Elvis Presley once said, “When things go wrong, don’t go with them.”

Vacations and Websites and Floods…OH MY!

If you happened to notice I was gone for the past month, thank you. There have been a few reasons for the absence. Initially it was to get some R&R. Then I came back to lake front property. Finally, I spent quality time with my computer in order to bring you a brand, new website (more about that in a second).

In this review, the focus will be moments and their importance. The moments that matter. The moments that will changes us for the better or worse for the rest of our lives.

MOMENTS TO LISTEN: These past two years have brought me so much joy. I have had the opportunity to work with and listen to some of the greatest artists on the planet right here in Nashville. These extremely talented individuals produce amazing songs and shows every, single night. I am always awed. That is why it’s so important to listen.

Cruising through the archives while building the website, I was reminded of many great Featured Artists from the past two years. Many will be featured again on this website. In the mean time, give a listen to music by Shanna Crooks, Trevor Rosen, Matt Ramsey, Joey Richey, Chris Nathan, Jared Blake, Lauren Lucas, Nicole Witt, November, Josh Flint, Brother Trouble, The Mulch Brothers, Cory Batten, The Levees, Nathan Lee, Tawnya Reynolds, Kyle Wyley, Jason Sever, Damien Horne and Rob Blackledge.

In honor of Rock On Together’s 2nd Birthday (May 4th), I did just that. Every song still brings a smile to my face. And THAT is what this project is all about my friends…getting you to listen.

MOMENTS TO LIVE: Although I didn’t know him personally, Kansas State University lost a great football alumni and person last month. Someone who lived in EVERY moment.

Dylan Meier was only 26-years-old when he died in a freak hiking accident in Arkansas. That is WAY too young for a life to end and a reminder…we never know how much time we have. That is why every moment matters.

By all accounts, Dylan knew this fact and joyfully experienced every second of his life. This was a man who played professional football in Europe, ran with the bulls, did some skydiving and traveled all over the world.

Dylan was scheduled to teach English in Korea this month. I am sad the children will never get to learn from a guy who clearly understood the meaning of life and who led by example.

Dylan…thank you for being the kind of person I am proud to call a K-Stater. RIP.

MOMENTS TO LOVE: Those moments can happen at any time in any place. That is the concept of a movie I must see soon. Yes, it’s a “Chick Flick”…good thing I’m a chick.

“Letters to Juliet” expands on the tradition of people leaving letters to Juliet in her home town. They go to the fictional character in search of advice in love. The concept is awesome, but should I remind those hopeless romantics how that play ended? Probably not the best person to ask for advice.

Lost love…found love…sought after love. Isn’t the most important thing to just love? Don’t lose those moments. They are the only ones that matter.

MOMENTS TO EMBRACE: Betty White is 88-years-old and has still got it. This legend hosted Saturday Night Live this past week and was HILARIOUS! We can all learn something from this woman and how she embraces everything she does.

Betty does not let age define her. She is still embracing her life and profession. The good news is we all get to have fun right along with her. It took a Facebook campaign to get Betty White on SNL and I’m pretty sure SNL is the one who benefited most.

Check out the skit about her Muffins or the one about the Census or the Musical Number or the Weekend Update. I could go on and on. I haven’t enjoyed that many skits on SNL since 1999.

Betty…RESPECT!

MOMENTS TO FEEL: I’ve always thought one way you can really feel something is through music. Every event in my life has a soundtrack. How about you?

I bring you songs each week that have moved me (for many reasons) in the hopes that you will enjoy one or all of them. This week’s list is heavily country due to the authentic Nashville I have experienced over the past 11 days. These moments are some I’ll never forget.

Now, onto the songs…

1. “This Aint Nothin’” by Craig Morgan. Craig Morgan has the ability to astound listeners with one of his tunes. They are that powerful. Even before the destruction in Nashville this past week, this song came on the radio and I was immediately in tears. It became even more powerful in the aftermath of the storms. ”I lost my Daddy when I was 8-years-old. That cave in at the Kinncaid Mine left a big old hole. And I lost my baby brother…my best friend…and my left hand in a no-win situation in a place called Vietnam. And last year I watched my lovin’ wife of 50 years waste away and die. We were holdin’ hands when her heart of gold stopped pumpin’…so this aint nothin’.”

2. “The Call” by Matt Kennon. There isn’t anything more true than this. Don’t just think about someone. Pick up the phone and talk to them. They will appreciate it. Trust me on this one. “If someone you know is weighing on your mind and needs a friend on the other end of the line. Don’t hesitate. What you say may seem so small. But who knows they might be glad you called.”

3. “Georgia” by Carolyn Dawn Johnson. This song has popped up on my iPod a couple of times in the past few months. I love it every time. It’s just really well done. Actually, this entire album is really well done. I know it’s been a few years, but go buy it if you love country music. CDJ and these songs never let me down.

4. “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette. So it might not ALL be about irony, but you know the words. Admit it…”It’s like RAAAAAAAIN on your wedding day. It’s a free ride when you’ve already paid.”

5. “Keep On Lovin’ You” by Steel Magnolia. I am loving the sound of this song. The blend is EXCELLENT and it gets stuck in my head forever! “So why don’t you lay right here. Let me just ease your mind. I’m giving you all my time. I’m gonna keep on…keep on lovin’ you. Strong and slow the way that you want me to Baby my whole life through I’m gonna keep on…keep on lovin’ you.”

6. “I’ll Remember” by Madonna. This one takes me back quite a few years. It was that time period when I discovered Madonna was more than just a gimmick. The woman can sing and interpret music as well. The fact that she is a marketing genius is just an added bonus.

However, I will admit, I fall back on her old school cheesy standards too…“True love. You’re the one I’m dreamin’ of. Your heart fits me like a glove…” Don’t judge me.

7. “You’re Gone” by Diamond Rio. My favorite song of all time. Hands down. I can’t explain it. It just is.

8. “Fallin’” by Alicia Keys. This tune is a classic. Every time I hear it, I am transported to a soulful place. There is truth, pain, love, longing and satisfaction expressed with every note, every word and every breath of this song.

9. “Here Comes Summer” by The Locash Cowboys. It’s time. Call your radio stations and request it. Vote on the GAC and CMT websites. Buy it on iTunes. This duo is ready for some good times and if you go to see one of their live shows this summer…you will have good times as well. Every time. Promise.

10. “Pray for You” by Jaron and The Long Road to Love. Even though it’s not really in keeping with the tone of the blog this week, I can’t help but include it in the song list. Hey! We all need to chuckle a bit in the tough times. This one always cracks me up. Remember, it’s only in good fun.

11. “If Wishes Came True” by Sweet Sensation. I added this one to the list because I heard it in the grocery store a few weeks back and laughed out loud. Oh my teenage cheesy angst years. If I knew what I was wishing for back then, I would have reconsidered.

12. “Blame It” by Jamie Foxx. So I don’t usually blame it on the alcohol, but this song makes me feel like I should. It’s incredibly catchy, fun and fast. The video is kick ass and full of hot men. PLUS…it’s Jamie Foxx. Enough said.

13. “Home, Sweet Home” by Motley Crue. Oh that piano. Oh that sound. Oh that 80’s rock. Again, enough said.

14. “God Don’t Give Up On Us” by Jessica Andrews. No explanation. Just lyrics. “Who will win the Holy war? Can you tell me what we’re fighting for? And do you look down in disgust? God, don’t give up on us. Mother Nature shamed and bruised. All her precious gifts abused. Her forests burned. Her river’s rust. God, don’t give up on us. Don’t give up on me. Don’t give up on love. Nothing loved is ever lost. God, don’t give up on us.”

MOMENTS TO BE TALL: I am just as tall or taller than Chris Nathan…

Well….in theory.

MOMENTS TO BE HOPEFUL: In case you missed it (which many people did due to the HORRIBLE National News coverage), there was devastatingly historical flooding in Nashville a week and a half ago. Those moments changed the landscape and feel of the city I adore.

Nashville (and much of the rest of the state) took a major hit. Many of the places that serve as Nashville’s heart and soul were damaged or destroyed. People lost their homes. People lost their cars. People lost their jobs. People lost their lives.

Because most had no flood insurance, they have no immediate way to recover. The damage is in the BILLIONS of dollars…yes, billions. I could go on and on about the devastation, but I would rather tell you what happened AFTER this Natural Disaster occurred.

A Nashvillian and incredible writer named Patten wrote THIS and the motto “We Are Nashville” was born. What does “We Are Nashville” mean?

WE ARE NASHVILLE means Volunteering (The don’t call it the “Volunteer State” for nothin’).

Hands On Nashville is the organization in charge of running the massive volunteer efforts to clean up the city and help all those in need. HON volunteer efforts alone included 558 projects which took 48,460 volunteer hours from 11,401 volunteers with an economic impact of over 1 million dollars in just 11 days. SERIOUSLY! How cool is that?!

WE ARE NASHVILLE means having great leadership.

Mayor Karl Dean has done a wonderful job keeping everything running efficiently and positively during this crisis. He is constantly working and has made many stops to talk to flood victims and volunteers to help keep up morale. It is an impressive example of leadership.

WE ARE NASHVILLE means having caring celebrities who love their community.

Taylor Swift donated $500,000 to the flood relief efforts. That’s half a million dollars people. I don’t care how rich she is…that is incredible and generous.

Kenny Chesney got Anderson Cooper to come to Nashville and report on the disaster as well as getting the word out to many other news outlets (even though his own home was underwater). You cannot deny the good this guy does for the city of Nashville and the state of Tennessee.

Vince Gill and Amy Grant organized a telethon on a local television station that raised 1.7 million dollars for flood victims…in one night. These two are constantly making a positive difference in the world around them.

Big Kenny got involved in the volunteer efforts and was handing out water to his fellow Nashvillians. This is no change. The big hearted man is always helping others.

40+ members of the Tennessee Titans took to the streets of West Nashville, knocked on doors and helped residents with the demolition and removal of flood damaged structures.

And many, many more celebrities donated their time and money to the efforts. This is just a small example of their big efforts.

WE ARE NASHVILLE means everyone gets involved.

There are many volunteer opportunities on a daily basis and if people aren’t quick, they all fill up. I can’t tell you the number of stories I’ve heard about projects having TOO MANY PEOPLE there to help. That. Is. Awesome.

Nashville is full of people from every state in the union. In just two days, I met Nashville natives. I met amazing people from Rhode Island (like Addy)…outstanding people from East Tennessee (like Kristen) and many, many others who put a smile on my face.

Churches of all Faiths were available to provide food and shelter to those in need. AND they worked together to do it.

I have never seen a city full of people so diverse, yet so similar. It is inspiring and educational.

Nashvillians love our city and we are going to get her back to normal.

WE ARE NASHVILLE means stories that inspire.

There was the story about nurse Amy Hubbuch who got in a canoe to get to a woman trapped in her Bellevue home who was in labor. Baby Claire was delivered on time and healthy (although a bit unconventionally).

There was the story of numerous citizens bringing their private boats to Opryland to rescue people trapped in hotels.

There were stories of people wading into dangerous flood waters to save strangers.

There were stories of people who had just lost everything, but continued to smile and push forward knowing they hadn’t lost the most important thing…each other.

There were donations from companies who wanted to do anything they could to help out. This included giving employees time off of work to go volunteer.

There were donations from citizens in the form of clothing and supplies that filled an entire Community Center gymnasium. So much so that donations had to be sent to the local Good Will locations instead.

WE ARE NASHVILLE means coming together, observing the tragedy, helping each other and moving on toward a brighter future.

If you want to truly see what happened to this great city, watch THIS video. Note the song this person chose to accompany it…it’s called hope y’all!

I am so proud of my adopted city and even more proud to say…WE ARE NASHVILLE!

MOMENTS I’M PROUD TO BE AN AMERICAN: Well, that’s every moment. However, in the wake of the floods I was reminded why.

Despite the lack of National news coverage (with the exception of Anderson Cooper…THANK YOU!), people from around this great country stepped up.

There are those who are volunteering to help with the clean up while they are in Nashville for the upcoming CMA Fan Fest.

The local telethon was also broadcast live online and people from Key West, New York City and many other places donated to the relief efforts.

National companies are donating products and money to help in the rebuilding of this great city.

People from all over this America are offering thoughts and prayers to all those affected.

A special thanks to everyone who has e-mailed, texted, IMed, called, Facebooked, MySpaced, Twittered, misc. to check up on me. I heart y’all!

I may be biased, but Americans are pretty, freakin’ awesome.

MOMENTS TO ROCK YOUR FACE OFF: It is finally here! The official launch of Rockontogether.com happens today. It has been a long time coming and I’m a little bit excited…times 100.

Please take the time to check out the site and tell me what you think. This is a labor of love for me and seeing the finished product has been a little overwhelming.

Now I am gonna party like a rock star for a few weeks (since I’ve been cooped up working for most of the month) and sleep for many, many hours.

If you have a second, click HERE. I would appreciate it much. Right girls?

MOMENTS TO SAY THANK YOU: There are so many people I need to thank for all of the help and support they’ve offered over the past two years. There is no way to put into words how much I love and appreciate y’all.

To Ryan Milby and Andy Harper who have worked tirelessly with me on this “little” project…you guys are the best. Thanks for all of your creative and technical genius. If anyone needs web designers, these two are the way to go. They are unbelievable…in the good way.

To Scott Gipson who started all of this with me on the MySpace page…you rock! Thanks for creating an amazing MySpace Page to start this project and for creating a logo with your creative mind. Scott is another great creative genius whose work you should see.

To Fotojo (a.k.a. Joe Hardwick) and Sharla Pruitt…thanks for being amazing with the photos and styling. It takes a lot to make this face presentable. Go check out Joe’s pictures HERE everyone! He truly has a gift and has photographed some of the biggest names in music. And Sharla knows her stuff when it comes to hair/make up/style. If you need styled…you need Sharla.

To the artists…there are no words. Y’all are why I do what I do. Your music has changed my life for the better. So has your friendship and support.

To Mom, Dad and Kerry…I couldn’t ask for better. Your support and love means everything. That’s not just something I say. That’s something I mean. From the bottom of my heart I love you guys!

To my friends and family…there is no way for me to thank all of you individually and I hate that. Each of you has made such a huge impact on my life. I see the world through your eyes and that has made all the difference. This is called “Rock On Together” because it’s no fun alone. You are the glue that holds my crazy life together and I will be eternally grateful.

MOMENTS TO SAY GOOD NIGHT: I think Dr. Seuss can handle this one (Thanks to the kids at Bellevue Community Center for this one).

“I have heard there are troubles of more than one kind. Some come from ahead and some come from behind. But I’ve bought a big bat. I’m all ready you see. Now my troubles are going to have troubles with me!”

Until Next Time…

No Reins!

K

P.S. The Tweet of the Month (instead of week) comes from Ben Mayer: “Just had my lawyer read over the 92-page iTunes contract. He told me to agree to the ‘Terms and Conditions’ and that I’m an idiot.”