10.28.2005

Saying Goodbye

JTC left for Iowa bright and early this morning. His grandpa Matt isn't doing well. John wanted to go home see him one more time before it is too late.

A little more than three years ago, Matt suffered an injury to his foot while working on his farm that just never healed. At the time I think he was 88 and had never missed a day of working on his farm. Since then he's had part of his foot removed and has been staying in the Sigourney Nursing Home. Rosemary moved to town and last spring they sold 10 acres of the farm that Matt and she have lived on for more than 64 years.

A few weeks ago, Matt developed an infection in his foot that they were unable to get under control with antibiotics and fluids. Because he is a long time diabetic (doesn't heal well) and in frail health, the doctor would not do surgery to remove his foot for fear that they would lose him. Earlier this week, he was admitted to the hospital in Iowa City to see what they could do to get the infection under control besides surgery. By this time, his blood had become septic (not good) and he was in alot of pain. They started giving him big doses of powerful antibiotics to try to get rid of the infection, but the effort has been futile. Matt hasn't had an appetite all week and is pretty much sleeping all of the time. As of yesterday, the doctors decided the antibiotics weren't working. And, as of right now, they are only giving him morphine to keep him comfortable. It's looking like we may only have Matt with us on this Earth another two to three weeks.

What an incredible life he's lead:
  • Respected in is community.
  • Loved by everyone who knows him.
  • Never says a harsh word about anyone or towards anyone.
  • Hard working, determined and tenacious farmer.
  • Strong.
  • Gracious.
  • Benevolent.
  • Beautiful family, grandchildren and great grand children.
  • Married 65 years in November.
He's amazing. They just don't make them like Matt Wehr anymore.

While the thought of losing him makes me cry, I also think Matt is ready. It's really weird to type that... but I think he knows there is work for him to do in Heaven, where his body won't ache and he can farm to his heart's content. That gives me comfort.

I adore John's family and hold a very special place in my heart for Matt... and most importantly, I want to be there for John. My heart is very heavy because commitments this weekend prevented me from going along to Iowa. John said he would give him some BB love and if all goes well this week, maybe I can go next weekend. But, just in case I don't get to say, "Goodbye" in person, I know Matt knows how much I love and adore him. I feel like he's my Grandpa, too.

For the next couple weeks, please send tons of good thoughts and prayers to Matt in Iowa, to his daughters (John's mom, Gertie, and her sisters), to Rosemary and all of the Richardson clan. It's going to be a long two or three weeks. We'll need all the help we can get.

Thanks.
BB

UPDATE: John returned from Iowa on Sunday. Since then his Grandpa is out of the hospital and back in the Sigourney Nursing Home so he can be close to family and they can keep him comfortable. I'll keep you updated over the next few weeks. Thanks for everyone's e-mails and good thoughts / prayers.

10.27.2005

I'm a copycat.

Yes... it's true.
But when I saw the Frapper (beta) on Busy Mom and Rex's blogs... I just couldn't help it.

Show yourself my peeps!

E, A, D and G

Those are the chords I can play so far... well... sort of anyway.

OK, I know it's taken me WAY too long to apply myself, but Durango inspired me to get off my ass and learn to play the guitar JTC gave me for my birthday.

So, after ten days of practicing, I've got four chords down pretty well. Whoohoooo! Yes... I pretty much suck and my fingers are numb, but hope that within the next few months I can actually accompany myself.

Everyone keeps telling me that the F chord is the hardest to learn... but I'm not going to let that scare me off!

Wish me luck.

10.26.2005

Need a date night? Family night? Fun night?

You need all of the above... right?!

Well... look no further for the excitement you crave.

Plan to attend:

Music, Movies and 'Za
7 p.m.
October 29
(THIS Saturday night!)
Christ Lutheran Church
(299 Haywood Lane - 615.833.0476)
$5 Cover

While the kids are eating popcorn and watching movies in the CLC "theatre", you will be getting to have a date night, with pizza and candles and table side music and everything.

Performing in the round (ITR) throughout the night:
Donna Ulisse, Kerry Chater (Founding member of Gary Puckett & the Union Gap / You Look So Good in Love – George Strait; I.O.U. - Lee Greenwood; and more.), Lynn Gillespie Chater (You Go First – Jessica Andrews), Louise Mosrie, Jon Ims (She’s in Love with the Boy – Trisha Yearwood), Denny Martin, Randi Perkins, BB Logan, Jon Coleman & Cat Miller.

Come out!
It will be FUN... meant it!
Hope to see you there.

Stop signs and red flashing lights...

**ATTENTION: Rant ahead.**

This morning, on my way to work, I was stopped at the corner of Blackman & Edmonsen Pike. As I looked ahead through the intersection, I saw five or six kids waiting for the bus. Just then the school bus pulled up, turned on the red flashing lights and activated the bus stop sign. To my disbelief, I saw at least three cars obliviously blow by the school bus and the kids getting on it.

No... they didn't even tap their brakes and pretend to slow down. I would like to believe that they are just unaware that what they did was ILLEGAL and putting children in danger... but I'm having a hard time with that. What I really think is that they weren't thinking of anyone but themselves and how they were late for work, or talking on the phone or putting on their make-up...blah, blah, blah. Whatever the excuse, I don't buy it.

People... please... just take the time to think about the other guy when you are driving. Use some common sense before someone (like an innocent child getting on the bus) gets hurt. They don't put these laws in place just to give the cops something to do... kids have gotten killed and/or hurt because we're too caught up in ourselves to notice a GIGANTIC yellow school bus loading kids. It's not worth it... and once the damage is done, you can't make it right.

I'm sure most of you know how to navigate around a bus and understand the consequences of failing to follow the rules, but just in case, per the state of Tennessee, here is the rule:

"Never pass a stopped school bus. Not only is passing a stopped school bus dangerous, it's against the law. All drivers must come to a full and complete stop until the bus driver deactivates the warning lights and stop sign arm. "

OK.
Get it?
Got it?
GOOD.

Now... be sure to remind your fellow driver.
Thanks for reading.

**END of rant.**

10.25.2005

What do they mean?!

My friend Emily sent me some cool links that I thought I'd pass on to you.

Find out interesting facts / stuff about your birthday and find out what your name means... it's kinda cool... subjective but good.

Raed tihs.

Can you blveiee taht you can aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht you are rdanieg?

It's the phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy. Apraetplny it deosn't mttaer in waht oredr the ltteers in a wrod are, the olny iprmoatnt tihng is taht the frist and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it wouthit a porbelm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe.

Amzanig huh?

And I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt!

Waht is eevn wlider is taht tihs is atclualy a haok taht has been criucalitng the itnrent snice 2003.

Wlid.

10.24.2005

Boo somebody.

I was boo-ed last week. (I think it was DP but am not sure.)

So, I just boo-ed jetta girl. (yeah... I know I'm late... but better late than never!)

Now... it's YOUR turn.

Have fun!

Moody Bluebird...

Remember when I said that the "special guest" for Saturday's Bluebird show was big in my post on Friday. Well, I couldn't say who it was then (because they didn't want the Bluebird to get mobbed by crazed fans), but the special guest was Justin Hayward of the Moody Blues.

The show was spectacular. Jonell, Harley Allan and Justin really clicked, the songs were great and they were hilarious. I'm really glad I was able to be there.

10.21.2005

Clone me... just for the weekend.

I really wish I could clone myself this weekend... there is so much going on. So, thought you might want to check one or two of these listings from the Rage out as well.

Have a good one!

FRIDAY NIGHT:
7 p.m. - BB King's
Jonell Mosser

9:30 p.m. - Bluebird Cafe
ITR w/ Bob DiPiero, Jimmy Wayne, Tony Mullins & Anthony Smith
DiPiero has been cranking out hits since his arrival in Nashville, earning him 19 top tens, 13 number ones, 18 BMI Awards and a Nashville Songwriter of the Year Award in ’98. Mullins has had big hits with Kenny Chesney and Tim McGraw. Anthony Smith is an incredible songwriter / artist most recently known for the song he penned with his friend Jeffrey Steele, "If that ain't country (I don't know what is...)". AND, Jimmy Wayne is on the radio RIGHT NOW... he's an artist and songwriter and an incredible guitar player.

9:30 p.m. - Douglas Corner Cafe
Pat McLaughlin
“Uncle Pat” has been slicing up soul-burning blues and rough-hewn roots rock with his wit and superior guitar skills since the ’80s when he had a short stint on a major label. 9:30pm, Douglas Corner Cafe, $7.

SATURDAY NIGHT:

9:30 p.m. - Bluebird Cafe
In the Round w/Jonell Mosser, Harley Allen & special guests **hint hint** (special guests means someone BIG and I mean it... that's all I can say.) Possessed of some of the best pipes in a city full of singers, Mosser is a woman among girls when it comes to owning a song and revealing its inner layers with the power and passion of her voice. Mosser is joined by diehard folk and bluegrass stalwart Allen, who earned two Grammys and two CMA awards for his contributions to "O Brother, Where Art Thou?"

SUNDAY NIGHT:

7:30 p.m. - Ryman Auditorium MOODY BLUEGRASS: Tribute to The Moody Blues. with Justin Hayward, John Lodge and Graeme Edge of The Moody Blues; Plus, Harley Allen, Alison Brown, John Cowan, Larry Cordle, Charlie Cushman, Stuart Duncan, Tim O’brien And Jon Randall. $25.50-$42.50.

10.20.2005

Big Girl needs a home

OK my blog peeps... help me out here before we have another animal added to our household! Thankfully, we don't have a fence or I'd probably be posting about our new dog.

INSTEAD... keep reading if you or someone you know is thinking about adopting a dog.

JTC called to let me know that one of the vets at his PT gig is fostering a gold lab (that's what they think she is anyway). She's about 70 lbs, adorable and someone is probably really missing a pet that was lost. They've done everything they can to find the owner but have had no luck. So, now they just want to find a home for her that is as nice and friendly as she is... John says she knows tons of commands (sit, shake, etc.), is house broken, spade and just as sweet as can be.

If you're interested in adopting this cool dog, currently known as "Big Girl", give Grassmere Animal Hospital a call [615.832.6535] and ask for Dr. Lambeth.

10.19.2005

Chip Greene's cool music

JTC plays with several people around town... while BMT is his main gig, many times he gets asked to work with other people, too. (It's the Nashville way!)

Anyway, he recently began rehearsals with Chip Greene and we are both diggin' his music. It's "Coldplay" meets "U2" meets "Springsteen".

Check out the music links on his page. Good stuff.

What would you do?

BJ got me thinking today... about what I'd do if I won the lottery.

I posted a long comment at his site already... and until the moment I posted it, I hadn't really thought about what I would do. It really got me thinking about the possibilities. So much that I'm actually going to buy a lottery ticket on the way home from work because of it.

What's more... it got me thinking about where I am currently spending my time, money and efforts. My life seems to be the exact opposite of what I would ideally want... maybe I should consider changing that?

Hmmmm... I don't know... something to think about.

What would you do if you didn't have to worry about bills, job, etc.?

10.18.2005

NSAI Songwriter of the Year

Jeffrey Steele was named NSAI Songwriter of the Year!

From the Nashville Business Journal, "The songwriter's trade organization gave Steele the award at its annual Songwriter Achievement Awards. The award recognizes Steele for his work on hit songs "Gone," recorded by Montgomery Gentry, and "Help Somebody," recorded by Van Zant.

Steele was NSAI's top writer in 2003. Among songs to his credit are "The Cowboy in Me," recorded by Tim McGraw and "Something To Be Proud Of," which topped the charts for Montgomery Gentry."

Rock on, my brother.

10.17.2005

Lemon in my tea.

OK... for all of you out there who bring a bottle of lemon juice to work, only to have some over zealous fridge cleaner throw it away OR to be the supplier of lemon for everyone who also likes lemon in their tea, there's something new out there that you've got to try:

TrueLemon.

A few weeks ago I was given a sample.
Tried it.
Loved it.

True Lemon is the size of a sugar packet and packed with lemon flavor. According to the outside of the box, it is a "crystalized lemon substitute." No sugar added. Just pure lemon yumminess.

So, I ordered a sample box and gave it to the person who orders our break room supplies at work hoping she would try it, like it and see the value in having TrueLemon as part of the regular hot beverage condiment options.

I had pretty much given up hope until this morning. Just now, as I walked into the break room to make my morning tea... there it was tucked neatly between the Nutrasweet and the Splenda!

No more going to the break room fridge to find an empty bottle that someone else finished off... or to find no bottle at all.

Whhhheeeeeeeeeeeee.

Life is good.

10.13.2005

NFIB launches RSS

YAY! Something several of us have been working on is finally complete. NFIB.com officially added RSS feeds to the site this week.

If you look at the footer of every page, you'll see the cute little orange box that takes you to the landing page where you can subscribe to several feeds.

Subscribe away, peeps.

Long live small business!

Mountains, music and memories.

As many of you know, LaLa and I attended the Durango Songwriter Expo in Colorado last week. It was incredible. I'm still exhausted from traveling and just trying to expand my mind to sponge-up all the great information / feedback.

Thursday morning (10/6), we flew into Albuquerque, NM (the closest SW terminal to Durango) on LaLa's frequent flyer tickets (Thanks chickola!). From there, we rented a car and spent the afternoon driving about 4.5 hours to the Lodge at Tamarron a few miles north of Durango where the Expo was to take place. It was a spectacular drive... breathtaking if I do say so myself.

Once we arrived at around 6:30 or so, we did the usual room check-in and expo registration. Our room was a 600 square foot studio condo with a great view. Of course, in the thin Rocky Mountain air, we practically passed out carrying our luggage up the three flights of outdoors stairs (one of them circular) leading up to the room.

As soon as we'd freshened up from the trip, we made our way back to the main lodge to see the first showcase of the weekend. The first person we said "hello" to when we pulled up was Jeffrey Steele... my favorite country songwriter. He'd just arrived as well and was making his way into the showcase.

The showcase was a cool event, but I was a little disappointed in the talent the first night. I guess I just expected a little higher quality of performer / writer. There were a couple stand outs though and the best part of the night was just getting to meet other writers, publishers, PRO reps and hook up with hit writers.

After the showcase there was an open mic. LaLa performed the song we wrote (it is her song really, I just helped tweak a couple lines and redo the bridge). She was great and everyone loved the song, including Jeffrey. Very cool.

Once the open mic concluded, we walked upstairs and spent quite a bit of time hanging with Jeffrey. Loved it. While I've talked with him before at shows in Nashville, this was the first time I'd ever gotten to spend an extended time with him. He is as cool up-close-and-personal as he is when he performs. Jeff really gets it, not just music, but life in general. He's very grateful and I really felt a connection with him on many levels. And, somehow, eventhough everyone seems to want something from him and through all the overwhelming demands on his time, he remains gracious to every last person that wants to talk to him and/or say hello. Jeff is definitely the kind of person I aspire to be. Anyway... enough of the JS love fest for now. Bottom line: I dig him as a writer and a person and hope to be able to continue developing a friendship with him.

All that happened on Thursday... and those are just the highlights!

Friday morning, we skipped orientation to catch an extra hour of sleep. Then, I went to a panel discussion on "Royalites" where I learned a lot. David Preston (BMI), Loretta Munoz (ASCAP) and Linda Bertelli (SESAC) were there representing all the big performing rights organizations (PROs) of the industry. Finally, I have some clarity on the role of the PRO, how royalties are determined and how I can start working on relationships with the PROs. It is all so complicated!

LaLa and I both had our first song critiques on Friday as well... those things make me anxious! Basically, you play your songs for industry people and they tell you what is right and/or wrong about them. For some reason, I find that nerve racking... I guess because I want them to be impressed and it is a little difficult to hear what they have to say sometimes. My first one was with Warren Sellers (3 Ring Circus) and Michelle Berlin (SonyBMG). They both loved my voice... alot... which was really cool. And, they liked the song but that I had a couple things they'd like to see me work on... which was also cool.

Friday night we went to the second showcase. Again, the performers were okay... but I was hoping for more. (I need to learn to set my expectations a little lower I think!) All LaLa and I had eaten all day was a roast beef sandwich. We missed supper at the Lodge because we were planning to go to dinner with Jeff in town, Durango, about 15 miles away from the lodge. Well... while we were waiting to go to dinner we made the mistake of having a couple drinks. Needless to say, they went right into our bloodstream and we were in no shape to go to dinner later on. Wisely, Jeff bailed on us and we proceeded to get drunk. HA. I never do that, so it was kinda fun. And, believe it or not, I didn't even have a hang over the next day. But I sure was hungry!

Saturday was the last day of the Expo. I had two critiques and went to two panel discussions. The first discussion was "Words & Music" by Jeffrey Steele. Of course, the room was packed and he really had some great things to say and insight into writing. Some of the points he made that really hit me were:
  • "Do it your own way. Don't get too caught up in structure. "
  • "Just say what you have to say."
  • "You gotta go with what you know."
    (meaning... write about the things you know about and / or have witnessed)
  • "You gotta have people around you that believe in you. Find people that 'get' you."
  • "You can't be afraid to bet on yourself."
  • "Every single thing is a song to me."
Then I had my next critique session which turned out to be with the same publishers as Friday. I ended up playing an up-tempo song that they liked but had some great feedback on as well. We really had some great writers in these sessions. I was blown away.

The afternoon panel discussion was about Publishing with Julie Newton (Magic Mustang Music), Sara Kapuchinski (Chrysalis Music Publishing), Steve Markland (Windswept Music), Michelle Berlin (SonyBMG). My brain soaked up more really good stuff in this one. I found out that the only way I'd ever get a publishing deal would be to get a referral from a PRO and/or to write with someone who already was signed to a deal. Most publishing companies don't accept unsolicited material and/or demos from people they don't know. I also learned that a new writer with no cuts gets signed to a "schedule A" contract which means they bring their song catalog to the table and the publisher can start plugging them. An unproven writer (no cuts) will have a draw of $20k - $30K while a writer with cuts will have a larger draw... probably $45+. And, of course, if the publisher plugs a writers songs, they get cut and actually make money, the writer will get their writers share of that money on top of the draw. I really learned a lot at this discussion. It was great.

Then came the third and final critique of the weekend with James Slater (hit writer) and Danny Sheridan (LA Producer). They both loved my voice... which was very cool... and they loved the song as well.

LaLa was also in this session with me and played the song we co-wrote. Again, good response all around. They loved her voice and the song / idea.

We felt pretty good about all of our critiques and the feedback received on our craft. We definitely left Durango feeling like we were on the right track, but that we also had alot of work to do!

Another cool thing, after the last critique session was over, Danny Sheridan told me he thought I should consider being an artist... he told me not to worry about my age or my extra pounds. If he had a voice like mine, he wouldn't think twice about any of that. Isn't that cool. I was blown away. Then, his girlfriend came up and asked me for a CD and wanted to have her photo taken with me and him. It was wild. Talk about making my entire weekend! I felt validated. HA.

Saturday night was the big concert with all the hit writers. It is a story in itself that I don't have time to tell right now.

Watch for it either later today or tomorrow.

10.12.2005

BB Sings

UPDATE:
Thanks to everyone for coming out last night.
We had a blast!
Hope you had as much fun as we did.
BB
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Come out and see us play ITR (10/13):
7 p.m.
Steve C & Cat Miller (Johnny Microwave), Karleen Watt & BB Logan
French Quarter Cafe
823 Woodland Street
615-227-3100

Hope to see you there!

10.10.2005

Napoleon pumpkin head


OMGoodness... my friend Alison forwarded this to me and I just had to share.

I must say, this IS scary.
**hee hee**

The guy who carved it says he spent three hours carving the upper lip.

Wow.

Too much to tell!

I don't have time to give you all the details right now, but let's just say the Durango trip was a HUGE success.

We didn't get back until very very early this morning, so I haven't had time to decompress, upload my photos and think about all the cool things I want to share with you... SO... check back in the next couple days as I'll be posting the Rocky Mountain "highlights" this week.

Missed ya'... mean it.

10.06.2005

Rocky Mountain High

LaLa and I are off to the Durango Songwriter Expo Thursday through Sunday night. So, you're probably used to this by now, but, posts are going to be light the next few days while I'm off getting to know some of my favorite songwriters, finding new ways to write better and learning even more about the "biz."

Try not to miss me too much.
**wink**

buh bye.

10.05.2005

Seek YOUR thing.

No... not your "thing" your THING.

I was hipped to this site at a creative meeting yesterday.
Very cool viral idea.
I mean really, I posted it so you could see it, didn't I?

I'm a 53 today.

Yeah... I know you hate this stuff. But I'm low on time to post all the exciting things going on in my life (yawn) so I thought I'd pass along this handy-dandy "Dr Phil test." (Dr. Phil scored 55; he did this test on Oprah - she was a 38.) I got a 53. Very interesting... not sure I buy it but it is better than nothing folks.

**wink**

Answers are for who you are NOW.... not in the past. Have pen or pencil and paper ready to keep track of your letter answers to each question.

1. When do you feel your best?
a - In the morning
b - During the afternoon and early evening
c - Late at night

2. You usually walk...
a - Fairly fast, with long steps
b - Fairly fast, with little steps
c - Less fast head up, looking the world in the face
d - Less fast, head down
e - Very slowly

3. When talking to people you...
a - Stand with your arms folded
b - Have your hands clasped
c - Have one or both your hands on your hips
d - Touch or push the person to whom you are talking
e - Play with your ear, touch your chin, or smooth your hair

4. When relaxing, you sit with...
a - Your knees bent with your legs neatly side by side
b - Your legs crossed
c - Your legs stretched out or straight
d - One leg curled under you

5. Something is really amusing; you react with...
a - Big appreciative laugh
b - A laugh, but not a loud one
c - A quiet chuckle
d - A sheepish smile

6. When going to a party or social gathering you...
a - Make a loud entrance so everyone notices you
b - Make a quiet entrance, looking around for someone you know
c - Make the quietest entrance, trying to stay unnoticed

7. You're working very hard, concentrating, and then are interrupted, do you:
a - Welcome the break
b - Feel extremely irritated
c - Vary between these two extremes

8. Which of the following colors do you like most?
a - Red or Orange
b - Black
c - Yellow or Light Blue
d - Green
e - Dark Blue or Purple
f - White
g - Brown or Gray

9. When in bed at night, in those last few moments before going to sleep, you are....
a - Stretched out on your back
b - Stretched out face down on your stomach
c - On your side, slightly curled
d - With your head on one arm
e - With your head under the covers

10. You often dream that you are...
a - Falling
b - Fighting or Struggling
c - Searching for something or somebody
d - Flying or floating
e - Usually not dreaming
f - Having pleasant dreams

POINTS:

1. A2 B4 C6
2. A6 B4 C7 D2 E1
3. A6 B2 C5 D7 E6
4. A4 B6 C2 D1
5. A6 B4 C3 D5 E2
6. A6 B4 C2
7. A6 B2 C4
8. A6 B7 C5 D4 E3 F2 G1
9. A7 B6 C4 D2 E1
10. A4 B2 C3 D5 E6 F1

Now add up your total... here's what it means.

OVER 60 POINTS: Others see you as someone they should "handle with care." You're seen as vain, self-centered, and extremely dominant. Others may admire you, wishing they could be more like you, but don't always trust you, hesitating to become too deeply involved with you.

51 TO 60 POINTS: Others see you as an exciting. You are highly volatile, impulsive personality; a natural leader, who's quick to make decisions, though not always the right decisions. They see you as bold and adventuresome, someone who will try anything once; someone who takes chances and enjoys an adventure. They enjoy being in your company because of the excitement you radiate.

41 TO 50 POINTS: Others see you as fresh, lively, charming, amusing, practical, and always interesting; someone who's constantly in the center of attention, but sufficiently well-balanced not to let it go to your head. They also see you as kind, considerate, and understanding; someone who'll always cheer them up and help them out.

31 TO 40 POINTS: Others see you as sensible, cautious, careful & practical. They see you as clever, gifted, or talented, but modest. Not a person who makes friends too quickly or easily, but someone who's extremely loyal to friends you do make and who expect the same loyalty in return! Those who really get to know you realize it takes a lot to shake your trust in your friends, but equally that it takes you a long time to get over if that trust is ever broken.

21 TO 30 POINTS: Your friends see you as painstaking and fussy; very cautious, extremely careful, a slow and steady plodder. It would really surprise them if you ever did something impulsively or on the spur of the moment, expecting you to examine everything carefully from every angle and then usually decide against it. They think this reaction is caused partly by your careful nature.

UNDER 21 POINTS: People think you are shy, nervous, and indecisive, someone who needs looking after, who always wants someone else to make the decisions & who doesn't want to get involved with anyone or anything! They see you as a worrier who always sees problems that don't exist. Some people think you're boring. Only those who know you well know that you aren't.

10.04.2005

Freedom Sings TONIGHT

Belmont University and The Freedom Forum present Freedom Sings, a free public concert celebrating the First Amendment with award-winning artists such as Bill Lloyd and Don Henry performing "music they didn’t want you to hear" and "music with a message," on Tue., October 4, at 7 p.m. (TODAY) in the Massey Performing Arts Center. The concert is sponsored by The Tennessean and Belmont’s New Century Journalism Program.

Well-known songs like "The Star-Spangled Banner," "Good Rockin' Tonight" and "Puff, the Magic Dragon" all have something in common – they each are among hundreds of American popular songs that have been challenged or suppressed because of controversy over their content. These and other songs that have shaped the nation are performed as part of Freedom Sings, a live multi-media performance celebrating freedom of expression in America.

Using musical performance, film, photographs and narration, the critically acclaimed 90-minute program tells the story of almost three centuries of banned or censored music in America, inviting the audience to take a fresh look at the First Amendment and the impact of freedom of speech. >>more

I know... going to see a presentation about the First Amendment doesn't sound exciting, but let me tell you... it is.

Please, go. You won't regret it.

10.03.2005

St. Theresa's Prayer

May today there be peace within.

May you trust God that you are exactly where you are meant to be.

May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith.

May you use those gifts that you have received,
and pass on the love that has been given to you.

May you be content knowing you are a child of God.

Let this presence settle into our bones,
and allow your soul the freedom
to sing, dance, praise and love.

It is there for each and every one of you.