Tuesday, December 22, 2009

When It's Done Right...

I watched most of the episodes of "The Sing Off" this past couple of weeks. There were some really talented groups competing. One of those was the Voices of Lee, who I have seen many times at Gaither Homecoming and Mark Lowry events, so I knew them to be amazing. Despite the fact they were out of their usual comfort zone and did some music on the show that was very different for them, they did a great job. I voted for them, but could have gone with any of the finalists. I enjoyed the humor and style of the Beezlebubs, but I sort of felt Nota had that thing going on and they would win...and I saw that it would have meant the most to them to win.

The finale was superb. One other standout was the judging...imagine--positive, encouraging, helpful, constructive criticism. And if you saw the last show, these judges really cared about these artists. Awesome job Ben, Nicole and Shawn.

This series was done first class all the way. I hope it returns. If you missed it, take a look here. American Idol, take a hint. You can do something besides being cruel and outrageous and have a success.

Sunday, November 01, 2009

Halloween Surprise

We've had some technical issues in the course of the upgrade to a new frequency at Radio Free Nashville. My friend and "radio mate" T.J. Kirby's planned Halloween afternoon show was a casualty of those issues. So with his afternoon free, he called me and asked "want to go for a good meal?". I said sure, why not. When all else fails, eat, is what I say.

I met T.J. and Rene at their place, got in their car and rode with them. We started in the direction of Kingston Springs. It seemed like maybe we were heading to Sonic again, as we've often done lately. Nope--went past it. We didn't stop at the nearby Mexican restaurant, either...another wrong guess. We got on the freeway and T.J. said he and Rene had a surprise for me. Fine by me. When it comes down to food, I'm game for most things...except foods which are onion or egg-heavy (as they hear from me all the time!).

The surprise was a visit to some of Rene's relatives, who were having a southern catfish fry in a huge barn. The spread was enormous and incredibly delicious: fried catfish, fries, chicken, cole slaw, white beans, turnip greens, macaroni and cheese, and a host of desserts. For a chow hound like me, it was paradise. There was also a lot of warmth and southern hospitality.

It wasn't just about the food, though. It was about continuing love and friendship being shown to me by angels in my life who know of my ongoing difficult circumstances. When certain parts of your life get tough, you have to look at the "big picture". In the midst of challenges, be grateful and focus on those things that are blessings. Sometimes that's easier said than done. But it's what keeps you going.

Wednesday, July 29, 2009

Honesty Is The Best Policy

This morning I went out to pick up a few groceries but needed to first stop at my bank's ATM. I pulled behind someone who seemed to be taking a little time and pressing a lot of buttons. The person drove off, and I pulled up to the window. As I was about to insert my card, a stack of bills spit out with a receipt. It looked like it might have been about $200 or so--I didn't even count it. I think this person ahead of me probably thought the transaction didn't work the first time, tried it again and unknowingly made a double withdrawal. But I didn't think twice about what to do. I pulled around to the bank entrance and brought the money and receipt inside, explaining what happened and asked if they could track the customer down.

All the people at the bank told me how sweet and nice I was to have done what I did. Are you kidding me? I wouldn't have thought of doing anything else. I wouldn't have considered keeping the money--even in my situation of being out of work for so long. I also answer to God. It's someone else's money and I know had it been me realizing I might have lost the cash, I would have been in a panic. I would hate to think anyone would have done otherwise.

So I drove back through to the ATM and did my own paltry withdrawal. I lingered for a second to make sure nothing extra was going to spit out. :)

Thursday, July 16, 2009

Too Busy To Ponder...

I've pretty much been behind in all my blogging as of late. Too many activities going on. I'm perhaps spreading myself thin but hey, I like doing all these things.

Here's a recap of what I have (and haven't) been up to:

The lack of employment situation remains the same. 'Nuff said. There is always talk of possibilities, but nothing yet materializing. I am doing a little support for an artist I absolutely believe in, which is great in that at least I can say right now I am an artist assistant, if anyone asks.

I have not had time to continue the "Wendy V's Pondercast", plus that well's been a bit empty lately. Thus, I have decided to bring it to a close for now. I'm grateful to all who have listened and to Cyberears for being a great host site. I may take some of the better ones and see if I can host them on my website as a "best of" series.

I spent the 4th of July in a small town called Pegram, about a dozen miles west of the part of Nashville I live in. A fellow Radio Free Nashville DJ and the mayor of Pegram, both of whom I got to know via Facebook, recruited me to judge some baby and children's pageants (No such thing as an ugly baby by me-I was quite generous in my scoring!). I also helped with some various and sundry tasks before and during the event. It was a lovely small-town America celebration. I've always been a cityfied gal, but these folks treated me as if I were their own. I felt I made a bond with this area and its people with a few new friends.

I also had my big break in the music community here. I was accepted to present a topic at a fairly new music industry networking organization called Indie Connect. This helps various independent artists and service providers network and find each other for potential opportunities. One of my fellow industry professionals suggested I share some of my radio station knowledge, so I proposed a topic on how radio interviews/appearances could be effective for artists. I've gotten quite a bit of compliments on my recent radio show guest interviews. Thus, I took some of what I learned there and brought it to this presentation. It was the first time I spoke before an industry crowd here in Nashville and the first time I've done any kind of group speaking in quite a while. I hoped some of my Toastmaster training stayed with me, and I'd have to say that it did. I had a couple of friends and Indie Connect meeting regulars come, and that was fine by me. I was pleased with how it all went and very grateful for the opportunity. Here's hoping it leads to others!

I also filled in for a couple of DJ friends of mine on their WRFN radio show while they were playing at a music festival in Latvia. See, it's things like this show, the presentation, etc. that makes me continue to want to have my days flexible to take advantage of these opportunities.

Of course, I am still writing, going to shows 4-5 nights a week, etc. and doing what it is I do. Right now I am continuing to trust God to provide for my needs and He has not failed me yet. The one thing I need right now is an efficient computer with enough memory to do proper support for folks. So I'm trusting and believing for that as well...

Check in and I'll keep you posted.

Saturday, May 23, 2009

Recommended Reads

As a writer, I just love it when I find some drop dead amazing, spellbinding writers that keep me engaged in every word. If you remember the scene in "Amadeus" where Salieri picks up a score that Mozart left lying around, reads it and you see the intense emotion in his face as he hears the music in his head, that's the "wow" effect I feel when I read some of these writers. Sure, I wish I had the same kind of talent...or I'd take at least a fraction of it. But I appreciate it for what it is and soak it up like a sponge when I read. Anyhow, in no particular order, here's some of who's on my list these days.

- My musician/ex-talk radio friend from St. Paul, T.D. Mischke, who is flat out a killer writer. His move to City Pages was a win-win for him and us all. Read his section.

- Dale Connelly, MPR host of the internet based "Radio Heartland" who has a blog "Trial Balloon" to go with (not bad grammar...a Minnesota-ism). A genius humorist and one of my long-time radio and writing heroes.

- Rand Bishop, most notably a hit songwriter ("My List" for Toby Keith), has an entertaining, engaging and informative book, "Makin' Stuff Up", on the art of songwriting and his own experiences in the music world. I also enjoy him greatly as a speaker and performer.

- I found a book in the library I couldn't resist: "Radio On", by Sarah Vowell. A listener's diary, it was written over 10 years ago when she was in her 20s. Amazing writing. What's it like to have that talent that young?

I'm also looking forward to reading the new book by my fellow programmer at Radio Free Nashville, River Jordan, called "Saints In Limbo".

My $.02 and change...all worth checking out.

...But Sometimes It Doesn't

I guess I jinxed myself by opening my mouth. The temp position came to an abrupt end. I won't say much about it except that either I was gone too long or God changed His mind about where He wanted me. At least He put me in the right place when I got the word...right in the middle of the Tuesday night prayer group I attend.

To add insult to injury, there was a mouse in the house the next day. Many of you know that's one of my worst fears and nightmares. But I guess if you buy a house, you're due to have a mouse (gosh, I'm so poetic). The main advice, of course, was the same: "get a cat." Look, I like cats, but cats mean care, feeding, and vet bills. I can't afford that. It's cheaper to buy traps. However, I haven't seen any sightings since I placed traps everywhere. I gave the mouse an ultimatum: leave or die. Maybe mice are a little more polite here in TN than they were in MN and it said "yes ma'am" and split. Could I be so lucky? We'll see. I'm not sounding the "all clear" yet, though.

From here on all fronts, it's about moving forward and focusing on the things I know I am successful at. Most especially, I'm concentrating on my goal of supporting artists for most of my time and getting by financially doing it. I am stepping out in faith for awhile and trusting God for provision, trying not to get sidetracked by economic fears which lead to wrong places. There, I said it. I'll take any prayers and encouragement.

Saturday, May 16, 2009

It All Makes Sense(us)

Just to catch folks up who have been following my employment(or lack of) status:

For the past month I was working for the US 2010 Census. I was a lister, or address canvasser, going around with a hand held computer to local neighborhoods. I was updating the address records for the mailing of the 2010 Census form, matching what I saw on the ground to what was on the computer's lists. I got to make my own schedule and braved rain, dogs, various conditions of homes and petulant computers. It all was very interesting at times. Last week I and the rest of our team completed the mission and were let go. Friday of that week I was called back to my old temp job. Absolutely, positively, without a doubt, God in the timing and details of that one. It's nice to be back among familiar people and surroundings. I'm not certain for how long that will be, but I'll keep showing up until they tell me not to. And I will trust that God will continue to provide as He has for the past year.

Friday, April 10, 2009

It's Not About Me...

My musician friend Steve Haggard was kind enough to say a few words about me in his latest column "The Real Music City" in the Nashville Free Press. But, especially reading the posted comment that followed made me realize that it wasn't so much about me but about two things I believe in and that guide what I do.

The first is the message of encouragement that I've been "preaching" all these many years. I've said over and over again how critical encouragement is and how much it matters in people's lives. It changes lives and it brings hope when it seems there is none, and that power's in every one of us if we'd just use it on each other. Need more convincing? Please spend some time here.

The second is that I've noted on many occasions that this musician support work that I do is bigger than me. It was shown to me a long time ago that this was a calling for me. Trust and obedience are sometimes not easy things to hold on to as you're being used of God for a particular purpose. But if you're willing to hang in for the end result...it's priceless.

Easter weekend was a fitting time for this column to come out. I'm one grateful and thankful gal.

Saturday, March 28, 2009

DOG is GOD Spelled Backward

I came home from one of my nights out feeling slighted, rejected and somewhat shattered. As I pulled into my carport, I was greeted by my neighbor's dog. He's getting old now, and has a hard time walking. But as soon as he sees me, he always heads straight for me, wanting to come into my house or my car, and always appreciates being loved on and petted.

Then I remembered something someone once pointed out: DOG is GOD spelled backward. As I thought about it, that's not all that far off base. Dogs (or at least the ones I've known) aren't fickle; they don't love you one moment and move on to someone different the next. They love unconditionally, no matter who you are, how unattractive you may look in the morning or how badly you've messed up.

God loves us that way, too. It seems like dogs, and perhaps some of our other pets, do a better job sometimes representing Him in the world than we humans do. And we're supposed to be the intelligent ones.

Could the answer for humanity and how we should treat one another lie in our pets? Should I just get a dog? I'm just asking...

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Network, Network, Network

I've been too busy to post here lately, I guess. I've been otherwise occupied...networking. So many of these online social networks have been popping up these days. I think I am in about 10 of them right now. I've been set up in the obvious ones for awhile--My Space and Facebook--but I'm also in a handful of music business related ones. I've also been out almost every night in the week at music events. I've never had so much fun.

I must say that it does work well for meeting people here in Nashville. The one piece of advice I've gotten the most since I came here was to network. 'Course, if I were that good, I'd have a job by now, I suppose. But the value for me in it all is not so much the professional aspect as it has been the personal. I now can go to a number of writers nights and such around here and know a bunch of people, and most of all feel included. That's huge for me.

Another advantage of these networks is you can find people you've lost touch with. I re-found a lot of my old southern gospel music friends recently. I had to leave the Gaither.com site I was part of for many years when the price of their old community became unaffordable to me. I was glad the Gaither site decided to be more in line with other networks and go with a free Ning network community. It's been a lot like being a prodigal returning home.

So now if you'll excuse me, I need to update my status and answer those messages...

Friday, January 16, 2009

TN or MN?

Once again, as I see I did last year, I find myself wondering if I am in Tennessee or back in Minnesota with these cold temperatures. This same time last year I wrote an entry or two about temperatures here in Nashville as cold as in MN. This year, though, it's a little worse. I am keeping in mind of course that we are technically above zero, which would be a heat wave right now in the Twin Cities. But I guess my blood thinned out pretty fast after living here for a bit. I just wish I hadn't given away my long johns. I am also getting nostalgic for the "big black bear" coat.

On top of that, there is something wrong with my condo. It's cold. Cold air is coming from everywhere. I've tried the light the candle to find the draft thing, but it's a steady flame. I think it's coming from some place I don't have the money to try to fix. So I guess I am going to suck up those high electric bills somehow for the next couple more months. Not a good time for that, either.

Ah well--this too shall pass.

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Big Southern Gospel News...

Well, all the Southern Gospel bloggers are weighing in on the biggest buzz out there since yesterday. I know friends and others will be looking for my opinion, so I will weigh in on this as well. There's been a major shakeup in the Gaither Vocal Band, with the revamped lineup being Mark Lowry, David Phelps, Michael English, Wes Hampton and of course, Bill. Guy Penrod and Marsh Hall have exited the group. Here's my $.02 and change:

- My guess is either the GVB reunion video or the Guy Penrod substitute rotations, or both, sparked the fire for these guys and made the group experience fresh once again.

- I knew when I saw all those Gaither Homecoming dates suddenly appearing on Mark's schedule that something was up. I thought perhaps Mark was continuing to cover the Penrod hiatus, which is of course now permanent. Big change for sure for Mark and some of the people that support him. I am happy, though, that Mark's new solo release, "Life Gets Loud", was not a casualty of this change...it will be out in February. I'm anxious to hear it, particularly some songs written by a couple of Nashville songwriter friends of mine, Steve Christopher and Scooter Simmons, that Mark covers.

- It will be fabulous to hear David back in the group and knocking that range into the stratosphere.

- It is a compliment to Wes Hampton that he remains in the lineup. I'm glad for him...he's a fine singer and one of the most down to earth, sweet persons I've met in this circle.

- Sorry that Marsh will be gone, but he will be fine. He's a great singer and I was a fan of his before he joined the Vocal Band. He's done some good work with Benjy Gaither on their CD "Songwriters". But you know, if I had to choose between baritones it would just have to be Mark.

- I will certainly be looking forward to a Guy solo project. I also wonder if he will eventually put together a family group--the kids sing and the harmony I've heard them do in his video was quite good.

- I'd only heard the Michael English era of the GVB in video clips, so I will be up for hearing him back in the fold. My good thoughts and prayers are with him and Marcie in this musical and life change.

It should be our turn here in Nashville to get the Gaither Homecoming Christmas show this year, so unless I get a chance to hear the group live before then (doubtful, since I've more or less "retired" from concert travel), I'll be waiting on that concert.

Friday, January 02, 2009

Sad Goodbye

The first post here of this year is, unfortunately, a sad one. My mom passed away peacefully in her sleep Thursday evening in CT. She was 89. She had been ill for a long time, so we were expecting the news. She now joins my dad in heaven.

The tribute page for both my mom and dad can be found here if you are interested.