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!