Little Man Did It

My Brother Graduated...
On May 29th My little Bro Graduated High School and I could not be more proud. Or maybe Jealous :)

Here are so pics from the Big Day.

Ben... A Proud Brotha 

And sisters

A champagne Toast.. Attempt

And Success..

It was a great turnout.

Now he is off to Costal to play golf on the beach.  What a life.
I wish him all the luck and love he deserves

Thanks!! Have a great one.

We are Nashville

It's true and I have never been more proud to be a Nashvillian until I saw this video my good friend Stevie sent to me. It actually brought tears to my eyes.

I was very fortunate but so many were not.  We should all continue to pray for those who were affected and continue to lend a helping hand.

I am not as upset about the media coverage as this video portrays however, its does make me proud that we are all working so hard to Save Nashville.

Enjoy - We are Nashville

Last Day.. A Limelight Tale

Well today is my last day with Premier Studios.  Its a sad day for me but one that sheds a bit of light on the excitement for my future.  Let me clarify excitement... I have no idea whats next.  That's exciting right??

Ultimately I am going to go back to school to get my Masters and become a teacher. How I am going to get there.. Stay tuned! :)

In honor of my last day I thought I would share with you my moment in the Limelight.

As most of you know I am a behind the scenes kind of girl.  I have worked in production for 3 years and have loved being where all the action really is.. Behind the camera.  It was not until this crazy day in April when Premier came to me with the opportunity to sit in the hot seat.

We publish a magazine called Susie Magazine.  It used to be called Brio back in the day, when Brio wrapped up production we picked it up and have been going strong ever since.  This is where I come in. In April one of the producers came to me and asked if I would interview the band Superchick.  "You want me to do what?" was my immediate response.  After a bit of saying "I don't think I am the one for this job" he had me convinced.  I CAN DO THIS.

So after a lot of stress, prep and trying to get two guys to help me with wardrobe and makeup we did it.

Check it out here...
http://www.susiemagazine.com/
Go to This months Artist Profile - Superchick Interview (Part I or II)
(It will scroll on the top of the page at some point)

Have a great Memorial Day!

I did not forget!!! I'm back in Business

It has been an absolute crazy time lately with work, school and Mr. Chester.

Mini Life Update:
Friday is my last day with Premier.  Its pretty sad as I have enjoyed working with the company very much. I am waiting for an admission interview to try and get into graduate school and I'm attempting to get a job that will pay for my school.. Ahhh  Its all going to work out just gotta have faith.  This leads me to my first post back.


Remember the Daily Word I get? 
Well this message has been pouring all over me and its just too good not to share.

I open my mind to God's rest and peace.

I trust in the presence and power of God to provide whatever I need today. God is creative energy and spiritual substance working in and through me. In prayer, I ask, give thanks and know that it is given. Even though I cannot yet see the results, I cease asking and wait.

I enter into a time of Sabbath as I rest from doubt and fear. Releasing any struggle or mental strain about how my good will come, I trust that God in me is doing the work. I let go, and I let God.

I anticipate the fulfillment of my needs with eagerness and joy. My highest good is now on its way. I expect great things and give great thanks. In my time of Sabbath, my mind and heart are open to God's peace.

The Father who dwells in me does his works.--John 14:10

This is Obviously easier said than done but what a great message if we can remind ourselves of it daily.

There is some really good stuff to come in the next few days so stay tuned. 

Your the Best!

Reflecting Back

I would now Like to reflect back on Wednesday May 12th Entry and Say...

SOUTHWEST IS GOING TO START FLYING TO CHARLESTON !!!!!!!!!!!!


Its been a long week, more Post coming next week.

Unbelievable

Yesterday I found this...

Not a big deal right?  The usual, I had 5 dresses dry cleaned and it cost a lot of money. Well its the fine print that I need you to look at.
<-------------------

Yep! That says October 2009
So I called with fear in my heart that there is no way in the world that they would still have these 5 dresses of mine.

Guess What.

They did!  That lady on the other end of the phone instantly became one of my favorite people for a day.  It was Unbelievable news and I just had to share with you.

Thanks to my Favorite Audience.

Mama for the Weekend

Ok.. Not really a Mama. Im not speaking of a child I'm speaking of a Dog.

Im happy to introduce Mr. Chester Barksdale.

Chest is Paty's dog - A golden Retriever and poodle Mix.  AKA: Golden Doodle
He has been given names such as Uncle Chester and Professor Chester, he is wise beyond his years.
Saturday was a HUGE day for Mr. Chester and I, it went something like this....

The adventure of Mr. Chester Barksdale!

• We started the day off with a nap (yep thats how we started the day :)
• Then we ran errands together Mr. Chester, like many loves the Wind in his face, This is especially funny because he started growing facial hair at a very young age, his beard is no joke.  
• Next we went back to my place and played outside, he ran and ran and ran however he never got tired.  He is unstoppable. 
• Then the rain came - YES!! I finally thought I would catch up on my DVR, no way not with a child you don't, that little man wanted to play and rain was not going to stop him.  
• About this time my Friend Saskia got off work, we headed to her place for a little doggie play date. 
• This turned into a hysterical experience. 

Due to the recent Nashville Flooding Saskias backyard turned into Lake Fred... 

It got pretty Dirty... They loved every minute

Bathing Became Mandatory, this was no easy task... Pet Smart I don't know how you do it.

Saskia attempting to bath Nash

Once we got them all cleaned up we talked about how we have not laughed that hard since college.  I asked Saskia "Would you happen to have a beer?" She said, "Speaking of College, I sure do." Then we decided to go right back to college, and it was delicious. 

Mr. Chester and I headed home and I think he finally got tired. We hit the sac...

And what a great adventure it was.... 

Todays Medicine

May 14th 2010

Laughter is an instant vacation.  ~Milton Berle

Let me take you on a little Vacation Today.... 

I love Watching YouTube Videos of Kids and Animals.  Its my favorite thing to laugh at so here are some of my favorites.   ENJOY! 

Classic Wedding DJ's

David After Dentist 

Serious Face

When a 3 Year old is asked about Monsters

Sneezing Baby Panda

Baby Laugh

Flea Market Montgomery

He's Um Gonna Be a Star

Big Time for the Fam
Allison and Ben Wedding Update - Today she is trying on wedding dresses with mom.  This is something that the Made of Honor should be there for.  If anybody figures out how to find flights to Charleston for less than $400 please let me know.  Better yet, if you can figure out how to get Southwest to start flying into Savannah or Charleston that would be excellent. I will share my drink coupons with you :)


Todays Big story... Family member #2
I am so proud of My Lil Bro.  He graduates at the end of this month and off to play college Golf.
Video - Walker P's Big Moment

I am looking for great graduation gift Ideas... Any good ones out there? 

Great Audience as Always! 

Take a Minute

I have no big Posts for Today just two Quick Thoughts about Taking just a Minute out of each day.

Part One: Todays Daily Word
This is an awesome daily devotional that comes to my email every morning.  I have a blackberry so sometimes I read it right before I get out of bed and sometimes I wait until I get to work. I have some big decisions that need to be made in my life and I woke up this morning to this message...

It is a blessing to turn within to God in prayer. I make time every day to still my thoughts and focus my attention on the Presence. When I face a challenging decision, I may want to ask friends and family what they think I should do. But the most direct path to an answer is to pray for divine guidance.
I offer up questions, both about the big decisions and the momentary choices, and I listen for the still small voice within. Whether my guidance comes as an urging, a clear sense of direction or through the suggestion of a friend, I know it is meant for me. I am at peace when I act on this guidance. I trust blessings to flow, knowing that all is working toward my highest good.

The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not want. ... He leads me in right paths for his name's sake.--Psalm 23:1, 3

Perfect! It's great to know something bigger than I can imagine is looking after me, and you too! 

To view online: http://www.dailyword.com/ (You can Subscribe here as well)

Part Two: Music 

I have always loved Music but ever since I moved to Music City my desire to experience all sorts of new music has grown tremendously. I have seen all the ways it can affect a persons life from hearing radio interviews, conducting interviews, seeing live shows and witnessing it first hand.  

Music can Change Moods, Start a Party, Make a party, Give Back, save a life, create a life, help you loose weight, make you a living or just get you though a long work day. 

Music washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.  ~Berthold Auerbach

So I encourage you to listen to some new tunes today, My Suggestions:

NEEDTOBREATHE

The Swell Season

Ray LaMontagne

Band of Horses

Adele

Would love to hear some of your suggestions... 

Thanks for being a great Audience 

Need a Weekend after my Weekend

HAPPY MONDAY TRAVELING LIGHT FOLLOWERS

Poll:  This one is for the girls
What is your Favorite Steel Magnolias Quote?
You can respond in the Comment Section.

My Picks
Annelle: "Miss Truvy, I promise that my personal tragedy will not interfere with my ability to do good hair." 
OR 
Truvy: "There is no such thing as natural beauty."


Here is to a Great Weekend..


Friday May 7th 
Glass Half Full
WIth the Nashville Flood happening so close to home and being completely unaffected I felt I needed to give some of my time back to those who have lost so much.  This experience actually gave me something.


At 3:00 Pm on Friday Nathan (The Graphic Designer I work with) and I took off to meet at our Volunteer Location. We were loaded up on a bus and taken to a not so great area of Nashville.  When we arrive we were given a brief rundown of how to handle the emotions of those who have lost so much.  We then were packed in groups of 8 and told to walk down the street and people will come out and ask for your help.  It was not but a few seconds before the first victim came out and requested help. He took us to the back of his house and it was all everybody could do to hold back the tears.  Everything was destroyed.  After a few hours of helping I started talking to the owner to get to know him.  He worked at Channel 4 for years so with our Media background we had a lot in common.  I asked him to explain the Experience of the flood.  This is when it all changed for me.  He said, "well it started here (pointing at the floor) and came all the way to here (pointing at the ceiling) however, I am so blessed and thank God that it did not go upstairs.  I am really fortunate".  Incredible.  We can only pray for our hearts to be in the right place that we can always look at our glass half full.  


Here are a few Photos from the Day: 

The room at first 

We were trying to show how dirty we were but my phone camera was not the best tool

Nathan and the Owner

The floor after we got the big stuff out.  

On Sunday Savannah and I worked for the Red Cross.  It was a lot of sitting around waiting but once we got moving we were packing Red Cross trucks with food for the Sunday night Dinner Shift.  The coolest part was seeing the truck that could prepare 50,000 meals a day. It was quite the beast of a vehicle.

Saturday May 8th 

What Horses?

Saturday was the 68th annual Iroquois Steeplechase and my 6th year to attend.  I have yet to figure out why they call it Steeplechase?  It should be called SEC Annual Pre Season Tailgate.  Its a way for all the SEC Schools to post there tents, drink a few beers, play some cornhole and sample tailgating food items for the upcoming football season.  Im just saying :)

I will say the past two years our spot is near a cut through for the horses so I have in fact seen a horse or two but they are usually lugging some big cop in full gear as opposed to the nutritionally starved mini men AkA Jockeys. 

Andrea and her Hubby Drew came into town for the big event and we had quite a good time... Till Next Year!

The Girls

My Attempt to show you miles of tailgating 

CornHole

Shanks and I 

Now... I'm looking forward to Friday :)

Thanks for being a Great Audience. 

A Wild Beginning

This day, the Seventh of May will be the first of my attempts to have a blog.

May 2nd 2010
The Nashville Flood 
I never in a million years thought this could happen so close to home. It has been incredibly devastating for so many people here and has completely changed Nashville forever.  Here are some photos for you to try and grasp the extent of this tragedy.

Downtown 

LP Field 

Inside Opryland Hotel 

I have some volunteer work planned for this weekend.  I was so fortunate to not be affected by the flood so it should be a humbling experience to see it all first hand.  More to follow.

If you want to help go to: http://www.coolpeoplecare.org/ (Buy a cool shirt)
Or http://www.cfmt.org/floodrelief/

Please Keep Nashville In Your Prayers
-------------------------------------------------------------

May 3rd 2010
Here Comes the Bride
My Big Sister Got ENGAGED... Incredible!

Allison and Ben have been dating for two long years, I thought my dad was going to get on one knee and propose to this guy had he not proposed soon.
Needless to say we could not be more excited to have Ben in the Family.

Best week of her Life:
Surprise 1: Monday Ben Proposed
Surprise 2: Tuesday Ben flew me into Charleston so I could hang with Ally for the Day.  I showed up at http://www.studio-r-design.com/ (Her work) after she awkwardly stared at me for a few minutes she cried. It was the best.
Surprise 3: Around 4:00 Pm Mom, Dad and Walker showed up on her Doorsteps.
Surprise 4: Ben planned for the whole family to get together to hang out and go to dinner.

The Whole New Family

My engagement gift  to the Happy Couple (They actually have them switched)

Surprise 5: They got to vacation in Miami from Wednesday to Saturday
Surprise 6: Ben took Allison to see Van Morrison in Concert.

2010 Wedding Extravaganza is in full swing.  I am going to be watching Father of the Bride on repeat from here on out.

-------------------------------------------------------------

May 4rd 2010

The Return Flight

This was a very interesting experience.  

I got there in plenty of time, we got loaded on the plane and waiting for about 10 minutes (we were all starting to get curious) then this came over the speaker. "Good Morning Everyone (its 6:30 Am Eastern Time) I hate to be the Bearer of bad news but we have discovered an electrical issue with the plane and will have to cancel this flight." So we all piled off and waited to get reschedule on the next flight out.  However this is the good part.

On the next Flight I sat next to this guy....

Yep, I did! Thats not all.... The whole plane was full of these guys.

 I am laughing out loud right now thinking about it.  Perfect!!


Well thats it for now.
You have been a great Audience.