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.
Thursday, July 12, 2007
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.
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