Pot, Meet Kettle

That's a recent way I've heard this phrase. My mom always said, "Pot calling the kettle black." Anyhow, it describes one of my pet peeves. That's when someone calls you out for doing something wrong, or not doing something that was supposed to be done, and then they go and create the same offense themselves.

I talked about an example of this when I did my audiobook "Treasures In the Tip Jar" (which is available on CDBaby!). There were some interesting fan behaviors that people would criticize in blogs or message boards...then I'd observe the offenders doing the same things in concert settings.

I had one of these "pot, meet kettle" things happen this past week. I got ripped for supposedly neglecting to do something...and then the same person didn't do this when in a similar situation. My problem is I'm so dang nice and go to any lengths to avoid confrontation in minor things that I really should use that phrase more often toward such offenders...but I don't.

Instead, I'll just have the satisfaction of knowing that other people are just as imperfect as I am...and be kinder to myself. As we should all be to ourselves.

Holy Cow...There IS A Santa Claus!

So I'm at Doak Turner's 3rd Sunday songwriter get-together and about to leave to head over to stop at my church group's Christmas gathering. Doak pulls me aside and says, "you know what you've won, right?". Um...no. I knew I had entered the Nashville Muse contest for December with a number of prizes but hadn't heard that I'd won anything. Well, we go into a side room and there are boxes of Epiphone guitars signed by Anastasia Brown (whose book I just checked out of the library)...and I had won one of them! I've thought about learning guitar or mandolin someday but of course am in no position to buy either. Now I had my own guitar.

OK my songwriter friends, here I come, LOL. Once I learn to play this thing (Anyone in Nashville giving free lessons these days? Can't afford lessons now either...), I'm gonna start writing down the ideas and fragments of lyrics that pop up in my head at times and I'm getting me a co-writer. One thing, though: somebody else is gonna sing, because I'm not. I can't and I'm too phobic.

Yes, Virginia, there is indeed a Santa Claus. Thanks, Doak.

Year End Wrap 2008

(Following is the text of my podcast episode #26 - Year End Wrap 2008. I included the podcast link with my e-cards and am providing the text here for those who aren't able to play it.)

Well, we are about at the end of another year. Last year I did a "Year End Wrap" podcast and for the life of me I don't know why, but that ended up being one of my most popular shows for this year. So why argue with success—I figure let's do another one and I can also send a link to all the folks I send holiday wishes to instead of reading one of those annual letters (and maybe they will go out and listen to another podcast or two, ha ha ha!). OK, well, speaking of the podcast, my stats for this past year are showing me at about 18,000 hits which is double what I did last year (probably because I did more podcasts), and over 6,000 downloads that I know of. I also remained in the top 10 of my host site Cyberears' most listened to podcasts. So thanks to all who have listened.

It's been an amazing ride this year. It was my first full year here in Nashville. I'm still thrilled to be here and life for the most part has been pretty awesome. I had one major life change. I did something I swore I wouldn't do again...which is, I bought a home. But this time, no 100 year old single family house for me—I bought a condo which had pretty much new everything. What brought that about was the rising cost of rent and wanting to keep up one of my health practices, that is, use my mini-trampoline rebounder whenever I wanted to without noise complaints. So I found the place of my dreams west of the city –it's a lovely area that I wish I'd moved to when I first got here, but all things in their time, I guess. Also, I finally have the home office that I wanted for so long. I also am blessed with wonderful neighbors this time around.

I thought once I'd bought this place I'd be done with the long commute to work I'd been having. But as it turned out, I ended up with...no commute. I was laid off of my job one week after I closed on my condo. I'm grateful for this timing if it had to be since it would have blown my deal and I'd have lost out on my home had it been sooner. But you know, in this period, it's been some of the most wonderful times of my life. I started freelancing and doing musician promotion here and there, I got to experience some things I wouldn't have been able to do with a normal 9-5 schedule, and through it all the good Lord's been providing all my needs. I know a lot of us are in the same boat, so I continue to live in the present moment and remain hopeful each day.

One other significant thing happened this year. I walked into my local library and I found a flyer for Radio Free Nashville, a community radio station. It said "want to be on the radio?" Those of you who follow me know the answer to that one—well, yeah! At first I proposed doing a Sunday morning southern gospel show focusing on the music as a genre, but being that Radio Free Nashville is a station with a mission of representing the unrepresented, that idea didn't go down here in the buckle of the Bible belt. So I went with my alternative idea, which turned out to be a show I called "Never Too Old". It's a mix of oldies, reflective nostalgia, and some more current music made by folks of the "baby boomer" generation-- being squeezed out of mainstream radio these days. I found a slot on the Saturday schedule and also began a blog concurrent with the show (which makes my blog total out on the net at about 5 now, I think). It's been fun, and it's had its personal and musical rewards beyond anything monetary if I was paid for it (it's all volunteer) but it hasn't always been easy. I struggled with meeting my own standards and feeling worthy of airing alongside some folks on each side of my show doing some brilliant stuff. But I made some changes and decided to go with using what works—basically, writing my show. I also decided to include some of my encouragement pieces which may be of comfort for those of us in the baby boomer generation particularly feeling the pinch of the hard times. So now I'm starting to find my own voice, and it's challenged me creatively as well. I have also since kicked myself for giving away a lot of my vinyl and other items in my music collection which I sacrificed to make the move out here. Hey, I didn't know I was going to end up doing an oldies show, or I'd have kept more stuff! God's interesting sometimes.

Of course the biggest part of my life out here is being able to do what I came out here to do, which is to support and encourage singer/songwriters and other musicians here in Nashville. I had much to write about in my Wendy V's Nashville Blend blog over this year. I've been amazingly blessed to find some incredible talent out here, and made some dear new friends among them. These artists rewarded me over and over again by taking this non-music maker to heart and my mission seriously. Again, my fears that people here didn't need my brand of encouragement were largely unfounded. I instead found a community of artists hungry for support and affirmation in situations that some described as "sometimes feeling like December in July". I also heard stories of rejection, redemption and the ongoing quest for the dream that started to make me feel as if I'd been broken open inside, as if layers had been peeled off me. I felt myself becoming openly compassionate and I'm pretty sure that some of the tears that poured forth weren't due to change of life swings.

My faith continues to be the center of my life. My church family has been a great support to me and we're all looking forward to moving into our new home after years of meeting in a school gym. I also found a sweet prayer group run by some musician friends that I'll plan to visit when I can. This year I was part of one event, the Middle Tennessee Women's Retreat, which came along at the right time with a message which I needed. I also had a great experience once again being the "official blogger" for this year's Mark Lowry's Spring Fling Senior Trip event out at Opryland Hotel –I was proud of the work I did on the blog and humbled by the response it got.

So there's my year. It's been a blessing amidst the present challenges. The plan continues to live one day at a time, put one foot in front of the other, be thankful that I can do that and remember who's ultimately in control. If you want to keep up with me, you know where to go...head to my website at www.wendyv.com and click on the blog links.

Another Radio Goodbye...

This week, as I noted previously, we prepared to say a goodbye to the Morning Show on Minnesota Public Radio as we knew it. I cried through the farewell show with listeners from far and wide...not just those in the Fitzgerald Theater audience, or my former fellow Minnesotans, but around the country and around the world. Truly amazing but not surprising, and well deserved.

But with the cancellation news came some healing for our hearts later on, as Dale Connelly will continue the tradition and spirit of the show with a new streaming web and HD radio venture at MPR called Radio Heartland. The people spoke loudly and were rewarded. Welcome to your new home, my friend.

I would be remiss, though, to not make note of the fact that also last week in the Twin Cities, another iconic radio show was lost to us. My dear friend TD Mischke was let go from his long time show at KSTP-AM. The firing happened one day after Tommy's successful CD release party. Many of us are still scratching our heads. The outpouring of support's been emotional and well it should be. His show's been recognized as one of radio's most creative and original and has a loyal fan base.

But maybe, like me, sometimes it's time to "leave home". With it comes a chance to flourish in a new setting and become something personally and creatively you might never have if you had stayed. It happened for me, and I pray the same for Dale and Tommy...I'm sure it will.

Cruisin' with JACK

Best laid plans dept.: I was supposed to go hear someone play at a store opening. I drive out to the location only to find a detour on the way, which resulted in a massive traffic backup. That plus not being sure where the place was from the detour area, by the time I thought I was getting close to the area, I'd missed the show.

So I stopped into a bookstore for a bit and then drove home via some back roads and JACK-FM on the radio to try and clear my head about a issue that's been weighing on me. Normally I'm not much for driving, but it was somehow comforting and healing cruising on dark but generally empty roads with Tommy Tutone, Eddie Money and yeah, even AC-DC as the background.

Me and JACK

Yes, the rumors are true...there is a man in my life this week. His name is JACK.

I was picked for JACK-FM 96.3 Nashville's "Ordinary Listener of the Week". This is where they bring you into the studio and you read blurbs for events going on each day of the week, and do some station IDs. They also take a video of you while you're doing this because they know everyone's going to have bloopers. Mine was pretty funny, actually. I thought I was focusing so much on reading the copy that I didn't show enough flair for the camera. But if you see some of my expressions, I did get some mugging in.

They also told me that my session was one of the quickest they ever had because I nailed the reads pretty well overall. Maybe there's hope for my radio career yet.

Anyhow, here is the profile page for JACK-FM Ordinary Listener of the Week --this will be up only for one week. However, the video is for keeps on YouTube. Go ahead--laugh at me.

Explain Thyself

I've been in Nashville a year and a half. If you read the "Wendy V's Nashville Blend" blog I write, you know that I still hold a sense of wonder about this town. Yet, in the past couple of weeks as I've talked to many musicians, or even overhearing a conversation or two, the subject has come up about the downside of trying to have a music career in Nashville...it can be heartbreaking and ruthless if you don't fit inside a certain "box". Some of you may be very surprised to find that the people you've seen on a stage someplace shining like a bright star can be found these days working day jobs in various Nashville establishments.

The subject came up also as I've had musicians who understand what I'm trying to do in my calling to inspire and encourage beg me to continue and not stop. I came here wondering if any of the artists here would get what I do because their level of talent was so high that they didn't need to hear it. Instead, I found a community hungry for the slightest bit of affirmation and encouragement.

It would not surprise me in the least to learn that some may find my writings and approach as "Pollyana-ish" because I choose to not be critical in my blog. That's fine. I know who and what I'm doing this for. If I end up doing nothing else than writing in my blog, showing up at gigs and smiling and bringing energy to the struggling songwriters, I will still have gotten the greatest rewards I couldn't have ever imagined in my wildest dreams. Those who aren't on board with me can simply get off the bus at the next stop.

So, don't worry, all of you who do get it. I will not lose my sense of wonder.

End Of An Era

This milestone must be noted: after about 25 years on the air, the Morning Show with Dale Connelly and Jim Ed Poole at Minnesota Public Radio will come to an end on December 11, with Tom Keith's (Jim Ed) retirement. It's not really a surprise to me. These guys hung in there moving over with the Current's alternative rock format a couple of years back, doing what it is that they do. They made an honest effort to adjust some things to try not to stick out of the format like a sore thumb, yet not completely lose what the show is, and what so many of us loved for all these years.

Dale and Jim Ed are special to me. I met them on my maiden voyage to St. Paul, MN in 1987, a couple of years prior to my move. I had been in contact with an MPR volunteer and signed up for answering phones on the membership drive during my visit. Both these guys made an effort to find out who the person from Connecticut was helping out with the phones. Over the years they have obliged so many of my requests for songs to play on my birthday and did them with great creative humor. I even had my own time slot for when it would be played (well, most of the time). I got up at ungodly hours and made it to the Minnesota State Fair for most of their live broadcasts for years until the year I moved to Nashville. (During one of the two times my late dad visited me in Minnesota, I took him to the fair for the live broadcast of the Morning Show and he talked about one of the skits for years afterward.) They even were kind enough to play some of the artists whose work I sent to them. Both Dale and Jim Ed have been good, supportive friends.

I understand that Dale Connelly will be offered other creative opportunities at MPR. Dale is one of the true comic geniuses of the business and I trust that whatever comes his way will showcase his tremendous talents and bring his work the wide audience it deserves.

Jim Ed/Tom, enjoy your retirement. Besides being one of the most naturally gifted voice actors and sound effects persons around, you also have some of the finest people skills of anyone I've ever known.

I hope that I will be available to hear this show when it is broadcast, but if not, I do hope MPR will archive it accordingly.

Thanks, Dale and Jim Ed.

Stepping It Up and Goin' For The Dream...

Sometimes you just know when it's time to do something.

For the last year or so, I've been getting to know Nashville and its music industry. The more I've traveled in the circles, I've felt a greater sense of belonging. Now finally, all the networking, support and participation are starting to have an effect. I am defining what it is I have to offer and I am going for my dream of being a support person to musicians in Nashville. I am particularly grateful to some key folks here in town who have provided me with encouragement and productive feedback to help me step up my game (you can see a result or two on my website).

The timing of all this with my layoff in July is certainly not lost on me. I have to wonder if this was God's way of getting me out of what was "comfortable" to finally get me off and running. Since a full time "job" has not yet materialized, I've seized the moment to prepare harder for opportunities, and there has already been some interest in my work. So for now, whether this be part time, full time, or anytime, I am a freelancer and I am excited.

If you are wondering what it is I do, take a look here.

"Never Too Old" with Wendy V on Radio Free Nashville

Well, I said I was hoping to have something exciting to tell you about, and I do. Here is "my official press release":

"Never Too Old" with Wendy V Debuts on Radio Free Nashville

(NASHVILLE) – Some music making baby boomers are getting a chance to be heard in Music City. "Never Too Old" with host Wendy V debuts on Radio Free Nashville, WRFN-LPFM 98.9 on Saturday, September 13 in its regular Saturday afternoon timeslot of 3-4 p.m.

"Never Too Old" celebrates the "upper demographic", or "baby boomers"...40s, 50s, 60s and so on who are active, energetic, engaged in life and out there making some valuable contributions. It's a unique mix of classics and current artist music and interviews. "The music that we all grew up with and paved the way for artists to follow matters just as much to us today as when we were younger...we think it still holds up and deserves a place to be heard, " says Wendy. " Plus, there are many musicians and artists out there in this demographic that are far from "over", creating great music today."

Along with its target baby boomer audience, Generation X, Y, or younger audience members are especially welcomed to listen and learn a bit about pop music history, explore some classic country, and meet some seasoned artists who know their way around a good tune.

For Wendy V, doing this show fulfills a longtime dream. "I grew up listening to the radio and have had a lifelong passion for the medium. I'm blessed to have this opportunity to share the music I love and help bring recognition to some of the great talent we have here in Nashville. You're never too old to appreciate the past...and never too old to embrace the future."

About Radio Free Nashville:
98.9 WRFN-LPFM is an all-volunteer local community, "low power for the people" 100-watt station licensed to Pasquo, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville, programming a mix of news, information, talk and call-ins shows, and music. Live streaming can be heard at http://www.radiofreenashville.org/ .

About Wendy V:
"Wendy V" is a writer and music promoter who has proactively supported musicians for over 20 years. She currently writes "Wendy V's Nashville Blend" (http://wvnashblend.blogspot.com/ ), a blog spotlighting the Nashville singer/songwriter community and other music events, and hosts "Wendy V's Ponder Cast", a podcast covering music, musicians, fans, radio, encouragement, and faith. Her website is at www.wendyv.com .

My "Summer Vacation"

Well, the job hiatus continues at this writing. It was nice having most of the summer off but I am hoping it won't extend too much into fall. I did have some freelance work happening and a little more is expected soon, so I do thank those folks who made that happen.

Tomorrow is my birthday and I can't think of a better way to spend it than to go out and hear some new writers in town. I had to cancel my trip this weekend to Louisville and the National Quartet Convention this year due to economics and also because some great people are having rounds and writers nights I couldn't bear to miss. Thus, it's going to be a busy week for music and I'm sure much of it will show up in the Nashville Blend blog as long as I remember to pack a piece of paper.

Also by the time this weekend is out, I hope to be able to tell you about something exciting I have in the works.

Concert Trip Reports Updated

Due to my continuing (un)employment situation, I've had to make some cuts. One was to cancel my photo storage account which contained many pictures from my concerts (compared to other options, way too pricey, anyhow). That meant I had to go back and update many of my concert trip report pages and remove links to photos. Once I choose another home for pictures, I'll add a link in the main trip report page.

While I was at it, I made a couple of other updates to my very first Nashville trip report and my Dallas trip report. At the time I wrote those, I had to leave out a couple of details which, frankly, at the time would have caused some fan jealousy and drama had I left them in. But I think enough time has gone by and circumstances changed so I can now include those details.

It's been very interesting to look back on some of those reports and see just how much has changed since then. Obviously, some big life changes happened to me (can you guess which ones?). We also lost dear people and places since these trips happened. I am grateful that I was able to preserve some of those memories in a small way by writing those trip reports. Someone told me recently that my reports had a sense of sweetness and wonder about them. I think that's fairly accurate. I can see a bit of "wide-eyed-ness" in describing some of these events. Basically, though, I always strived to be as descriptive and positive (yet, honest) as possible when I wrote them.

If you've visited my trip report page before, take another walk down memory lane. If it's your first time, I hope you enjoy reading them.

"Things To Do If I Had Time" List

I've always had this list in the back of my mind of some things I wanted to do if I ever had a chunk of free time to do them. Since it's not certain how long my "hiatus" will be, I decided to take a look at what's on that list.

One thing is watch my DVD collection more often. I've done a little of that, but I have actually spent more time straying beyond the favorite channels on my TV and seeing what's out there.

Another is learning to play the mandolin. Checking out the price of mandolins, that's not very cost-effective for me right now. I do wonder if I should learn to play guitar first. Some of those are cheaper. Although, when I've been at the songwriter get-togethers, I couldn't even grasp some of those big guitars they've had there. I'll keep that one on the list.

People have been at me for years about my speaking voice (you don't want to hear me sing...really) and encouraging me to do radio or voiceover work. Someone pointed me in the direction of a good voiceover studio in Nashville. I gave them a call and the cost for doing a demo was pretty reasonable. I did have a demo done last year or so that my friend produced for me, but this time I'm looking for a bit more variety and types of copy that I'm interested in doing. I located a collection of royalty free copy and bought it. I'll look it over and see what works for me. So, maybe this one will move up to top of the list. My fantasy would be to do this and get one job that would pay back the cost. If nothing else, it should be fun.

Settling Into Life...

Well, I am all moved in to my new home now. I love it. I continue to amaze myself on how organized it all is. It has not yet reached that state of chaotic "fwoom" of clutter that my apartment was in. Maybe it's the extra room. I also love the part of town I live in--reminds me a little of my hometown when I was growing up. Last week I went to a bandshell concert in a small park nearby and watched the little kids run around and smash into each other. Kind of made me wish my life was that simple again.

My hiatus continues...I am doing everything I can do, applying in several places and even had one interview, but the phone remains silent for now. The best I can do is relax, stay focused and enjoy my time while I wait, live in the present moment and not worry about what happens tomorrow or next month. There is, after all, something to be said for a cup of tea on the patio or taking a swim in the early morning before the mommies and kids take charge of the pool. You grab hold of these things while you can.

New Home, New...

I'm gradually getting settled into my new home. Unfortunately I've been burning a lot of gas with the back and forth shuttling. But now the loads are getting smaller and I can split my time between two places until the movers come grab the rest of my furniture. I spent my first night there last night, in my rocker/recliner, listening to the Grand Ole Opry, watching the lightning and thunderstorm and being glad I wasn't out in it. Beautiful.

I've been spending a lot of time in Dollar Tree (forget shopping -- the store pipes in great oldies!) and Home Depot. I'm getting slowly into the homeowner mode so I've made several trips to the latter. I even watched a demonstration on how to install a ceiling fan. That's not guaranteeing I'm attempting it, though. My greatest achievement thus far, however, is that I put up my own curtain rods. Blinds continue to be my greatest frustration. I got the measuring part down but the brackets are murder. After two hours of trying I threw in the towel.

One "tradition" I had for the past few years every time I'd move is that I would also end up with a new job. Timing once again became everything this past week, so the tradition continues in this case as well. I will be curiously looking forward to whatever opportunity God has in store for me next.

But right now, there's a move to finish.

Wait Till You See Me In My New Home

The above titled song from many of the Gaither videos has been sticking in my head this week, especially since my friends Reggie and Ladye Love Smith so timely sang it in concert last week. Today it became official...I am now a homeowner in Nashville, having closed today on a condo. I am no fan of the process, however...it is stressful, with last minute glitches. But I do give props to my realtor, Debbie Henderson and lender, Charlie Thompson, for all their hard work. Check these folks out if you ever want to buy in Nashville.

My move happens in a couple of weeks. Till then there is lots of work to be done to get ready and knowing me, a few musical events to attend on the schedule inbetween. Note to self: try not to burn the candle at both ends.

Father's Day

I spent a lot of this weekend watching parts of what must be at least 48 hours of non-stop coverage and reflections on Tim Russert's death. A large portion of the discussion has been about his relationship with his dad "Big Russ" and his two books about fatherhood. Tim was a good man, a good journalist and it seems tons of people loved him. When I watched a replay of an interview Tom Brokaw did with Tim on his own show when the tables were turned and he was interviewed about his book "Wisdom Of Our Fathers", the follow up to "Big Russ and Me", I realized the man was everything everyone said he was.

Tim Russert got me thinking more about my own dad this Father's Day weekend...my dad passed a little over three years ago. You can read about him here. We'll call him "Big Tom".

Go rest high, Tim.

Here We Go Again...

Well, I am doing what I swore years ago I would never do. I am in the process of becoming a homeowner. I have found a townhome condo and all the steps are now taking place, with hopes of closing at month end. Am I "excited"? Not yet. My goal is to remain calm through this process. I will get excited when the papers are signed and the keys are in my hand. It's a really nice place, though.

Why did I decide? I have been in Nashville a year, I know I love it and I'm staying. I also want to be able to do my health practices (blenders, juicer, rebounder) without hearing anyone's noise complaints due to thin walls. Plus, it's closer to where I work...and I'm back on the busline. I am counting on a better experience than in the Twin Cities.

The first week of this process is the most wild one, with so much detail, travel to places to do business. I'm having trouble remembering if I'm supposed to be anyplace I've forgotten about. Thank God for checklists. I am, however, procrastinating mentally and physically about packing for a move. But I figure, for the move my friends and I pulled off getting here, this one ought to be a piece of cake.

All the same--keep me in your prayers and good thoughts for a smooth process.

Rewound Weekend

A reminder to all my fellow radiophiles, pop culture fans and top 40 radio aficionados: This weekend is Memorial Day weekend, so on Monday it's time for an annual tradition I look forward to every year (except for one year, where I completely spazzed and forgot about it). I skip the picnics and stay close by my computer for WABC Rewound, where now talk station WABC in New York goes into its archives for 12 hours and plays some of the airchecks of its popular djs of the 60s and 70s. It's a virtual time machine where you can relive the glory days of one of top 40 radio's greatest stations and your younger years (for you under 40 folks, a fascinating look at how much fun radio was decades ago). The other half of the fun is joining in and reading the posts from other listeners on the WABC Rewound message board. It all wraps up with a call in talk segment featuring past WABC personalities.

One addition this year is an hour of airchecks from one of WABC's current lineup, Don Imus, who ruled the airwaves as a dj at WNBC in New York in the early-mid 70s'. I listened to him while I was in high school and college, so I am looking forward to his segment...should bring back some fun memories for me.

Here's where to join in the fun:
WABC Musicradio 77 tribute site
WABC Rewound info and link to listen live
WABC Rewound Message Board

Timing Is Everything, Part 2

Update on last week's news: I've been called back to my job. I return to work on Tuesday so I can keep some commitments I made for Monday.

Thanks for your prayers and well wishes. God has been good. I guess He either thought I needed a vacation or it's not the right time for me to buy a place right now. Those plans are on hold for now until I get a clear sign to go ahead.

A Sad Week In Nashville

It's been a week of loss and sadness here in Nashville. As death so often comes in threes, in the music world we lost Eddy Arnold, Jerry Wallace ("Primrose Lane"), and today, Dottie Rambo. I've been spending much time listening to tributes and reading reflections on Eddy and Dottie and watching some vintage video. Please pray for the families and friends who have been affected by their losses...some of whom I know.

The weather here has for the most part been gray and dreary for much of the week...it sort of created a setting to spend a little time in a mourning period for the job loss as well.

I will be glad to put this week behind me. But I approach a new week knowing the sun will shine again and God's still God.

Timing Is Everything...

This afternoon I was preparing to meet my realtor and put an offer on a townhome I liked. The mood at work had been somber. A handful of temp staff at the job where I've been on a long term assignment since last July were let go, victims of a slower workload and the economy. Our manager discussed the situation today and when he asked for questions, I said "I'm planning on putting an offer on a townhouse today. Should I do it?"

The answer came toward the end of the day. No. There was another cut to be made. I was not surprised. Frankly, I haven't had much to do for the past couple of weeks. Three crushed co-workers walked me out to my car and I did my best to keep their spirits up. I was calm and accepting. This was, after all, a temporary assignment and it had to end eventually...but, we all had bonded as if we'd been working together for years. Yet, if I had learned anything at my weekend at the Middle Tennessee Women's Retreat, it was that we find treasures in our present darkness. God doesn't waste our pain or misfortune--He uses it. (I also realized at the retreat there are people who survived much worse than the end of a beloved job.)
The love and support I got from the people where I worked as I left is the legacy I leave behind in that position. I couldn't ask for much more than that.

I will be relieved, though, to have a respite from the gas-guzzling long (well, to me) commute, having to get out the door at 6 am in order to make a left turn out of my complex and spend an hour at the gym to avoid the horrid traffic. Plus, God knew and I knew that if I were going to make a move happen if I bought a place now, I would really have to scramble to prepare for it. Now I don't have to.

I'm looking forward to seeing what God has in store for me next. I hope to take a little break first. I've got some books to read and this place needs a good cleaning.

Middle Tennessee Women's Retreat

This past weekend was the aforementioned Middle Tennessee Women's Retreat, led by gospel singer Ann Downing who I first came to hear of on the Gaither videos. I've been one of her "FANNtastics" for years now. She sought me out to come to this event but I originally said no due to finances. It was desirable to stay at the host hotel, but with trying to prepare to buy a home, that wasn't an expense I could justify. Well, Ann so graciously provided scholarship funds so I could be there.

I roomed with an extraordinary woman, Kay, who is 83 but looked and had the outlook of someone at least 20 years younger. I learned much from her about living life fully in later years, and most certainly in the present. She reminded me a lot of my grandmother, one of my role models. If she were still with us, she'd probably be much like Kay.

I said in my last entry that perhaps the reason it was important for me to be there was because God must have a message for me. Well, he did. But I'm not going to share it here...it will be part of an "Encouraging Words" entry or podcast, or maybe both. I met a lot of amazing women, including some who have endured unimaginable hard times, with only the strength of their faith in God to see them through. Amazingly, some of them have found humor in their situations.

It was fun to also meet some of the people from Ann's message board. I must say, I also heard the most Southern accents at that one event than I have anywhere else in Nashville over my first year of living here.

One of my favorite events of the weekend was the musical celebration. We of course had music from Ann. Other musical guests were Southern gospel writer Marty Funderburk and John Starnes, another singer known to Gaither video fans. This guy has a future in comedy--he gave Mark Lowry a run for his money in the humor area as he did a hilarious routine about exploring who he was.

Though it was a women's retreat, I must admit to flirting with a guy for parts of the weekend. His name was Ezra, and he was the ventriloquist puppet half of the duo Gail 'n Ezra. Gail has a magnificent talent of bringing this little fellow to life-- he was so real to all of us. I called him a "hottie" and he loved it.



I am very grateful to Ann, Kay, Sue and all who made this weekend possible for me. It was exactly what I needed.

I'm Tired...

I knew the last part of April would be wild, and it has been. I spent last weekend out at Gaylord Opryland hotel for Mark Lowry's Spring Fling (read the blog here). On Monday I checked out of the hotel, went home and dropped off my bags, then headed for a Christian music showcase downtown (report in my Nashville Blend blog). Tuesday was the GMA Southern Gospel showcase, this year it being the Harmony Honors awards. That's chronicled elsewhere on the web (Google it), so I will skip that report. Realizing my limits, I did not attend the Dove Awards. I had the best seat in the house at home and in front of my computer, where I watched Mark Lowry and Paul Johnson win the Best Inspirational Album award for "I Love To Tell The Story". I was so thrilled for them both. (By the way, if you haven't heard this marvelous conversation with Paul Johnson that I did for my podcast, this would be a good time to do so...he gives a lot of interesting detail on the making of this album.)

I stayed home the rest of the week but saw one or two things happening in town that I would have liked to attend. A person can go insane here in Nashville with all of the possibilities to take in great music and events.

It all starts again next week, and next weekend I'll be at the Middle Tennessee Women's Retreat. I had not originally planned to attend, but mountains were moved so I could be there. I have to believe that God has a message for me at this one.

In the midst of all this, I have a couple of other pieces to write, too. Better get to work.

My next "project"

So I've been in Nashville one year. It's been well documented how much I love it here. Thus, I have made a decision to "seal the deal" and attempt to do something that years ago I said I'd never do again. Yes--I'm buying a home. But this time, it's going to be a townhome or one-level condo. Some of the tales I can tell on my last homeownership experience with a single family home have turned me away from that forever. I know it's a different, and maybe pricier, ball of wax in the condo world, but renting sort of prepares you for that. (I must say, though, of late, renting has been a very different experience here than when I lived in Minnesota.) So I decided that if I am going to live the way I want to, get up in the morning when I choose to, etc. it's time to buy. Plus, I gotta get out of this traffic pattern.

Now that I've been preapproved, my realtor and I are ready to start looking. I'm excited but at the same time asking myself if I'm ready for all the stress that comes with it all. I guess we'll find out.

One Year In Nashville

Obviously, this year's Easter weekend, though falling earlier in the calendar, won't be quite as memorable as last year's. Last Easter season I was on the journey arriving here in Nashville. It still feels like it all happened a few months ago. It has truly been a wonderful year.

Has it all been easy? No. There have been challenges in the working and living situations. Now that I have been here a year, it is time to try to make certain solidifying decisions in the face of an uncertain economy. But of course, the greatest joy has been to find acceptance of my call as an encourager among the emerging and accomplished in the Nashville music community. On that end, I give my greatest thanks to those who have been way-showers, door openers, dream-makers and supporters of the encourager who has also needed encouragement herself. I have also been lucky enough to find an extended family of sorts among my church group.

I'm still here...and I'm still thrilled to be here. I love this town.

New Podcast Interview

If you haven't already done so, I hope you'll check out my latest "Wendy V's Ponder Cast" podcast where I interview composer/producer/arranger/conductor Paul Johnson. He's been in the business a long time and known for his work in Christian music and choral arrangements (Paul Johnson Singers), as well as having worked with some of the greats throughout the entertainment industry. It's certainly one of the best podcasts I've done so far. Paul is humble and articulate and addresses the joys and frustrations of being an artist which befall many of us, whether you're struggling or accomplished as much as he has. We're all floating in the same boat at times.

Admittedly, I was an FM rock and roll gal and out of the Christian music loop back in the 70's when Paul and his singers made many of the recordings which he shared with me after our interview. It was fascinating to hear some of the music which was the beginning of what we know today as contemporary Christian. Certainly the genre has evolved tremendously over the years. But, the message you'll hear in the music is timeless. You'll also hear some great voices. What's it like to be able to do that? Paul answers that question quite interestingly.

Website update #2

The website updates I mentioned are taking place this week. www.wendyv.com is running as normal, but if you go to embraceencouragement.com and find it down, you can find it at www.embraceencouragement.net where it is also being housed temporarily.

Update: all is now working with my website as it should. Thanks, Rob, at WebAlong for hanging in there with me until everything was right. You rock!

Dove Award Nomination for Mark Lowry and Paul Johnson!

Congratulations to Mark Lowry and Paul Johnson for receiving a Dove Award nomination on an amazing album, which I've sung the praises of in this article I wrote last year.

Read the official press release here.

Website Update

The update on my website is that I can't update anything right now. It is frustrating and totally unacceptable. So, some changes will need to be made. For those of you who read features like my monthly "Encouraging Words" newsletter, I hope to get the next issue posted in time for March but we'll have to see (of course, the best way to not miss anything there is to be an e-mail subscriber!).

Anyway, my apologies for not being up to date--it's certainly not my style but is out of my control right now. For now, please check here or at "Wendy V's Nashville Blend", or my MySpace page for current happenings and announcements.

Update to the update: OK, I have been able to update the home page...for now. But I do expect to have the website in transition sometime next week. So, keep those above links handy just in case.

Opry Classics

Well, I am having a blast. A few weeks ago I happened upon a Time-Life TV commercial that Marty Stuart was hosting (that alone would make me take notice). He was introducing a series of 8 DVDs made up of clips from old Grand Ole Opry based and other TV shows of the 60s and 70s, featuring just about any classic artist you can imagine. Being the serious collector of old TV musical clips and shows that I am, I flew online immediately and ordered the set, trusting that my tax refund would cover the cost.

Indeed, this set is a collector's dream. I've been wondering for years where those clips of Patsy Cline, where she's singing "Crazy" and other songs and wearing the pretty flowered dress I saw at the Opry Museum, came from. The answer is The Pet Milk Grand Ole Opry program and there's lots of clips from that show and others. Another thing I love about this collection is that whereever possible, they have the broadcast dates of the shows...I like knowing that sort of trivia. And oh yeah, Marty introduces each DVD. Plus, there are some bonus artist interviews with Little Jimmy Dickens, JimEd Brown, the late Porter Wagoner and others reminiscing about their Opry memories.

Now, if only they'd release some of the full episodes of these old programs (yeah, I know, I want it all)...

Happy Quirkyalone Day!

On a day when society tries to tell you it's the norm that you should be partnered, I just wanted to wish those of you who are uncoupled a Happy Quirkyalone Day. I have celebrated this alternative day for years. While I don't agree with everything found on the website, I think the basic idea makes sense.

I do believe we need to love ourselves as God loves us. It's only then when we can fully love others. So today, be yours.

Cold? Well, yeah...

When I moved here to Nashville some people told me "well, it does get cold here", but I kinda brushed it off because I figured they were talking about temperatures in the 30s, perhaps. They were right. We've had temperatures in the teens for lows with wind chills close to rivaling the Twin Cities. I thought I left all that behind. Thus I am grateful I did not leave behind my black parka for those days. I was almost missing the "big black bear", my 3/4 length down coat which was given away before the move.

But I do comfort myself with a couple of things: one, it is usually 20 degrees colder in the Twin Cities than it is here, and two, I know that warmer weather and spring will come here when it's supposed to.

By the way, it's supposed to be back in the 60s this week.

Happy New Year...

Well, the holidays are over and soon we will be back to normal routines and of course, normal traffic levels around here. Admittedly, it did feel like Minnesota around here the last couple of days, with low temps in the teens. The folks here sure didn't take well to that. I assured them they haven't really felt true cold, pointing out that the low overnight temperature would be the high for the day in St. Paul. I will say this: I don't think too many of these buildings here are set up for this kind of cold snap. Tried as my furnace did, my apartment hasn't been quite up to the task. Even my car, which granted no longer has the luxury of a garage, hesitated a bit ("C'mon car! You're supposed to start right up! You're a native Minnesotan!").

Good news for my podcast: it got over 9,000 plays last year and when the monthly stats were reset on my host site, Cyberears, it initially came in at #5 in its top 10rankings. (Then it dropped off, then went as high as #3, then back to #5, since stats change by the moment. But it's all good.)

My resolution for this year, if I have any, is to just put one foot in front of the other each day and walk through life as best I can. I will also be working on my newfound hobby, studying alternative medicine and getting my own self in shape (keep eating an alkaline diet, continue my daily walking, more raw and green foods...things everyone should be doing).

Happy New Year, everybody!