I feel grateful. All my needs are covered, I am peaceful. Can't think of a thing that I want~ Wish I could bottle this
moment and keep it forever! Blessings to everyone, be at peace! I hope you feel the way that I feel right now if you read
this!
Saturday, Nov 8th.
Sobriety b-day 2 yrs for me today. Grateful indeed. I wouldn't be able to handle today any other way. God only
gives us today and this is the day the Lord has made.
Been thinking about the last entry and the dead thing. I think what Jesus meant was that death is not important. Let
the dead be with the dead! Live now for today. This is the miracle, we have only now, nothing else matters but what you choose
to do today.
Friday Nov 7th, 2008
Trying to stay here in the now. I am very sad. Wish I could be busy there where my sister lived, doing the things that
I want to do. I want to be consoled and consoling. I want someone to drop by with a casserole, and sit with me and tell me
funny stories. I want someone to help me do the things that need to be done. I want to find funny stuff tucked away
and laugh. I want to bury my sister. I reminds me of the story of when Jesus found a disciple. He was a fisherman, casting
his net day after day. Jesus said something like, "why do cast your net day after day, doing the same old thing? Come with
me and be a fisher of men." (not verbatim) The follower agreed to go with Jesus, and when they were leaving another man told
the disciple that his father had died and to come back to the family home. The disciple asked Jesus to give him 3 days, to
"do what a good son should do"... and bury him. Jesus said, "Let the dead bury the dead, you come with me now."
Its a hard thing not to be there for a family member when they go. Its a hard thing not to want to do the things we all
do when we lose someone dear. In fact this is the hardest thing that I have ever had to do. Not be there and be busy with
the work... now I see the value in that work, it keeps you busy, and helps you to go on.
If there was any way that I could have been there I would have, but it was not His will. If I could be there now I would
be, but I am not and have no idea when or how I will be there. I am there in spirit, I wish my family was all together.
November 1, 2008
Elizabeth Marie Hart age 55, passed peacefully on Saturday Nov 1, in Taos New Mexico after a 9 month battle
with cancer. Born Nov 4, 1952 in Chicago, she is predeceased by her parents Wayne J. Hart and Ann Hart of Lake Forest, IL.
Libby devoted her life to the expression of beauty pursued in her career as a fine arts painter. After graduating from Ripon
College in WI, she moved to Vail, CO in the mid 70's. She studied at the Denver Art Students League and The Art Institute
of Chicago. In 2000 she moved to Costilla, NM and opened her own studio. She is represented by Vail International Gallery
(http://www.vailgallery.com) and her works can be viewed on her website at http://www.libbyhart.com . Over the years she won many awards in the SW, recently Best of Taos Invites Taos 2008 for
Representational Painting and Drawing. She is survived by 5 siblings; Charles Hart of Grafton, WI; Chris Hart of Suwanee,
GA; Amy Hart of Destin, FL; Bill Hart of Gurnee, IL and Dede Murphy of Lake Bluff, IL.
Her
family would like to thank all her friends and fellow artists for their support, especially Nancy Delpero and Gorus of Taos,
NM.
Libby’s Memorial Service will
be held in San
Luis, Colorado at La Capilla de Todos los Santos (the chapel of the stations of the cross shrine), at
4:00 pm on Saturday,
November 22nd.
The reception celebrating Libby’s life will be held at Ventero Open Press Fine Art - non profit,
following the Memorial service.
Ventero Open Press is located at 316 Main Street in San Luis, Colorado.
Participants
are asked to bring paintings to fill Ventero's gallery with the beauty and genius of Libby Hart's life’s work, so that
we can all share our stories. Any photos of Libby will work just as well.
In
lieu of flowers donate to The Art Students League of Denver, 200 Grant St. Denver, CO 80203. http://www.asld.org
October 29, 2008
I feel good today. I am grateful. Most grateful for two very special people in Taos, New Mexico who are keeping my sister
alive. Nancy Delpero and Gorus.
My sister, Libby Hart (http://www.libbyhart.com) is an artist. She has lived a true artists life since she was born. She is acclaimed and successful finally after 40 years
of working at her art. She has devoted her entire life to creating beauty and expressing it. Now she is frail and battling
for her life. She has ovarian cancer.
She was diagnosed six months ago, and has undergone all the medical avenues of treatment available to her. She was told
a few days ago that chemo is no longer an option for her. She is now living with Nancy and Gorus on their little farm, where
they have given up their bedroom and their lives basically to care for my sister.
Libby is unable to eat any food, as her intestinal tract is not able to pass nutrition thru it as any normal person's
would. She has to be fed intravenously and constantly monitored in her hour to hour existence. Her weight has dropped below
80 lbs, and she is not expected to live long.
My sister is a fighter. She is and always has been my hero. My whole life has been aimed at being like her. She inspired
me always, and still does. In fact, I have her to thank for my musical interests and pursuits, and for my commitment to creating
something as close to perfection as I possibly can here on earth. She is stubborn, I am stubborn too. She is a devout
Christian, and I follow her in that path as well.
I have a hard hard time with death. I avoid it at all costs, as I am sure many of us do! Even now she fights what looks
like the inevitable, we are both in denial. I pray every day and night for her. My prayers go from thoughts of healing and
a miracle to accepting God's will for her and my acceptance of her life as it continues, because it does continue from this
moment to the next moment. We all believe that as long as there is life, there is hope for her.
I just wanted to share this, because it weighs heavily on me, and what I truly want is for everyone to appreciate the
miracle of life in every moment.
There is so much going on everywhere, and it will continue. I am not going to get metaphysical, just wanted to say thanks
to Nancy and Gorus.
Please help celebrate Libby by visitng her website, and also to support her life's work. There is a website devoted to
raising money for my sister's care, http://www.welovelibby.com where you can make a donation and also help support artists who have donated works to the site to benefit Libby.
Most of all, please pray for my sister. Prayers
make the most amazing difference in all our lives.
Thanks and God Bless!!
May 30, 2008
Holy smokes, I haven't written in months! I have been kinda busy! My sister is a great artist. She lives in Costilla
NM, and was diagnosed with ovarian cancer. I took three weeks off to be with her and get her started on her treatment. Please
pray for a good outcome for her. You can see her art at http://www.libbyhart.com. She is fantastic.
Had my daughter home for spring break, that was nice! We moved into a new home, and I started a new job too... what else...
I have a song plugger now! I signed on with Jim and Joe Music in Nashville. Feeling good about getting some new stuff out
there.
Right now I am busy putting material and players together for the shows I have booked... busy busy busy!!
Love to all, peace out!
Jan 21rst!
Already! Man time flies! I have been busy promoting the new single "Somebody Saved Me". It went to the Red Hot Spotlight
and Dave Darrel debuted it yesterday on WIKX FM 92.9 in Port Charlotte, FL You can call and request it at 1-800-749-9291 during
the all request show hosted by Jay Higgins!
We are getting ready to go back and cut some more new stuff... life is good!
Dec 16th, 2008
What a week! Well I got a call from Dave Cox at destin Recording. He wanted me to come in and help him with a song...
Of course I would! I walked in and he was shooting photos with the guitar players that had just finished, I'll post them when
I get them! It turned out to be Junior Marvin from the Wailers and Hans Mc Minneman, how cool is that!!! So we got to work,
and in a few hours (and if you know Dave its really a few hours, he is fast!) We had the whole thing done. Its called Somebody
Saved Me, it started out about a girl who meets a guy and she marries him and then finds out he has a drinkin problem and
then she is looking for someone to save her. Well.... he let me rewrite it, I took his line about him fixing his old truck
and turned it into him fixing the girl too... it was really fast and fun. Probably still needs some work, I would love to
tweak on it a bit more, but he's such a busy guy I am just so crazy blessed that I got the call!!
All the best to you for the Holidays, GOD bless!
Nov. 27th... 2007
Didn't realize its been sooo long since I posted anything!! Going thru some changes. Emily is living with her dad, which
is fine but it just sort of rearranges my being a little bit!! Been busy recreating myself and all is well. I am good,
as long as I stay busy and positive!
We just got back from a busy week up north.
Picked miss Em up in Indiana and then went to visit some of my peeps in the Chicago land area! Had a really nice visit,
including shopping on State Street on Black Friday, and seeing Da Bean, in millenium park... how freakin awesome that thing
is! Maybe I have post Chicago stress, cause it just couldn't have been a better visit.
That must be it, cause I have been up there three times since June, and before that it had been 4 yrs.
We did sooo much and saw soo much it was perfect.
Thanks to my sis Miss Dede Murphy for cooking a fabulous Thanksgiving dinner, and to Trish for keeping us all entertained!
I am back here in FL now, but my heart is still in Chicago.
All my musician friends say that the scene is horrible up there now, but it seemed that everywhere we went somebody was
playing, and loving it. They probably just don't want any more competition eh? Hah! I bet thats it.
Sunday Aug 12, 2007
Got back from a little trip to Nashville... had a great visit! Thanks very much to Doak Turner, awesome
songwriter and deluxe kind of guy, he took me under his wing for an evening. I am mighty grateful cause I have been away from
the scene and am not all that sociable to begin with...
Got to see and meet the Road Hammers at Cadillac Ranch, man they are hot... and a good band
as well!! check 'em out at their myspace destination. Big things going on with them.
Monday July 16th, 2007
Had a great weekend in New Orleans. Shopped and ate, walked and played some music on the streets... visited my
favorite spots, the cathedral, Cafe Du onde etc...Celebrated my b-day and actually won some money at Harrah's! I walked in
there with 40 bucks and I won about 800... COOL! Thank you thank you thank you!
I walked away right after winning, it felt good. I didn't feel like making it a big deal or trying to win more, I felt
very lucky and blessed. Greg was pissed!! He made me blow another 200 on him trying to win...
but the force wasn't with him.... I got us out of there with 600.... thank GOD!
Monday July 9th
Had a great week last week! the 4th was cool, we played out on the bayou at Lincoln Park. The last set got rained out
tho...
Then the 5th we played at Lulu's in Gulf Shores, AL. What a gas! I always love playing there... they have THE BEST sound
system and the crowd was great. I was forced to be a star because the rest of the band was a nervous wreck. Totally unrehearsed,
Harley Johnson sat in on bass, and it was his first time ever playing bass at a gig. He did great! Jeff Wade on the drums,
he has awesome energy and style. Of course Little Rock Doc rocked up a storm in spite of me trying to reign him in, cause
I had been warned about getting too loud there in the past. This time, Johnny Fisher, the manager actually asked me to turn
up the guitars, so I did quite willingly. Ms. Lucy Buffett was sitting at the bar with a big ol smile on her face... it was
way cool.
I opened up the second, third and fourth set with all new stuff, just me and Doc, to take the pressure off Jeff and Harley...
it was fantastic. Usually I am the bastket case and Greg has to deal with me but this time I had to keep everyone else in
line... boy I sure do appreciate what Greg puts up with! I think I am very grateful to have him in my life! I had to tell
the bartender no jaeger for the guys, they didn't mind tooo much!, Thanks guys, you did GREAAT!
Friday June 29th
Just got back from a great trip to Chicago. I haven't played there in like 20 years, so it was a real treat to sit in
with some fine pickers up at Gabe's Backstage Lounge. It was wonderful to see alot of familiar faces, and to be remebererd
by so many, altho I am not exactly sure what they remember me for! Could be good, could be not so good... oh well.... Now
is what matters, in life we are lucky to become more of what we truly are.
I sat in with the Milemarkers, a new band fronted by Hap Harriman and Bo Pirucello. They do a cool mix of stuff, sound
a bit like Lyle Lovett and the Eagles. I will post the video. I want to thank my friend Trish for hosting me, and my
sister Dede for feeding me, and hanging out. And thanks to Timm Martin for introducing me to the Milemarkers, hope to work
with them again in the future.
Sunday May 27th
Happy Memorial Day Weekend!
We are hanging out by the pool tomorrow, grillin and chillin with family and friends.
The menu:
Hot dogs and burgers, grilled corn on the cob, potato salad and banana puddin.
Baking tapes this week!! Decided to transfer some tunes from 2" tape to digital... updating my catalogue. I got a convection
oven and have come up with this tasty recipe:
Ingredients:
meat thermometer, 6 2" tape reels full of God knows what, lots of patience, and time time time!
Directions:
Place meat thermometer on rack in middle of the oven and preheat to 130 degrees F. Insert tape reel. (one
per session)
Set timer for 10 minutes. When the timer rings, bump the thermostat just till the heating elements turn red, then back
it off, reset timer for 10 minutes. Every 3rd time (30 Minutes) flip the tape.
Keep an eye on the thermometer making sure never to go above 130 or below 120. If the temp rises past 130, crack the
oven door to lower temp.
Baking time: 8 hrs per reel.
Do not stick a fork in it, it is done!
Turn off oven and leave tape inside to cool for 8 hrs.
Remove tape and store with silicon packets in a cool dry place. Will maintain integrity for one week, maybe longer.
Some say 30 days but I see it as a temporary fix, just enough to transfer to new tape or digital media. Tapes
can be rebaked as needed.
Bon appetit!
Monday April 9th, 2007
We had a great week! My best friend Trish came to visit with her youngest son Joey. I never get to see her so it was
really fun to hang with her for a week. We had awesome weather and I had 3 shows this week too.
Bud and Alleys was way cool.... like 35 degrees! We had a good crowd Friday night but I think alot of folks left early
cause the weather was just too cold to hang at the beach. There were lots of families there which really warmed my heart,
I love to see Daddy's dancing with thier little girls.
For Easter Sunday we drove to New Orleans after the show on Sat night, we stopped and slept in Biloxi, and then
made it to mass at St. Louis Cathedral. It was perfect. After the service we just hung out at the church, it is always so
calming for me to visit New Orleans. I just love to sit in the Cathedral and also to stroll thru the French Quarter arm in
arm with Greg and Emily.
Here is a picture of me, Emily and Trish at Cafe Du Monde.
okokok Its Weds, March 21, SPRING has sprung!
Got a new add to radio, on WBCG Ken Lovejoy hosts a Bues show in south FL, thanks for the airplay Ken! Tune in on Saturday
98.8 fm the beach....
Today is Sunday March 4, 2007
Well we had a great little trip to Port Charlotte. We got a little taste of spring, driving the 7hrs
further down the tender foot of America's front paw into the Tampa Bay Area. I suppose it could be known as the
duc claw of the doggie.... ok ok. woof :)
What a great little music thing they got there tho! Lots of funky groovy and soulful pickers and
we just had a great time doing the Myaaka River Seafood Festival. Wish we coulda hung out longer but maybe next time! Thanks
again to Larry Timko and RJ Malloy for pulling it all together and also thanks to the guys in the band, Doc of course, and
new guys who graciously helped me out this time, Michael Dempsey on bass and drummer JD Grillo. It was very much fun. We loved
the area too, so laid back and not so developed and crazy like it is here in Destin these days! Looking forward to having
the time to wander around the Port Charlotte area soon!
Looks like we might have to go back there again hmmmmmmm..... I sure hope so!
btw, yes I am most definitely a blond. I thought long and hard about it, and decided to go for it.
Its a good thing. My roots are white now anyway, so why not go light while I am still sorta hot.... hehehe so thats the scoop
on that. It works I think... I feel like a little kid, its really pale like it was when I was a two year old. I will post
some new pics soon. PEACE OUT
Larry Timko's playlist on WBCG Beach 98 FM for feb 24th,
Port Charlottle, FL
7PM
Phil Lee -Jemima James ( Recorded at WBCG) - Shananchie Amy Hart -Take Me Out Tonight -Myakka Artist
Doug
Spears Interview (Phone) - Myakka Artist -Steam Train -Teppentine -The Ballad Of Old St. John
Terry Lynn In
Studio Performance - Myakka Artist
Betsy Badwater -Obvious -Myakka Artist Mike Younger- Together ( Recorded
at WBCG)- Nashanoke
8pm
Lou Canoe -Crazy Love -Myakka Artist Tori Sparks -Trouble (Recorded at WBCG)
-Platinum Plus
Betsy Badwater In Studio Performance - Myakka Artist
Jamie Garza In Studio Performance
-Myakka Artist -Loves Gravity
Amy Hart In Studio Performance - Myakka Artist -Rockabye
Blueground Undergrass
-Wheel Hoss (Recorded at WBCG)- Landslide
9pm
Garrison Starr -Let Me In (Recorded at WBCG) - Vanguard Stoll Vaughan -Alright (Recorded at WBCG) -Shadow Dog
Beth
Marshall In Studio Performance -Myakka Artist
Beth Marshall -Roses R Red -Myakka Artist RJ Malloy In Studio
Performance -Myakka Artist
RJ Malloy - Hello In There -Myakka Artist Michael Reno Harrell -Good Ole You (Recorded
at WBCG) -Dancing Bear Amy Hart -Be That Way - Myakka Artist
10pm
Mike Younger -Everyday War (Recorded at
WBCG) - Nashanoke Fiona Boyes -It's a Blues (Recorded at WBCG) -Yellow Dog
Lou Canoe & Paul Cottrell In
Studio -Myakka Artists -One Of The Fortunate Few - Give It Up - Fearless Heart
Off The Beaten Path In
Studio Performance -Myakka Artist
Del McCoury Band - Where You Are Tonight (Recorded at WBCG) -McCoury Music Blueground
Undergrass -No Depression (Recorded at WBCG) -Landslide Betsy Badwater -Truckers Anthem -Myakka Artist
11PM
Garrison
Star No Man's Land (Recorded at WBCG) Vanguard Mike Younger Soul Searching ( Recorded at WBCG) Nashanoke
Mike
Toizer In Studio Performance - Myakka Artist
Lucinda Williams -Words -Lost Highway Ted Russell Kamp -Gypsy's
Tune -POMO Last Train Home -Last Good Kiss -Red Beet Jimmy Baldwin -Merry Go Round Of Love -Self Release Audrey Auld
Mezera -Bolinas -Reckless
Dean Station -Michael -Self Release Bill Kirchen -Get A Little Goner - Proper American Elisabeth
Ames & The Cosmopolitains -Genesee -Ultrapolitan
Weds, Feb 21, 2007
Just got back from a quick trip to Port Charlotte to do some radio stuff. It went great, Larry Timko at WIKX and The
Beach, 98 FM is very cool and made us feel very welcome. Little Rock Doc accompanied me on guitar and we played the new song,
"Quit Pickin on Jesus" it was super. We have a new arrangement that is cool. Got to meet some of the other artists that are
playing the seafood fest and we had a little "guitar pull" in the station where we passed around the guitar and made some
noise. Got to meet RJ Malloy, the legendary violin maker/luthier who has graciously agreed to sit in with us on the 3rd...
looking forward to that. We will be on stage at 3:00 in the pole barn at the Farigrounds.... :)
Thanks to Doc for playing with me and getting us there and back in his turbo mustang!
Weds. Feb 7, 2007
Just want to thank R.J. Malloy of Punta Gorda for the contact and the gig at Myaaka. Thanks to Larry Timko for adding
me to his Americana show:
Down Home Cookin' it can be heard .. at www.live365.com/stations/downhomewithlarryt and Saturday Nights from 7pm-12am
on WBCG The Beach 98.9
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
February 10th Play List
7PM
Reckless Kelly - Break My Heart Tonight -Sugar Hill Randall
Bramblett -Where Are You Tonight? -New West
Elana James -Twenty Four Hours A Day -Snarf Two Tons Of Steel -Sangria
Wine - Palo Duro Ted Russell Kamp - Gypsy's Tune- Pomo Corb Lund -The Truck Got Stuck - Stony Plain Amy Hart -Rockabye
- Painted Rock
Old 97's -Wont Be Home - New West Bow Thayer -Snake Bite -Crooked Root Eilen Jewell -Back to Dallas
-Signature Trent Summar & The New Row Mob - She Knows What To Do- Palo Duro Bill Kirchen - Hammer Of The Honky Tonk
Gods - Proper American
Martha Scanlon - Get Right Church - Sugar Hill Tim Easton -News Blackout - New West Matt
Williams -New York Girls -Self Release
8pm
Lucinda Williams - Come On - Lost Highway Tony Furtado - California
Flood -Funzalo
Jimmy Baldwin Interview - Self Release -Merry Go Round Of Love - Be My Girl - Ride On
Stacy
Jagger -Take Me There -Self Release Peter Rowan & Tony Rice -Perfection -Rounder Cadillac Sky -You Again -Skaggs
Family The Greencards -Shinin' In the Dark - Dualtone Bradley Walker- Life Or Love -Rounder
Jay Boy Adams - The
Shoe Box -Smith Ent. Arlington Priest -Dustin -Crazy Neighbor John Hiatt -Old School -New West
9PM
Joann
Osborne - Dead Roses - Vanguard Marshall Rhodes -Love That's The Way It Goes - BoLaDe
Keith Sykes Interview - Fat
Pete -Old Rock N Roller - Tearing the House Down -Let It Roll
Laura Vecchione -Softly Slowly - Selkie Peppertown
-My Addictions -SOL Steve Reynolds - Stage Fright - 429 Stoll Vaughan -Alright - Shadow Dog Astrid Williamson -Superman
2 - onelittleindian
Delbert McClinton-Down Into Mexico -New West Mindy Smith -Please Stay -Vanguard Willie Nelson
- Songbird - Lost Highway
10pm
The Holmes Brothers -Those Memories Of You -Alligator Doug Spears - Steam
Train -Self Release
McKay Brothers -Lock & Key - Medina River Sunny Sweeney -If I Could - Big Machine Chris
Knight -Up From The Hill -Drifters Church Jason Eady -Lift Me - Bull Creek Over The Rhine -Show Me -Back Porch
Duhks
-Mountains O' Things -Sugar Hill Old Crow Medicine Show -Down Home Girl - Nettwerk Special Consensus -Branded Wherever
I Go -Pine Castle The Circuit Riders -Ten Years - Pine Castle The Infamous String Dusters - No More To Leave You Behind
-Sugar Hill
Nanci Griffith -Please Call Me Baby - Rounder Gob Iron -Buzz & Grind -Legacy Jim Lauderdale -Single
Slandered Time - Yep Roc Carl Slack- Stone's Throw To Mexico- Self Release
11PM
Solomon Burke -Seems
Like Your Gonna Take Me Back- Shout Factory John Hammond - I'm Tore Down -Back Porch
Kris Kristofferson - Chase
The Feeling - New West Rosanne Cash -Burn Down This Town - Capitol Todd Snider - Looking For A Job -Universal Grayson
Capps -New Orleans Waltz -Hyena Carrie Rodriguez -50's French Movie -Back Porch
Guy Clark -Tornado Time In Texas
-Dualtone Drive By Truckers - Little Bonnie - New West Divine Magees - Sweet Johnny- Self Release Darrell Scott -Hank
Williams Ghost -Full Light Melissa Ferrick -Never Give Up - Right On
Will Kimbrough - Act Like Nothings Wrong -Daphne Beth
Marshall -Take Me For A Ride -Self Release Wayne Hancock -Drinkin' Blues -Blood Shot Bethany & Rufus -Linin' Track
-Hyena
Sunday Oct 1, 2006
A Day With My Daughter
Yesterday morning at 6 am I started my day with my daughter. After much prodding and persuaision by me she managed to
get out of bed and we got in the van. We headed off to meet our party of missionaries on a day of intensity that has yet to
be matched in our lives this far. My plan was to travel with a convoy of 6 truckloads of supplies and 30 volunteers to the
hurricane levelled town of Pearlington, MS. Emily, my 14 yr old and I stopped at Waffle House and I fed her with waffles,
eggs, bacon, hashbrowns and OJ while she grumbled incessantly about having to spend the day with me on this mission! I saw
it as the perfect opportunity to do two things, and so much more. One was to spend some much needed time with her.
Since she has become a teenager its all about her. I realize it, and its a valid part of our journey thru life as mother
and daughter. I cherish it and I miss her childhood at the same time. I think she does too. For the past few years it has
been all about me. My career, my divorce, my life etc etc. I am happy to say that it not about me anymore and I am thrilled!
I am so tired of me me me. So I just laid it all down and offered it up to heaven. Take this whole burden away from me and
let me just be here now for her, this wonderful child who is just now coming into her own life. She is my pride and joy. I
on the other hand am her parent, her jailer, her allowance, her chauffer, and her role model as unwilling as I am to take
on that job I am. Yes its a little late, and yes I have been selfish and irresponsible about not taking that on sooner, but
in the past I have always accepted her as another part of me. Now it is time to let her become who she is, a totally separate
person.
It reminds me of how she learned to swim! She always loved the water and has been just like a little guppy forever. Year
after year we would enjoy the summer time swimmimg where ever and whenever we could, her and me. It started out with water
wings, when she was so little, I mean like 1 - 3 then it was me holding her up by the straps on the back of her suit, or her
riding me like a little dolphin, holding my suit while I would playfully dive under just enough to teach her to hold her breath
and not to be afraid. Then came the season she was ready to go solo.
The first day of that summer swimming season she adamantly insisted that I let go of the back of her suit and just let
her swim on her own. She was ready and so I let go. She dog paddled no problem and she was off. She had lessons after that
just to teach her better form... come to think of it, I think thats when she stopped taking anything I had to say as gospel
and thought she could rule the world on her own. I realized I could help her best by letting her be in a class of fellow swimmers
getting professional help and of course it worked out very well for her! She has always made me very proud, and being her
mom has been the best experience I will ever know.
So back to the mission! As much as she grumbled about giving up a day at home, watching TV, talking on the phone to her
friends and myspacing out all afternoon, I think she also knew the value of having time with me alone in the car for 10 hours!
She talked a blue streak about everything under the sun and I really loved it! I bit my tongue quite a bit and sighed to myself
about what she should learn, how she would have to learn alot about life from experience and I just let her talk. I
guess I am learning too about trusting that with the grace of God she will end up in the right place and so far so good. I
always say the same thing to her, that God made her perfect. I have always said that about her and its absolutely true. I
told her how I cried when I got her home from the hospital! "What did I do to deserve such a beautiful perfect little being!"
I didn't think that I deserved her. Now sometimes I think that for another reason, but thats part of having a teenager! I
am getting pay back for sure, but I can handle it. So I forced her to take this trip with me but it turned out to be
one of the best days ever, and we really needed it.
We got to Pearlington, MS, around noon and all of us unloaded and sorted out the 6 trucks full of stuff. Everything
you can think of, furniture, dishes, TVs clothes, bikes, toys, beds, lamps I mean everything! It was all collected by Mission
Love Seeds (they are in my navigation bar at the top, check them out!). We hadn't been back toward New Orleans since Katrina,
so we were totally in the dark about how it would be even a year after the storm hit. There has been much progress, much building,
and much resolve on the part of the residents as you could plainly see on their faces. Many of them have Fema Trailers on
their property now, tho still many do not. There is power to the trailers, but no running water, no sewers, no stores, no
post office, so its less like being stranded on a desert island and more like being a pioneer in a turn of the century frontier
village. The spirit of the folks has changed alot in the past year I would imagine.
We worked hard in the hot sun
for hours passing out the donated things in a well organized effort. The folks have been getting help from Mission Love Seeds
over the months regularly so it was well regulated and orderly. Some folks were so very happy to get just one thing from the
donations, God Bless them and others, well they of course wanted everything they could get, and God Bless them too! The storm
didn't discriminate and blessings don't either.
My girl was fast and efficient and she dived into this task wholeheartedly. I knew she would. It took some readjusting
in her mind tho. We have been down our own road of hardship that she still remembers. When she was a baby and her father left
us she remembers what it was like to want for things that we couldn't afford... and still does! We aren't rich by anymeans,
we are just scraping by but when we pulled into what was left of that town she said she felt rich! One thing I did say to
her (my pearl of wisdom for the day) was that we are born with everything that we need right here in our hearts, and not to
look elsewhere for it. That we are all the same and that all everyone really wants is love. That is the only worhtwhile
thing that we leave behind when we leave this world, and the most precious thing we take with us when we go.
She was awesome! So willing to help. She stuck by me like glue for the first hour or so then she was off helping folks
on her own, tagging items for them, helping them load their stuff into their cars and trucks, helping dig thru endless stuff
looking for that one thing on their list that would really make their day. There she was, just like my little buddy again!
Helping me helping others, sweating in the hot sun and so dedicated to getting the job done. She is like me, she is empowered
in herself and I hope she truly recognizes that. So the mission was accomplished and we reconnected, we helped others and
then
We hit the road to New Orleans! It was Emily's idea, we hadn't been there for 4 years. Last time was when I was
married to my second husband and we stayed at the Royal Sonesta! It was Christmas and we flew Emily out of NO to visit her
dad in Indiana. Well since then she's grown up quite a bit and her little buddies have made trips and talked all about the
big city. I opened up to the possibility of making the trip only when I confirmed that we were close enough already for it
not to be too much of a stretch. Thankfully it was only 37 miles further down I 10.
So off we went! I couldn't believe the devastiation all along I-10. UNBELIEVABLE! Town after town just devastated! Neighborhood
after neighborhood of flooded out, moldy rotting houses, burned out, vacant, tumbled down buildings everywhere. I guessed
that it was the closest thing either of us has seen to a war scene. It scared us both. We said a little prayer and we decided
that we would go on down to the French Quarter.
I had heard that it was spared, and the knots in my stomach were counting on it. I had to tell Emily a few times to put
her camera away until we got into the quarter. Thankfully, mercifully there it was. Sparking, shimmering in that oldtimey
way... I was thrilled to see the streetcars were even running! Up to the very edge of the Vieux Carre tho, there is much destruction
and decay. In fact, the whole town is in shambles except for that one small jewel of life in a crown of crumbling burned out
brick and razorwire. Its as if the very heart of the city has survived, and it is pushing life back into the soul of New Orleans.
The French Quarter used to be much more dangerous, with only a few streets safe enough to peruse in comfort. Now, it seemed
as every inch of it is pulsing with new life, and it is spreading out from that place. Its really miraculous. It is rebirth
and you can see it and feel it everywhere there. There is an ease and a grace about the French Quarter (NOW I AM TALKING DAY
TIME FOLKS!! - I WOULD NEVER VENTURE OUT INTO THE QUARTER AFTER DARK- NOT TALKING ABOUT BOURBON STREET!!!) and its residents
that is magical. The whimsicle looks of waiters and shopkeepers, the street musicians and artists, and my favorite thing about
New Orleans is the bicycles parked at every street corner... ITs art. ITs life and I am so happy that its still there!!
We found a free parking spot and walked thru the french market. We walked around St Peters Sq. We had cafe au lait and
beignets at the Cafe Du Monde and I got a muffaletta to take home from Franks. We shopped at my favorite little shops that
are still there!!! YAY!!! It was so very cool. I am glad that Emily thought of it and that we got to do that. IT WAS SO MUCH
FUN!!
We had agreed to leave before dusk, and we were soooo tired from the whole day that it was just really cool to cross
back over the Mississippi as the sun started slowly dimming and the purple clouds released their sweet cool mists over the
jasmine fields just past Lake Ponchartrain. It was an awesome day.
Tuesday Aug 29th, 2006
One year ago today we all held our breath as Hurricane Katrina beared down on our Gulf Coast. Today we pray for the people
of our coast who have suffered her wrath. We continue to work towards rebuilding, one day at a time and we look to our faith
to carry us thru each step along the way. There are many miracles continuing to surface along our shores, and we are truly
blessed and thankful. The old saying, "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger" really comes to mind for us here and everywhere
we face hard challenges.
We are back from our little road trip to Arkansas and Alabama. It was really fun and worth the effort. Our first stop
was in Florence, AL where I hooked up with some musicians that were referred to me by Fame Recording Studios in Muscle Shoals.
I had the pleasure to meet and work with Mike Dillon (drums) and Terry Richardson (bass). These guys are the real deal, I
knew they would be. Thanks a ton for all their hard work and for making the last minute trip up to Bull Shoals to do the show.
Big Big thanks to Mark Thompson for coming down from Nashville! He's the best! Mark played lead guitar on all of
my cd, "Every Beat of My Heart" but not just that, he found me alot of my players, wrote all the charts, translated for me,
recorded tracks at his studio, and never ever did less than 200% over what I didn't even have to ask him to do. He's just
the most dedicated inspired and "can do" type person I have ever met. I thank God that I met him and that he continues to
support me musically.
We rehearsed at The Keynote Room, which is an awesome venue. First class all the way. I regret that I didn't put more
time into promoting the show on Friday, but I did the best I could. Mark asked me if I had hired myself to be the tour organizer,
and I joked, if I did then I would have to fire myself! It was a learning experience for sure! I don't regret a thing tho,
and I know we all had a great time... all 10 of us!
Greg (my other half)'s cousin and his parents came to the show and took great photos, I will post them as soon as I get
them! Parke Cochran and his wife Julie, and his parents Bill and Brenda Cochran were our captive audience in Florence. THANKS
FOR COMING OUT!! We stayed at Parke and Julie's that night, and just had a hoot of a visit with them!
Florence is a BEAUTIFUL place!
Mike and Terry, my Fame rhythm section were awesome! It was cool to see how we all came together on a few days of shedding
to the cd. Mark had never been to Florence or Muscle Shoals and I know he was as excited as I was to play with Mike
and Terry. It was a magical experience, communication at its finest thru MUSIC... like different tribes coming together and
I really appreciate it! It was a huge boost to me spiritually and mentally and I am so glad I did it. Music is a powerful
thing. I know we are from different areas but we all groove to the same influences, and tho we speak different dialects, The
message is clear pure JOY. So we didn't have an audience, we surely did accomplish the mission and I think thats what counts.
The tree fell in the forest, and I saw it!
Saturday night was a different story! Mike described it as a trip to the Twilight Zone, and he nailed it! We all drove
up to Bull Shoals, Arkansas...
The folks couldn't have been nicer! Just so very different than anywhere else on Earth... you really have to see it to
believe it! The scenery is majestic. Breath taking views, mountains, lakes, twisting turning two lane roads for HOURS AND
HOURS! Coming from the beach here in FL, or from Nashville or Muscle Shoals, the difference in cultures was pretty strong!
I loved it! Huge trees, rocks, canyons, lakes, little stone cottages, boats boats boats and the folks were so sweet and kind.
It was a real treat.
The venue, Bull Shoals Theatre of the Arts, is a non profit org, run by Ken Starkey. He did an awesome job coordinating
the event, from PR to running the sound, lights and TV crew, he is a GEM of a guy.
The crowd was really cool! I didn't get a good look at them till we broke between sets to do a meet and greet, but they
looked like one of the happiest bunch of folks you would ever see, and who wouldn't be when you live in such a beautiful place as
the Ozarks! I think they call it Gods Country.
The music was happening, especially the second set, once I got to connect with the crowd. It was a TV shoot, so the lights
were so bright I was performing to a rack of blinding spots. That was ok tho, but I was happy to actually see real people
and that made my job alot easier and fun! I played some new material, 0ne song in particular got a huge response. I
swear by the end of the first chorus the crowd was cheering. Its a polictal sort of song, I knew the response would be strong,
but I NEVER expected that immediate reaction! That right there made my whole career with all its ups and downs and years of
nothing seem so totally worthwhile.
I had a revelation. Riding in the van, I thought, "this is my reward." Seeing this country, meeting these people, winding
down this road toward this gig in Arkansas. I had no expectations, I truly soaked up each passing moment and found my happiness
in the journey.
Sure there were things that didn't go right, and I did have to shut my perfectionist self up and say WHO CARES, I AM
JUST GONNA HAVE FUN!!! That was growth for me. It all boils down to Faith for me. I know I can't control anything! I can have
great intentions, and great expectations, or I can just offer all that I have up to the universe and say LETS ROCK!!!
