of course, I was. That’s how my family raised me--to worry about everything.
In the meantime, I had to get to the airport anyway around 2 pm to get the minivan picked up. I had to put Kate on as a driver, but couldn’t do that because she needed to be there to get added. The good folks at Alamo/National Car Rental were kind enough to let me get the minivan checked out anyway and even found the last big stow and go one they had. They also didn’t have a problem with me not letting me drive it off yet as I waited. After all, it was only a couple of hours wait.
Nope.
The 4 pm estimated arrival time then turned to 4:30 pm. Then 5:30 p.m. Then 8:30 p.m. Then 10 p.m. There was a maintenance problem with the plane, which escalated into having someone come from O’Hare to fix the plane. A few phone calls went back and forth from my friends and me, and it turned out I had more current info than they were being told on the ETA because I was sitting there watching the screens flip.
As all this was going on, I was shuffling like a zombie from the baggage claim area back onto the tram and back to the rental car area more than a few times. The folks at the rental counter were patient but I am sure very tired of seeing my upset face giving them updates and asking would it still be okay to keep the car parked and no one would take it if did, right? (For this reason alone, I recommend renting from Alamo or National Car Rental). As time wore on they were getting concerned they would have a space issue with returns coming in. So, they directed me to a tight space near their exit area. First of all, I hadn’t counted on even driving this thing at all. I was hoping Kate would be the driver. Remember, I’m a gal with a Geo Metro who never drove anything larger than a compact car. So here I was singing a hopelessly off key but earnest chorus of “Jesus Take The Wheel” as I tried to negotiate the space and not slam into the blue poles on the side. Fortunately, He did. He even got someone who had their personal car parked in the area rounded up and out of the way.
Finally, once Northwest decided to admit to my friends what I already knew, that the next time they were telling people the flight would arrive was 10 p.m., the dear souls, who even considered driving from Chicago from Minneapolis, gave up the ghost and decided to stay over in Chicago and book a flight out the next morning. Smart move. They would be more rested and they deserved to rest in comfort. After all, they had it worse than I did. And I wouldn’t have to drive the minivan again in the evening. So I took the van home while it was daylight. The good news is I think this thing is big enough to do what we need it to do. Another of my worries.
I am sure glad I paid a full month’s rent, for at least I still had a place to stay. I didn’t have any more furniture here and I would have had to stick my friends on the floor with pillows and blankets. Our caretaker here kindly lent me her cot and a few pillows she was tossing. She would have put us up in the party room if needed be. My apologies to the people below me though for the creaks from the cot.
So will Kate and Sharon get out of Chicago and make it here? It shouldn’t be so dang complicated to get from Chicago to Minneapolis! You know, they are still on Northwest, and the “S” word is in the forecast for tomorrow. But I’m letting go of that usual worry for my own sanity. Will Wendy, Sharon and Kate finally be on the road to Nashville? Stay tuned.
I’m still in St. Paul. And I’m not going anywhere tonight. What a nightmare this day has been.
I stayed the night before in my apartment complex guest room, which was the best thing I could have done for myself. It was as classy as any 4 star hotel room. So the next morning, somewhat calm and hopeful, I go to Caribou Coffee with my laptop to check my e-mail and thought I would check the flight arrival web site. The tranquility quickly became short lived, as I saw “flights in and out of O’Hare are being delayed by one hour due to wind.” Great. That means my friends would never make their connection. I was expecting the phone to ring any time to give me the bad news, but it didn’t. Gee, maybe that meant no news was good news and their flight went off.
Nope. 11 am, when they should have landed, came and went with no word. Back into panic mode. I was scrambling for the airline phone number when the phone rang. Sharon and Kate were now on the road driving to Midway Airport from O’Hare to make it to a Northwest flight that was scheduled to leave at 2 pm and arrive at 4. They didn’t tell me because they knew I would be a basket case, which of course, I was. That’s how my family raised me--to worry about everything.
In the meantime, I had to get to the airport anyway around 2 pm to get the minivan picked up. I had to put Kate on as a driver, but couldn’t do that because she needed to be there to get added. The good folks at Alamo/National Car Rental were kind enough to let me get the minivan checked out anyway and even found the last big stow and go one they had. They also didn’t have a problem with me not letting me drive it off yet as I waited. After all, it was only a couple of hours wait.
Nope.
The 4 pm estimated arrival time then turned to 4:30 pm. Then 5:30 p.m. Then 8:30 p.m. Then 10 p.m. There was a maintenance problem with the plane, which escalated into having someone come from O’Hare to fix the plane. A few phone calls went back and forth from my friends and me, and it turned out I had more current info than they were being told on the ETA because I was sitting there watching the screens flip.
As all this was going on, I was shuffling like a zombie from the baggage claim area back onto the tram and back to the rental car area more than a few times. The folks at the rental counter were patient but I am sure very tired of seeing my upset face giving them updates and asking would it still be okay to keep the car parked and no one would take it if did, right? (For this reason alone, I recommend renting from Alamo or National Car Rental). As time wore on they were getting concerned they would have a space issue with returns coming in. So, they directed me to a tight space near their exit area. First of all, I hadn’t counted on even driving this thing at all. I was hoping Kate would be the driver. Remember, I’m a gal with a Geo Metro who never drove anything larger than a compact car. So here I was singing a hopelessly off key but earnest chorus of “Jesus Take The Wheel” as I tried to negotiate the space and not slam into the blue poles on the side. Fortunately, He did. He even got someone who had their personal car parked in the area rounded up and out of the way.
Finally, once Northwest decided to admit to my friends what I already knew, that the next time they were telling people the flight would arrive was 10 p.m., the dear souls, who even considered driving from Chicago from Minneapolis, gave up the ghost and decided to stay over in Chicago and book a flight out the next morning. Smart move. They would be more rested and they deserved to rest in comfort. After all, they had it worse than I did. And I wouldn’t have to drive the minivan again in the evening. So I took the van home while it was daylight. The good news is I think this thing is big enough to do what we need it to do. Another of my worries.
I am sure glad I paid a full month’s rent, for at least I still had a place to stay. I didn’t have any more furniture here and I would have had to stick my friends on the floor with pillows and blankets. Our caretaker here kindly lent me her cot and a few pillows she was tossing. She would have put us up in the party room if needed be. My apologies to the people below me though for the creaks from the cot.
So will Kate and Sharon get out of Chicago and make it here? It shouldn’t be so dang complicated to get from Chicago to Minneapolis! You know, they are still on Northwest, and the “S” word is in the forecast for tomorrow. But I’m letting go of that usual worry for my own sanity. Will Wendy, Sharon and Kate finally be on the road to Nashville? Stay tuned.
Tuesday, April 03, 2007
Winding down...
For all those who wondered why I decided not to work right up until my move date, well, here's the answer for you. Final cleaning to get things in pristine condition to expectations is a full-time job. I'm sure there are many of us who don't have time to do a full round of housecleaning each day inbetween jobs and life. Trust me, even if you think you are a super neatnik, you will find dust, dirt, grime and forgotten about junk in places you didn't even know existed when you take on this task. I've got another full day of this to go before the arrival of the junkmen.
There's stuff everywhere, I can hardly move, but I'm almost ready. With April snow coming to MN (early April? Yeah, I could have called this one), I am certainly ready.
Update: something messed up at Comcast so I am being shut down at home a day earlier. Next post here will be after the move. Keep the prayers coming and I'll update as soon as I find access when I get to town.
There's stuff everywhere, I can hardly move, but I'm almost ready. With April snow coming to MN (early April? Yeah, I could have called this one), I am certainly ready.
Update: something messed up at Comcast so I am being shut down at home a day earlier. Next post here will be after the move. Keep the prayers coming and I'll update as soon as I find access when I get to town.
Sunday, April 01, 2007
Wow, now it's less than a week...
Here we are, with less than one week to go for the move. I finished up Friday where I have worked for 12 years. I think I can say by the number of lunches I had with past and present co-workers, gifts and well-wishes that I went out on top. I remember when I left Connecticut for St. Paul 18 years ago I had pretty much the same reception. I believed if I can do this there, I could in MN. And, I did. So, I am holding fast to the same belief in Nashville.
I am pretty well organized and on track for final packing and cleaning. I am working out of open boxes for needed things. My guesstimate would be that I will have probably thrown out 100 or so bags of trash before all this is said and done.
I am very much at peace and calm, but I am sure the stress will kick in later this week. Will the junkmen show up on time? Will my friends' flight be on time? Will we get the right vehicle and will everything fit? I am not watching 5 day weather forecasts. Cold Canadian air is coming to MN this week and you know what that means. I will be so glad to be done with stressing over travel weather.
Please remember me in prayer for all the above items and safety on the 15 hour journey.
I am pretty well organized and on track for final packing and cleaning. I am working out of open boxes for needed things. My guesstimate would be that I will have probably thrown out 100 or so bags of trash before all this is said and done.
I am very much at peace and calm, but I am sure the stress will kick in later this week. Will the junkmen show up on time? Will my friends' flight be on time? Will we get the right vehicle and will everything fit? I am not watching 5 day weather forecasts. Cold Canadian air is coming to MN this week and you know what that means. I will be so glad to be done with stressing over travel weather.
Please remember me in prayer for all the above items and safety on the 15 hour journey.
Tuesday, March 27, 2007
Top Minnesota Memories
With little more than a week to go to the Nashville move, I am in the midst of a series of farewell luncheons and meetups with friends and co-workers past and present in the Twin Cities. So, it is a good time to list those periods over my 18 years here which stood out the most for me.
- Minnesota Public Radio and "First House on the Right". The MPR/Prairie Home Companion connection was the thing that lured me out here. It was a dream to be able to hang out and become friendly with a lot of the people I listened to when I volunteered at MPR...I am most grateful for the short and memorable experience with the show "First House on the Right." People were for the most part exactly as I hoped and imagined they would be, and I had the chance to begin developing the sort of encouragement I always hoped to give artists.
- The Music City Cafe/coffeehouse years. Meeting and becoming friendly with Don Vogel, TD Mischke and Michael Loonan changed the course of life for me and opened the doors wide open to a whole new community of artists to support and encourage. I gained my first promotional client in Michael, and much more--a partnership and friendship for 13 years which will continue seamlessly and, I expect, open much more creative opportunities for both of us.
- St. Joan of Arc Church musical community. Combining artists from the previous two circles and many others, it was musical excellence on a par with no other. Again, a great privilege to befriend and support a magnificent group of musicians.
- T.D. Mischke and Michael Loonan on the MN State Fair broadcast of "A Prairie Home Companion". It was an unspeakable thrill to witness this opportunity for these guys. As Michael usually puts it so well, "we came full circle."
St. Paul/Minneapolis, all of these experiences helped me grow to where I am today and made this next step possible. I couldn't have done it without you. I gratefully, always, will thank you, thank you.
- Minnesota Public Radio and "First House on the Right". The MPR/Prairie Home Companion connection was the thing that lured me out here. It was a dream to be able to hang out and become friendly with a lot of the people I listened to when I volunteered at MPR...I am most grateful for the short and memorable experience with the show "First House on the Right." People were for the most part exactly as I hoped and imagined they would be, and I had the chance to begin developing the sort of encouragement I always hoped to give artists.
- The Music City Cafe/coffeehouse years. Meeting and becoming friendly with Don Vogel, TD Mischke and Michael Loonan changed the course of life for me and opened the doors wide open to a whole new community of artists to support and encourage. I gained my first promotional client in Michael, and much more--a partnership and friendship for 13 years which will continue seamlessly and, I expect, open much more creative opportunities for both of us.
- St. Joan of Arc Church musical community. Combining artists from the previous two circles and many others, it was musical excellence on a par with no other. Again, a great privilege to befriend and support a magnificent group of musicians.
- T.D. Mischke and Michael Loonan on the MN State Fair broadcast of "A Prairie Home Companion". It was an unspeakable thrill to witness this opportunity for these guys. As Michael usually puts it so well, "we came full circle."
St. Paul/Minneapolis, all of these experiences helped me grow to where I am today and made this next step possible. I couldn't have done it without you. I gratefully, always, will thank you, thank you.
Monday, March 19, 2007
The Remarkable Journey, Part 1
I'm now back in the Twin Cities after having gone to Nashville to sign my lease and set things up. It was an amazing few days. My apartment is beautiful and the grounds are heavenly looking. I am optimistic about the possibility of shedding a few pounds living there...a lot of walking opportunity with getting from place to place in the complex and to and from all the stores around there.
The other attraction was the two Mark Lowry concerts I went to. I thought I was just going to one in Jackson, TN, but the traveling troupe also decided on Decatur, AL the next evening. I almost passed on that one, thinking I had still a lot to do to set up my place, didn't have a ticket and it would have meant taking two cars. But my two angel friends worked it all out for me. Boy, I am glad they did. The second night was even better than the first. I'd have been devastated if I missed it.
A few observations:
- Actually, aside from the concert experience, in my ramblings about town, I found very few folks with southern accents. Just about all of those I spoke to said, "I moved here from ____(fill in the blank), and I'd never leave."
- There is some serious traffic in Nashville. I learned that I cannot make a left turn out of my complex during rush hour. I have to go right on the main drag, turn somewhere on the left side and turn around and go back right.
- From the TV shows, the billboards, to the conversations in coffeehouses, it is for me very much a Christian culture, which I find comforting and appealing.
I hope now I am more motivated to put the finishing touches on my packing. I can't wait to start my new life in Nashville.
The other attraction was the two Mark Lowry concerts I went to. I thought I was just going to one in Jackson, TN, but the traveling troupe also decided on Decatur, AL the next evening. I almost passed on that one, thinking I had still a lot to do to set up my place, didn't have a ticket and it would have meant taking two cars. But my two angel friends worked it all out for me. Boy, I am glad they did. The second night was even better than the first. I'd have been devastated if I missed it.
A few observations:
- Actually, aside from the concert experience, in my ramblings about town, I found very few folks with southern accents. Just about all of those I spoke to said, "I moved here from ____(fill in the blank), and I'd never leave."
- There is some serious traffic in Nashville. I learned that I cannot make a left turn out of my complex during rush hour. I have to go right on the main drag, turn somewhere on the left side and turn around and go back right.
- From the TV shows, the billboards, to the conversations in coffeehouses, it is for me very much a Christian culture, which I find comforting and appealing.
I hope now I am more motivated to put the finishing touches on my packing. I can't wait to start my new life in Nashville.
Wednesday, March 07, 2007
One month to go
Well, I am now one month away from the big move. Now comes the overwhelming part...the packing and managing all the details. Last weekend I gave away 4 coats, half my winter weight clothing, all of my remaining vinyl records and other assorted items. This was a bit of an "end of an era" purge. I said goodbye to some of the records I had since childhood, like my Beatles and Paul Revere and the Raiders albums. But, there comes a time to be practical and let go. I don't have anything workable to play them on anymore. I have all the songs on CD or can get them on CD or digitally on ITunes.
I bid farewell to the coat I called "the big black bear" --a long black down coat which came out for -0 wind chill days. And don't you know a few days afterward was a day with a stiff wind cold enough where it would have worked. I survived, though. I also said goodbye to the little white coat I had since before I moved here from Connecticut, which makes that at least 20 years old. It was a great journeyman that served me well. But, perhaps a younger person will make use of it.
Next week I sign the lease and get my first taste of living in Tennessee for a few days. Then it's back to the Twin Cities and finish up work and packing, and preparing for the journey.
I bid farewell to the coat I called "the big black bear" --a long black down coat which came out for -0 wind chill days. And don't you know a few days afterward was a day with a stiff wind cold enough where it would have worked. I survived, though. I also said goodbye to the little white coat I had since before I moved here from Connecticut, which makes that at least 20 years old. It was a great journeyman that served me well. But, perhaps a younger person will make use of it.
Next week I sign the lease and get my first taste of living in Tennessee for a few days. Then it's back to the Twin Cities and finish up work and packing, and preparing for the journey.
Thursday, February 22, 2007
New Move FAQ Question
At six weeks to go till the move, I am getting another question to add to the FAQ:
Q: Are you all packed yet?
A: Well, no. Would you be if you had a month to go and you still had to use most of your everyday stuff? A bit of my non-essentials are. I have a lot of stuff that if it's not packed, it's going to be junked. That's accounting for at least half of what's in my apartment. I admit, however, that packing is the area in which I tend to procrastinate the most. I still have to decide exactly what is going to be pre-shipped.
The good news is that I sold the furniture items that I needed to sell.
Q: Are you all packed yet?
A: Well, no. Would you be if you had a month to go and you still had to use most of your everyday stuff? A bit of my non-essentials are. I have a lot of stuff that if it's not packed, it's going to be junked. That's accounting for at least half of what's in my apartment. I admit, however, that packing is the area in which I tend to procrastinate the most. I still have to decide exactly what is going to be pre-shipped.
The good news is that I sold the furniture items that I needed to sell.
Monday, February 19, 2007
Day Job to Dream Job
Well, that's what I am hoping for at some point when I move to Nashville (move now six weeks and counting, by the way). But the reason for the title is: if you are a musician who wants to do music full time, or if you are someone hoping to make a living doing something you love, I'd like to invite you to listen to my latest episode of "Wendy V's Ponder Cast". I have an interview with my dear friend Michael Loonan, who is doing just that, working from home doing music full time.
I think this will help and inspire a lot of people. He makes a couple of key points in the interview:
- Being encouraged
- Taking a leap of faith
Go here to listen to episode 11:
http://www.cyberears.com/index.php/Show/audio/163
I think this will help and inspire a lot of people. He makes a couple of key points in the interview:
- Being encouraged
- Taking a leap of faith
Go here to listen to episode 11:
http://www.cyberears.com/index.php/Show/audio/163
Saturday, February 10, 2007
Sick of cold
At this point, I've had it up to here with cold. Two kinds.
One, my head cold I've had for nearly a week. This one nearly ranks up there with the one I had some years ago which kept me in bed for three days. I actually did take a sick day from work with this one--only after I had worked sick the day before because I had to...I was "it" because my other co-worker was out. But I am getting tired of blowing my nose and not going anywhere without a tissue box.
Two, this frigid cold we are having. Yeah, I know, MN is famous for it but even some die-hards admit two weeks is too long. It is so cold in the early morning it hurts. I can't keep my face warm out waiting for the bus without coming up for air every 10 seconds because scarves are smothering. And as long as it's -0 in the morning, I gotta put the thermals on. It will be this way for another week, I hear. Suffice it to say this is at the top of my "things I won't miss about Minnesota" list.
That's it. Thanks for letting me vent.
One, my head cold I've had for nearly a week. This one nearly ranks up there with the one I had some years ago which kept me in bed for three days. I actually did take a sick day from work with this one--only after I had worked sick the day before because I had to...I was "it" because my other co-worker was out. But I am getting tired of blowing my nose and not going anywhere without a tissue box.
Two, this frigid cold we are having. Yeah, I know, MN is famous for it but even some die-hards admit two weeks is too long. It is so cold in the early morning it hurts. I can't keep my face warm out waiting for the bus without coming up for air every 10 seconds because scarves are smothering. And as long as it's -0 in the morning, I gotta put the thermals on. It will be this way for another week, I hear. Suffice it to say this is at the top of my "things I won't miss about Minnesota" list.
That's it. Thanks for letting me vent.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
My Move FAQ
Someone suggested I do this, and since my lunch mates have been asking me a ton of questions (throw the "not polite to talk with your mouth full" rule out the window!), here goes:
Q: When are you moving to Nashville?
A: Early April--hope to be there by Easter.
Q: Do you have family in Nashville?
A: Not blood relatives but lots of friends there and in surrounding states...so you could say many members of the "family of God".
Q: Do you have a job there?
A: I'm considering options at this time...conventional and freelance opportunities. I am also taking any leads in both those areas that anyone may have!
Q: What will your life be like in Nashville?
A: Full of music, music, music!
Q: What will you do once you get there?
A: My calendar is filling already! Senior Trip Branson, GMA week, CMA Fan Fair, lots of gospel music school concerts, music networking events and much more!
Q: What will you miss the most in Minnesota?
A: My musical friends' gigs in person. But, I trust the power of the Internet will keep us ever connected.
Q: What will you not miss about Minnesota?
A: The winter. Getting up for work and out the door early in the morning for a crowded bus in winter.
Q: Why can't I leave a comment here?
A: Well, now you can! All comments are moderated, so spammers, go elsewhere.
Q: When are you moving to Nashville?
A: Early April--hope to be there by Easter.
Q: Do you have family in Nashville?
A: Not blood relatives but lots of friends there and in surrounding states...so you could say many members of the "family of God".
Q: Do you have a job there?
A: I'm considering options at this time...conventional and freelance opportunities. I am also taking any leads in both those areas that anyone may have!
Q: What will your life be like in Nashville?
A: Full of music, music, music!
Q: What will you do once you get there?
A: My calendar is filling already! Senior Trip Branson, GMA week, CMA Fan Fair, lots of gospel music school concerts, music networking events and much more!
Q: What will you miss the most in Minnesota?
A: My musical friends' gigs in person. But, I trust the power of the Internet will keep us ever connected.
Q: What will you not miss about Minnesota?
A: The winter. Getting up for work and out the door early in the morning for a crowded bus in winter.
Q: Why can't I leave a comment here?
A: Well, now you can! All comments are moderated, so spammers, go elsewhere.
Sunday, January 21, 2007
Farewell Tour Stop: MPR
It's altogether fitting that one of the few stops on my "farewell tour" here would be the place it all started for me. I went to Minnesota Public Radio's 40th anniversary open house. It was the first time that I got to see MPR's new building. It's very high tech and slick, as you might expect.
I got to see a few familiar faces I haven't seen in some time. I've been out of the MPR volunteer loop for many years, so I was surprised that some of those folks remembered who I was. And, finally, I did something which I've been trying to do for many years. I would go the MPR booth at the MN State Fair year after year and fill out the little card that asked if I wanted to do a testimonial. Of course I did. After all, MPR changed my life. No one ever called. Today, I got my big chance. I did a couple of fund raising promos and told a little of my story of how being A Prairie Home Companion fan got me out here. I must say, all of the demo and podcast work seemed to pay off a little--from what I could hear, it sounded pretty good. Someone will have to let me know if it ever airs, I guess.
There were a few MPR personalities scattered about. I had a nice conversation with Cathy Wurzer of Morning Edition (and Almanac). I had to be honest with her and tell her that I watched her more than listened to her, it being she's on opposite my friends Dale and Jim Ed. She is as warm and friendly as her spouse, Erik Eskola, who I met many years before at the State Fair. I brought up my podcast, as she's thinking of doing her own, and left her my card. Maybe she will get a chance to listen. That'll be cool.
Over at the Fitzgerald Theater, Dale and Jim Ed did a couple of routines and hosted some great musical sets by the Auto Body Experience (a witty band with solid musicianship) and the always fine to listen to Becky Schlegel.
All in all, a pleasant nostalgic afternoon which gave me the sense that I had come full circle.
I got to see a few familiar faces I haven't seen in some time. I've been out of the MPR volunteer loop for many years, so I was surprised that some of those folks remembered who I was. And, finally, I did something which I've been trying to do for many years. I would go the MPR booth at the MN State Fair year after year and fill out the little card that asked if I wanted to do a testimonial. Of course I did. After all, MPR changed my life. No one ever called. Today, I got my big chance. I did a couple of fund raising promos and told a little of my story of how being A Prairie Home Companion fan got me out here. I must say, all of the demo and podcast work seemed to pay off a little--from what I could hear, it sounded pretty good. Someone will have to let me know if it ever airs, I guess.
There were a few MPR personalities scattered about. I had a nice conversation with Cathy Wurzer of Morning Edition (and Almanac). I had to be honest with her and tell her that I watched her more than listened to her, it being she's on opposite my friends Dale and Jim Ed. She is as warm and friendly as her spouse, Erik Eskola, who I met many years before at the State Fair. I brought up my podcast, as she's thinking of doing her own, and left her my card. Maybe she will get a chance to listen. That'll be cool.
Over at the Fitzgerald Theater, Dale and Jim Ed did a couple of routines and hosted some great musical sets by the Auto Body Experience (a witty band with solid musicianship) and the always fine to listen to Becky Schlegel.
All in all, a pleasant nostalgic afternoon which gave me the sense that I had come full circle.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Details, Details, Details
(First, a reminder that if you came here by way of Mark Lowry's Senior Trip website and you're looking for the Asheville reports, I've summarized those here.)
Update on the big move: We have a move date. It will be over Easter weekend. The goal is to be in Nashville for church on Easter Sunday. Since we are using my car and a minivan to move me down, half of my apartment will be junked before my departure. Some of my stuff will be pre-shipped. I am quite surprised how difficult it is to get rid of some good furniture...even to donate. Hey if need be, it will be junked, which would be a shame...but I can't take it with me.
A lot of people have wished me well and I am up to my ears in "lunch before you go" dates. But what also surprised me is the lack of reaction to the move of some who I considered friends, who have yet to say even a word. I guess I will just slip out of town without them even noticing.
Someone asked me how I can concentrate on my job with all this going on. In fact, my boss commended me for staying present despite all of the preparation and being very excited. Well, you do what you have to do. If you are still being paid to show up and work, then you have to put one foot in front of the other and do it...or try to, at least. Believe me, it's not easy. But I will be taking some time off to do things and try to reach places that you can't on the weekends.
A few months before I made the final decision to move to Nashville, I did an exercise that came with an audio series I got from Changing Course called "Making Dreams Happen." It was to describe your ideal life. I came across that sheet of paper this past week and saw that many of the things I wrote down are in the process of happening. Gave me goose bumps.
Update on the big move: We have a move date. It will be over Easter weekend. The goal is to be in Nashville for church on Easter Sunday. Since we are using my car and a minivan to move me down, half of my apartment will be junked before my departure. Some of my stuff will be pre-shipped. I am quite surprised how difficult it is to get rid of some good furniture...even to donate. Hey if need be, it will be junked, which would be a shame...but I can't take it with me.
A lot of people have wished me well and I am up to my ears in "lunch before you go" dates. But what also surprised me is the lack of reaction to the move of some who I considered friends, who have yet to say even a word. I guess I will just slip out of town without them even noticing.
Someone asked me how I can concentrate on my job with all this going on. In fact, my boss commended me for staying present despite all of the preparation and being very excited. Well, you do what you have to do. If you are still being paid to show up and work, then you have to put one foot in front of the other and do it...or try to, at least. Believe me, it's not easy. But I will be taking some time off to do things and try to reach places that you can't on the weekends.
A few months before I made the final decision to move to Nashville, I did an exercise that came with an audio series I got from Changing Course called "Making Dreams Happen." It was to describe your ideal life. I came across that sheet of paper this past week and saw that many of the things I wrote down are in the process of happening. Gave me goose bumps.
Sunday, January 07, 2007
My Kind Of Winter
You shall hear no complaints from me about the abnormally mild winter we are having here in MN. I love it. I especially like it because that is what I will have to look forward to in TN next winter.
But for all you Minnesotans who have forgotten what snow looks like, a blast from the past: here is how it looked in the winter of 2000-2001 when I was a new homeowner.
We had about 20 inches or so in a short period of time that I can recall. I remember panicking because I thought the snow was going to pile way over my back fence and I had no clue where it would all go.
Nonetheless, preparations for this year's St. Paul Winter Carnival have begun. Rumors of plastic being used in place of ice for sculptures have been squelched. One of the carnival traditions is the Torchlight Parade. Here's a story about that from the early 90's. My friend, the "angel" who helped me settle here, invited me to come hang with her and her gorgeous daughter who won one of her many youth beauty titles, enabling her to ride in the Torchlight Parade. So we're hanging out by the US Bank building, waiting for them to load the kids on the KARE-11 bus on which they will ride in the parade. Before we know it, they were ushering both kids and us adults on the bus. Well, okay. I figure, I'll sit in the back of the bus and be stupid and wave to everyone. No one would see me anyway.
Wrong.
The parade was televised live that year, and I set up my VCR to tape it. After the parade, my friend, her daughter and a few kids came up to my apartment to watch the tape. Well, when the KARE-11 bus came into view, guess whose waving mug came on camera along with the kids?
So, if anyone should ask--let's say I was Miss Transplant Minnesota for that year.
But for all you Minnesotans who have forgotten what snow looks like, a blast from the past: here is how it looked in the winter of 2000-2001 when I was a new homeowner.
We had about 20 inches or so in a short period of time that I can recall. I remember panicking because I thought the snow was going to pile way over my back fence and I had no clue where it would all go.
Nonetheless, preparations for this year's St. Paul Winter Carnival have begun. Rumors of plastic being used in place of ice for sculptures have been squelched. One of the carnival traditions is the Torchlight Parade. Here's a story about that from the early 90's. My friend, the "angel" who helped me settle here, invited me to come hang with her and her gorgeous daughter who won one of her many youth beauty titles, enabling her to ride in the Torchlight Parade. So we're hanging out by the US Bank building, waiting for them to load the kids on the KARE-11 bus on which they will ride in the parade. Before we know it, they were ushering both kids and us adults on the bus. Well, okay. I figure, I'll sit in the back of the bus and be stupid and wave to everyone. No one would see me anyway.
Wrong.
The parade was televised live that year, and I set up my VCR to tape it. After the parade, my friend, her daughter and a few kids came up to my apartment to watch the tape. Well, when the KARE-11 bus came into view, guess whose waving mug came on camera along with the kids?
So, if anyone should ask--let's say I was Miss Transplant Minnesota for that year.
Monday, January 01, 2007
New Year News
Happy New Year!
Today I made the big announcement that I've been itching to make for weeks, but decided to wait until after the Christmas holidays: I am moving to Nashville in April.
The early reaction to the news have been overwhelmingly positive, supportive and sweet. It seems I did not shock a lot of people. I've been pretty transparent on my feelings about Nashville. It is gratifying to hear affirmation from musicians that I did actually accomplish something important that I set out to do.
I am also hearing the same words come up that did when I made the move to Minnesota from Connecticut: "brave", "courageous", "daring". A couple of points I must make about that:
- As I said, I've done this before. In fact it will be nearly 18 years to the day when I move from Minnesota that I arrived there from the East. And, I had a lot less coming here in terms of contacts and resources than I do going in to this move. When I came to St. Paul, I knew only one person--someone I'd met in a church (and I truly believe she was an angel sent by God to assist my transition). This time I have friends and contacts in Nashville and nearby states--as well as two people I refer to as my "angels" this time.
- I am, after all, also a personal coach who helps others realize their potential and go for their dreams (and I am grateful to have watched that happen with clients this past year). I would be a bit out of my integrity if I didn't follow my own advice and try to go for my own dream. It did work once.
I won't deny that making a living is a concern in my current place in life. But the answer to the question of will the uncertainty stop me from moving is NO. I know I have made a significant impact in the lives of others...if I can do that here, I'm sure I can there as well. God has flung the doors wide open so far in every aspect of this move. Either I trust Him...or I don't. I choose to.
Some other news: My podcast continues to do well. I can't figure out why, but the episode I did on "More Radio Memories" is having a flurry of activity. Someone must have plugged me somewhere. I've had over 90 podcast subscribers alone just off that one episode. Today's statistics on the site that hosts my podcast show "Wendy V's Ponder Cast"
back in the top 10 of most listened to audio. The stats change by the day, and sometimes the minute, but I'll take it.
So far, so good for 2007.
Today I made the big announcement that I've been itching to make for weeks, but decided to wait until after the Christmas holidays: I am moving to Nashville in April.
The early reaction to the news have been overwhelmingly positive, supportive and sweet. It seems I did not shock a lot of people. I've been pretty transparent on my feelings about Nashville. It is gratifying to hear affirmation from musicians that I did actually accomplish something important that I set out to do.
I am also hearing the same words come up that did when I made the move to Minnesota from Connecticut: "brave", "courageous", "daring". A couple of points I must make about that:
- As I said, I've done this before. In fact it will be nearly 18 years to the day when I move from Minnesota that I arrived there from the East. And, I had a lot less coming here in terms of contacts and resources than I do going in to this move. When I came to St. Paul, I knew only one person--someone I'd met in a church (and I truly believe she was an angel sent by God to assist my transition). This time I have friends and contacts in Nashville and nearby states--as well as two people I refer to as my "angels" this time.
- I am, after all, also a personal coach who helps others realize their potential and go for their dreams (and I am grateful to have watched that happen with clients this past year). I would be a bit out of my integrity if I didn't follow my own advice and try to go for my own dream. It did work once.
I won't deny that making a living is a concern in my current place in life. But the answer to the question of will the uncertainty stop me from moving is NO. I know I have made a significant impact in the lives of others...if I can do that here, I'm sure I can there as well. God has flung the doors wide open so far in every aspect of this move. Either I trust Him...or I don't. I choose to.
Some other news: My podcast continues to do well. I can't figure out why, but the episode I did on "More Radio Memories" is having a flurry of activity. Someone must have plugged me somewhere. I've had over 90 podcast subscribers alone just off that one episode. Today's statistics on the site that hosts my podcast show "Wendy V's Ponder Cast"
back in the top 10 of most listened to audio. The stats change by the day, and sometimes the minute, but I'll take it.
So far, so good for 2007.
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