“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented and fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small doesn’t serve the world. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We are born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us, it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson

I will never forget the first time I heard that quote. I thought about it for quite a while after the fact. We live life trying to connect to others, but sometimes hiding ourselves in an effort to do so. The only way to escape fear is to embrace who you are. Therefore, we shall focus on the greatness of you! Don’t worry. There will be ample amounts of sarcasm to tone down the sugary, sweet “go get ‘em” sentiment. You’re welcome.

 

 

This month has led me to numerous venues (and a stadium) to hear over 25 different artists. Since there are so many who performed quite a few great tunes, the music review will be written a little bit differently than usual. Artists and the songs I heard them sing will be scattered throughout the blog in sections pertinent to the topic at hand.

SOOOOOO…

YOU ARE…going to be happily surprised if you read Rob Lowe’s new book, “Stories I Only Tell My Friends.”

I’m not surprised the book is a witty, interesting and intelligent read. That I was expecting and is why I bought it in the first place. The man grew up with celebrities long before they were celebrities (Charlie Sheen, Emilio Estevez, Dean Cain, Chris Penn, Sean Penn and Holly Robinson (now Peete)), was a founding member of “The Brat Pack” (the “Coolest Kids” of my generation) and has been a celebrity for the past 30+ years.

 

However, I was surprised by the insight Rob gained from living the life he has lived. His childhood was a stark contrast in lifestyles. He spent the first part in Ohio and his teen years in Malibu. I’m only halfway through the book and have already found numerous tidbits that are intriguing. Check out some Rob Lowe words of wisdom:

On relationships between men and women:

“What makes the equation of man and woman so eternally mysterious, glorious and explosive? It almost always seems as if each decade has its own unique ‘battle of the sexes.’ The field of conflict is ever changing, as are the players, but the carnage and confusion are always fueled by the enduring quest for sex, love and emotional fulfillment.”

“Something That We Do” by Clint Black. “It’s holding tight. Letting go. It’s flying high and laying low. Let your strongest feelings show and your weakest too. It’s a little and a lot to ask. An endless and a welcome task. Love isn’t something that we have. It’s something that we do. We help to make each other all that we can be. Though we can find our strength and inspiration independently. The way we work together is what sets our love apart. So closely that we can’t tell where I end and where you start.” (Clint Black; LP Field; CMA Fan Fest; June 11th) Clint’s still got it. This song is so pure and true. Sitting on the gigantic Fan Fest stage with just a spotlight, his guitar and those lyrics, Clint made the crowd roar.

On celebrities as role models:

“The effect famous people can have on other people’s lives is not to be underestimated. They can inspire us with their talent; make us feel like kings with their kindness, with a hello, a handshake or an autograph. They seem like creatures from another race with supernatural abilities. And the true stars understand that. Liza Minnelli certainly did. When you are around them, the ones at the top of their game, there is always the possibility that some of their magic could rub off on you.”

“Here’s To You” by Rascal Flatts. “It’s the girls in the front row singing. It’s the boys with the wheels who bring them. It’s the lighters in the air and you guys up there. You’re the heart and the soul and the reason we do what we do. Here’s to you.” (Rascal Flatts; LP Field; CMA Fan Fest; June 11th)

 

 

 

On not always being the most confident kid:

“Fake confidence on the outside, as I will later learn, often trumps truthful turmoil on the inside.”

“A Little Bit Stronger” by Sara Evans. “And I’m done hopin’ that we can work it out. I’m done with how it feels spinnin’ my wheels. Lettin’ you drag my heart around. And I’m done thinkin’ you could ever change. I know my heart will never be the same, but I’m tellin’ myself I’ll be okay. Even on my weakest days, I get a little bit stronger.”

(Luke Laird; Hard Rock Cafe; June 9th) Luke is starting to rack up quite a few hits. This is no exception. Do you know how you can tell the power of a song? Have a songwriter sing it for a full room of people and listen. There was a low, meaningful chorus of voices singing the song back to Luke that night. That is power my friends.

On spending his teenage years in Malibu:

“There was a price to be paid for a culture that idealized the relentless pursuit of ’self.’ Malibu was a wellspring of counterculture group think. To be counter to the culture, you are by definition willfully and actively ignoring the culture, i.e., reality.”

“Forget You Town” by Gene Cook. “You still hold me. There’s no way around it. If there’s a safe distance from you Baby, I still aint found it…I wanna find that place where I can live your memory down. I wanna find forget you town.” (Gene Cook; Hotel Indigo; June 3rd) Holy Mother of Pearl, Gene’s voice is incredible!! It was the first time I’d ever heard him sing and it won’t be the last. This man owns every song he sings. I was drawn in immediately. If you get the chance to go hear him…GO!

YOU ARE…constantly growing if you learn from life experiences (including mistakes).

There is so much comedy in life. You just have to take the time to laugh at it. Some of the most simple life lessons came to me at a very comedic cost. I feel as though I should share some of this knowledge with you.

1. Never spend all day moving in flip-flops. Have you ever bruised the bottom of your feet? Not. Funny.

 

 

 

2. Dry erase boards don’t erase very easily after something is left on them for more than about four months. Bright side: You can build arm muscles while trying to erase.

3. Aim Chick-Fil-A sauce packets away from you when opening (they explode). It will save you a piece of clothing or two.

4. Avoid looking directly at the V-shaped muscles on a man’s abdomen because “They make smart girls stupid.”

5. Never buy rounded toe, platform high heels even if they are really hot. When you look like a colt just learning to walk, it’s not sexy (even if the heels are).

6. Smart Water might not make you smarter, but it tastes better than regular water.

7. Never watch “Criminal Minds” right before you go to bed. Thanks a lot Tim Curry. *chills*

 

 

 

8. Avoid anyone who says, “I shouldn’t tell you this, but…” It’s trouble waiting to happen.

9. Kids are smarter than you are. Ask for their opinions.

 

 

 

10. If you are not a morning person, don’t schedule workouts in the morning. They will never happen.

11. Make sure the cup fits in the cup holder before you drive away or it could be a Dr. Pepper disaster.

12. No matter how many times you “try” food you don’t like, you won’t eventually like it.

13. People Magazine is the only gossip mag with class. What?! It is!

14. If you’re not famous and you want to get a reputation (a.k.a. publicity), start a rumor about yourself. Trust me. It will spread.

“Talk of the Small Town” by Matt Jenkins (Matt Jenkins; Hotel Indigo; June 3rd) If you want a voice that will bowl you over, listen to Matt. It is pure and deep and all old-school country. He delivers songs effortlessly and keeps you listening. This one is what it says. If you’ve ever lived in a small town, you know what I mean.

There are also some serious lessons I’ve learned in my years and a lot more reflection and thought was involved in those. Here are a few that have continually served me well.

1. Extended album cuts are always better than their radio singles with an awesome “jam session” at the end of the tune. A couple of great examples are Garth Brooks’ “Wrapped Up in You” and Keith Urban’s “Somebody Like You.” Those songs are album cuts at their best. Just try and not dance at the end…nearly impossible.

2. Friends are not only important, they are also necessary for a happy life. Try and go without them. You’ll learn that lesson pretty quickly.

 

 

 

3. Smile…because why not?!

 

“All About Tonight” by Blake Shelton. “It’s all about tonight. Good times and the music and laughin’ and groovin’ to the band. Everybody’s gettin’ right. No worries. We’re rockin’. All kinds of concoctions in our hands. Yeah, tomorrow can wait ’til tomorrow. It’s all about tonight.” (Rhett Akins; Hard Rock Cafe; June 9th) Rhett started out as a great recording artist and continues to impress by writing song for many artists. The bonus when you hear him in a songwriters’ round is that he sings the songs just as well as he writes them.

4. Your instincts are never wrong. Listen to them.

5. Surround yourself with smart, caring, creative and fun people who CHALLENGE you on a daily basis. “As iron sharpens iron, so one person sharpens another.” -Proverbs 27:17 You will never get anywhere positive in life surrounded by negative people. That is just the truth.

 

 

 

6. “Consider the rights of others before your own feelings, and the feelings of others before your own rights.” – John Wooden. He wasn’t just a basketball genius. He was also a life genius.

 

7. Don’t ever make assumptions. Just don’t.

 

“I don’t care. She don’t matter. I don’t love her anymore. He can have her. And I don’t know why she crosses my mind. Been hopin’ she’ll call sometime.” (“I Don’t Care”; Thomas Rhett Akins; Hard Rock Cafe; June 9th)

8. Music can change the course of your life. Three notes. That’s all it took. “I’ve dealt with my ghosts and I’ve faced all my demons.Finally content with a past I regret. I’ve found you find strength in your moments of weakness. For once I’m at peace with myself. I’ve been burdened with blame, trapped in the past for too long. I’m movin’ on.”

9. Music can trigger memories. “This little, bitty living room ain’t gonna look like much. But when the lights go down and we move the couch, it’s gonna be more than enough for my two left feet. And our two hearts beating. Nobody’s gonna see us go crazy. So Baby why don’t we just dance down the hall…maybe straight up the stairs? Bouncin’ off the wall. Floatin’ on air. Baby, why don’t we just dance?” (“Why Don’t We Just Dance”; Josh Turner; LP Field; CMA Fan Fest; June 11th) *sigh*

10. Music can heal. “Nobody ever said that life was gonna be fair. You’re never gonna get nowhere by runnin’ scared. If you look down deep inside, you’ll find the Faith to make you strong. Carry on. I try to walk the sunny side of the street. Don’t let no shadows tangle up my feet. There ain’t no troubles that we can’t rise above with a hand full of Faith and a heart full of love. Carry on. Carry on. What don’t kill us, makes us strong. Carry on.” (“Carry On” by Tim McGraw) At one of the worst times in my life, this song showed up to wrap its arms around me. And it keeps showing up every, single time I need it.

11. Music can soothe. “It’s like a storm that cuts a path. It breaks your will. It feels like that. You think you’re lost, but you’re not lost. On your own, you’re not alone. ‘Cause I will stand by you. I will help you through. When you’ve done all you can do and you can’t cope. I will dry your eyes. I will fight your fight. I will hold you tight. And I won’t let go.” (“I Won’t Let Go”; Rascal Flatts; LP Field; CMA Fan Fest; June 11th)  Their music has been soothing my soul for quite a few years now. Fortunately, the folks at LP Field understood how great they are. There was a low rumbling as the crowd sang along word-for-word. There was also a large smile spread across my face as I thought back 11 years to a radio show in Lincoln, Nebraska. Let’s just say the crowd was considerably smaller.

12. Music can encourage. “You can spend your whole life building something from nothing. One storm can come and blow it all away. Build it anyway. You can chase a dream that seems so out of reach and you know it might not ever come your way. Dream it anyway. God is great, but sometimes life aint good. And when I pray, it doesn’t always turn out like I think it should, but I do it anyway. I do it anyway.” (“Anyway”; Martina McBride; LP Field; CMA Fan Fest; June 11th and The Warren Brothers; Bluebird Cafe; June 22nd) With the help of American Idol runner-up, Lauren Alaina, Martina showed why she is unmatched vocally. As great as Lauren was, Martina quickly defined why she is the reining Queen of vocal talent…with a note that lasted two hours (slight exaggeration). She received the loudest and longest ovation of the night. Rightfully so.

 

13. Music can spur you into action. “Are you gonna kiss me or not? Are we gonna do this or what? I think you know I like you a lot, but you’re about to miss your shot. Are you gonna kiss me or not?” (“Are You Gonna Kiss Me or Not”; Thompson Square; LP Field; CMA Fan Fest; June 11th) I’m just sayin’…

14. Music can energize. “I feel no shame. I’m proud of where I came from. I was born and raised in the boondocks. One thing I know. No matter where I go. I keep my heart and soul in the boondocks. And I can feel that muddy water runnin’ through my veins. And I can hear that lullaby of the midnight train. And it seems to be that it sounds familiar.” (“Boondocks”; Little Big Town; LP Field; CMA Fan Fest; June 11th) This is one of the most underrated bands in music. The harmonies are spot on every time. They have this blend of voices that is energizing even when they croon a slow tune. I am never disappointed when listening to this group. Their first album remains one of my favorites and hearing them take the stage with Rascal Flatts at the end of the show was amazing.

 

 

 

YOU ARE…human if you want to know the outcome of sensational trials.

Not since O.J. Simpson have I been so invested (and disturbed) by a murder trial. The simple fact that a little girl was killed is haunting enough. The fact that it is her mother on trial for that murder is devastating. What kind of a world do we live in where a child can no longer trust her parent? And sadly, this case is only one of thousands of similar cases around our country. Casey Anthony and Caylee Anthony just put faces on the issue.

And (similar to the O.J. trial) now it’s a media circus. To be honest, I don’t care that the defense is mounting a case to show WHY Casey might have done what she did. Abuse, neglect, etc.? Does the “why” really matter?

 

I understand she says she’s innocent and this is to give her a fair trial. Can we just put away the smoke and mirrors for one second? Casey Anthony did not report her daughter missing FOR A FULL MONTH. Even then, it was her Mom who made the call to police. Casey spent that time partying with friends. She lied over and over again about the circumstances of the case even after she was arrested. Now, she says it was an accidental drowning in the pool. I understand the burden of proof is on the prosecution, but the burden of logic is on everyone else. This case isn’t about Casey Anthony. This case is about a little girl named Caylee who died at the hands of a monster. She is the one who deserves justice.

 

 

 

The rights of kids is one area where I am EXTREMELY judgmental and always will be. Children deserve to be defended and protected. They are the truest form of innocence. Casey Anthony deserves to sit and rot in a jail cell for the rest of her life. The end.

“White Liar” by Miranda Lambert – “You better be careful what you do. I wouldn’t want to be in your shoes if they ever found you out. You better be careful what you say. It never really added up anyway. I got friends in this town. Hey, White Liar. The truth comes out a little at a time. And it spreads just like a fire. Slips off of your tongue like turpentine. And I don’t know why, White Liar.” (Natalie Hemby; Hard Rock Cafe; June 9th) Natalie is quite the songwriter and she has a great old country voice to boot. It is fun hearing her version of the hit. It’s even better that she can hold her own in a round full of men. Natalie…respect!

YOU ARE…persuaded by the music you listen to each week. As am I.

1. “Moves Like Jagger” by Maroon 5 and Christina Aguilera. “Take me by the tongue and I’ll know you. Kiss me ’til you’re drunk and I’ll show you all the moves like Jagger. I’ve got them moves like Jagger. I’ve got them moves like Jagger. I don’t need to try to control you. Look into my eyes and I’ll own you with them moves like Jagger. I’ve got them moves like Jagger. I’ve got them moves like Jagger.” For some reason, I don’t think they’re talking about dancing. Hmmm… I didn’t think I could love Adam Levine more. I was wrong. I do.

2. “Fix You” by Coldplay and Javier Colon. “When you try your best, but you don’t succeed. When you get what you want, but not what you need. When you feel so tired that you can’t sleep, stuck in reverse. And the tears come streaming down your face. When you lose something, you can’t replace. When you love someone, but it goes to waste. Could it be worse? Lights will guide you home. And it ignite your bones. And I will try to fix you.” I’ve never been a huge Coldplay fan, but this is a fantastic song. Javier Colon sang it on “The Voice” a couple of weeks ago to bring it back to me. By the way, Javier is awesome. He’s gonna win.

3. “The Suburbs” by Arcade Fire. This one was suggested by my little sis, Tara, so I gave it a listen. As you know, Arcade Fire has been on fire (No pun intended. Okay, maybe a little one) this past year. They have been winning awards and selling many albums. This tune takes a swing at the suburbs and I am most intrigued by the melody. Give it a listen. This band has something important to say. And apparently a part of the population is listening.

 

 

 

4. “Black Horse and the Cherry Tree” by KT Tunstall and Casey Weston. “Well, my heart knows me better than I know myself so I’m gonna let it do all the talkin’. I came across a place in the middle of nowhere with a big, black horse and a cherry tree. I felt a little fear upon my back. I said, ‘Don’t look back. Just keep on walkin’.’ When the big, black horse that looked this way said, ‘Hey, there Baby we’ve never met.’ But I said, ‘No. No. No. No. No. No.’ I said, ‘No. No. You’re not the one for me.’ No. No. No. No. No. No. I said, ‘No. No. You’re not the one for me.’” It’s so freakin’ infectious! Once the music starts, I am up and dancing. Plus, the words have been hitting home for me lately. This is another tune I was reminded of because of “The Voice.” I love that the contestants on the show choose songs that aren’t normally covered. Casey Weston did a wonderful job with this one.

5. “Always on My Mind” by Elvis Presley. “Maybe I didn’t treat you quite as good as I should have. Maybe I didn’t love you quite as often as I could have. Little things I should have said and done. I just never took the time. You were always on my mind. You were always on my mind.” This one never gets old. And I don’t care what anyone says. It will always be an Elvis song first.

6. “Life’s a Dance” by John Michael Montgomery. “Life’s a dance. You learn as you go. Sometimes you lead. Sometimes you follow. Don’t worry ’bout what you don’t know. Life’s a dance, you learn as you go.” Best. Advice. Ever.

7. “I Can’t” by Nicole Witt. “I keep myself busy all the time to stop my mind from wandering. Yeah, I wonder if he misses holding me like I miss holding him. I could lie to myself and say I don’t want him back. I know I should let him go, but I can’t. I wish I could call and say, I think we made a big mistake. I’m sorry for everything, but too many nights have gone by. I wish I could take his hands. Tell him I want one more chance. He’s probably moved on by now, but I can’t.” If this tune doesn’t get cut soon, I have no more trust in the people picking songs in this city. It’s that incredible.

8. “Prayin’ For Daylight” by Rascal Flatts. “I’ve got the lights turned off. The door is locked. The bedroom TV’s on. Doin’ the only thing that gets me through the night since you’ve been gone. Prayin’ for daylight. Waitin’ for that mornin’ sun. So I can act like my whole life aint goin’ wrong. Baby, come back to me. I swear I’ll make it right. Don’t make me spend another lonely night prayin’ for daylight.” Look at how young they are! Eleven years ago, a CD landed on my desk at a little radio station in Kansas. It stayed in the CD player for about four months. To this day, it is my favorite album. That little trio has come a long way. This was the song that started all the madness. Carry on boys. Carry on.

9. “Open Your Heart” by Madonna. “I’ve had to work much harder than this for something I want. Don’t try to resist me. Open your heart to me, Baby. I hold the lock and you hold the key. Open your heart to me, Darlin’. I’ll give you love if you…you turn the key.” There were many “concerts” put on in the house of one of my good friends (by the lights of Casey’s General Store) when we were in the 3rd grade. I had this album memorized from front to back. This song was one of my favorites and still puts a smile on my face. What can I say? It brings out the nine-year-old in me.

10. “Dare You to Move” by Switchfoot. “I dare you to run. I dare you to move. I dare to lift yourself up off the floor. I dare you to run. I dare you move like today never happened. Today never happened before.” This tune has that unique ability to build in a way that takes you with it. The band made an impact on me with this song.

11. “Clair de Lune” by APM Orchestra. I’m a lyrics person, but there is something about classical music that takes you to another place. Sometimes it’s the only place that allows you to get out of your head and relax. That happens when your mind glides over the notes. This is one of my favorites and I am proud of “Twilight” for using it on the soundtrack.

12. “Looking for a Reason” by Little Big Town. “You better show me something fast, ’cause my patience for you…it ain’t gonna last. Looking for to make some sense out of nothin’. Lookin’ for the hunger to hang on. Looking for to know if you’re really worth it. Lookin’ for a reason not to be gone.” Once again…Love. This. Band. Every song pulls you in and this one has all the awesome elements a tune should have. Plus, it makes a good point.

13. “Truly” by Jared Blake. “Hey, girl. Sure am glad you’re home. Been sittin’ here all alone thinking about the past. Isn’t it crazy how looking back now kind of makes me laugh, wow. Thinkin’ about how we were just two strangers and I found you. Baby without a sound you spun my world around you. And I’ll never know how…how I need you even when I don’t want to. I say it too much, I know I do. But, God I truly love you.” It’s always been my favorite of Jared’s and it always comes back to find me. More than any other song, I want this one to see the light of radio. People really need to hear it.

14. “Mean” by Taylor Swift. “You with your switching sides and your wildfire lies and your humiliation. You have pointed out my flaws again as if I don’t already see them. I walk with my head down trying to block you out, cause I’ll never impress you. I just wanna feel okay again. I bet you got pushed around. Somebody made you cold. But the cycle ends right now, ’cause you can’t lead me down that road and you don’t know what you don’t know. Someday I’ll be livin’ in a big ‘ol city and all you’re ever gonna be is mean. Someday I’ll be big enough so you can’t hit me and all you’re ever gonna be is mean. Why ya gotta be so mean?” That’s right. I now own a Taylor Swift song. I have never denied the woman’s talent, but I just never attached to one of the songs…until now. This one has a way of throwing you back to your childhood with an additional bonus of standing up to the bullies of your present. That’s a pretty big accomplishment. AND she does it in such a sweet way. It makes me smile.

15. “One Last Cry” by Bryan McKnight “Now I sit all alone wishing all my feeling was gone. I gave my best to you. Nothin’ for me to do but have one last cry. One last cry before I leave it all behind. I gotta put you out of my mind this time. Stop living a lie. I guess I’m down to my last cry.” It’s a classic and NOBODY has a voice quite as velvety smooth as Bryan. I can listen to him sing the same song over and over and over again, just to enjoy the sound.

 

16. “Remind Me” by Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood. “Do you remember how we used to be? We’d turn out the lights and we didn’t just sleep. Remind me. Baby, remind me. So on fire. So in love. Had a look in your eyes that I miss so much. Remind me. Baby, remind me.” I just discovered this song and adore it. How often do we forget to fan the flames that ignited a relationship? I never mind being reminded.

YOU ARE…a real man if you understand the importance of being a great father to your children.

With the recent celebration of Father’s Day, I feel it’s important to give thanks to all the Dads out there. It’s a job that is often overlooked and is oh so very important. I am blessed to have a wonderful Dad. I cannot tell you how influential he has been in my life. It’s a whole lot of positive influence that is needed.

 

 

 

Society has an opinion about all the things it takes to be a “real” man. Sometimes the role of father is minimized. That is so sad to me. There is nothing that makes a man more manly than his ability to be an outstanding role model to and caretaker of his family. So to all of you amazing Dads out there…thank you!

“So You Won’t Have To” by Adam Tefteller. “A better life…a better way. Give you a fighting chance when you’re out on your own someday. Do what I can to make it easier on you. Do all the things that I don’t want to so maybe one day you won’t have to.” (Adam Tefteller; 12th & Porter; May 31st) I have missed hearing Adam sing. He has such a unique voice and writes wonderful music. This is just one example of many great Tefteller tunes.

“Just Fishin’” by Trace Adkins. “And she thinks we’re just fishin’ on the riverside. Throwin’ back what we could fry. Drownin’ worms and killin’ time. Nothin’ too ambitious. She ain’t even thinkin’ ’bout what really’s goin’ on right now. But I guarantee this memory’s a biggun. And she thinks we’re just fishin’.” (Trace Adkins; LP Field; CMA Fan Fest; June 11th) He’s been doing this for quite a few years now and the crowd loves him. Trace just has that really, cool manly way about him. He’s a guy’s guy. Anymore…those are rare.

YOU ARE…a friend of mine if you celebrate National Doughnut Day.

WHAT?! It’s an actual holiday and I almost missed it! So on National Doughnut Day, at 11pm that night, my friends and I were scouring the city of Nashville to find the perfect doughnut.

We stopped at the local grocery store, but a “discount” tag on baked goods is never a good idea. Therefore, I was sad.

 

 

 

However, there was a very cool employee around to cheer me up.

 

 

 

Brit found a way to put her thoughts into words…

 

 

 

And Tara found a balloon shaped like a hammer (I’m not really sure who you would buy that balloon for, but whatever)…

 

 

 

Listen people…Life is about adventure (even if it’s around your own city). We finally found some doughnuts. They were awful. However, I still felt bad throwing them away just because they weren’t pretty like the brand new ones.

“I’d like to be in style again someday. ‘Cause no one likes to feel like they’ve been thrown away. I guess nothin’ lasts forever, but it hurts to be replaced by a younger, fresher, pretty face. So if only for a while, I’d like to be in style again someday.” (“In Style Again”; Lance Miller; Bluebird Cafe; June 22nd) Lance is an amazing singer/songwriter! Even though I put this song in this section, it is a tearjerker. Lance sings it beautifully. I can get lost in that guy’s voice. Song after song takes me back to a time long ago where I feel safe. Every tune he sings has depth…no matter if it’s humorous, serious or romantic. Go hear him sing. You won’t be sorry. ADDED BONUS…he is one of the nicest people in Nashville. True story.

YOU ARE…never too old for S’mores. I don’t care what you say. Those things are awesome! Right Jenn?

 

 

 

And Brit?

 

 

 

YOU ARE…normal if you fear rejection and crazy if you don’t go for it anyway.

Take a chance on possibilities. I know. I know. More often than not, the chances you take in love don’t pan out. However, it just takes one moment…one person…to make all the other chances worth it.

Josh Roberts took a chance on a girl and wrote about it in a song. “Annie don’t know the way I feel. There’s just something that she does to me. Well, just one look in her eyes. She says, ‘Give it up Baby and reach for the sky.’ Annie don’t know tonight that I wanna make her mine.” (“Annie Don’t Know”; Josh Roberts; Division; June 2nd)

And sometimes (even when it’s a mistake) just a short amount of time can stay with you forever in the form of a memory. “But tonight I’m gonna give in one last time. Rock you strong in these arms of mine. Forget all the regrets that are bound to follow. We’re like fire and gasoline. I’m no good for you. You’re no good for me. We only bring each other tears and sorrow. But tonight, I’m gonna love you like there’s no tomorrow.” (“Tomorrow”; Chris Young; LP Field; CMA Fan Fest; June 11th) It’s always worth taking the risk. I have to admit, I didn’t realize how good Chris Young is live. He has slowly roped me in over the past few years with his songs. After that night, I am officially sold.

 

And NOT risking it can be even more devastating than taking the chance and being rejected. “I don’t want to be in love, but you’re making me. Let me up, I’ve had enough. Girl, you’re breaking me. Now, here I am. Half a man sanding alone feeling like I lost my only chance at happiness when I let you go. I don’t want to be alone thinking about you girl. But I’ve got nothing left to hold in my lonely world. The first time my heart was ever touched was the day I lost your love.” (“Breaking Me”; Jonny Lang; The Ryman; June 4th) There are no words to describe the absolute overall amazement I have when it comes to Jonny Lang. Getting to experience his voice and musical talent in the Ryman just enhanced an already inexplicable feeling. Buy his music. Listen to his live show. Do anything that will get you within hearing distance of the man. It is life-altering music. Trust me on this one.

YOU ARE…allowed to celebrate birthdays joyfully!

I have to send big Happy Birthdays out to a few extraordinary people: My cousin Dusty, friend/kick ass singer/songwriter Josh Flint and friend/fellow Wildcat Amy Shipman. These people make my life better because they are in it. So, thanks y’all! I heart you and Happy Birthday!

PLUS, the biggest Happy Birthday goes out to my little brother Kerry. He is the most awesome sibling on the planet! True story. Hope you have the best birthday yet bro…

 

 

You should probably get your party on to some country music.

“My favorite color is Neon. A light they always leave on. A weekend on the rocks. An old school jukebox with a little Johnny Lee on…” (“Neon” by Chris Young; Trevor Rosen; Hotel Indigo; June 3rd) Trevor has been writing great songs for a while now. He is one of the first people I heard play when I moved back to Nashville almost five years ago. Now, T-Rosen has the title track of Chris Young’s new CD. WOOOOO WHOOOOO!

YOU ARE…inspired by people when you get to know them.

I know. I know. We live in a world where we are constantly reminded that people suck. However, there are actually very, few bad people. If you take just a minute to learn about the person next to you, you might be surprised. People are freakin’ interesting and fun and INSPIRING. Every day I am awed by what someone has done, is doing or will do. My friends and family always show up when I need them…always. Whether in person or by phone, they take the time to make a difference in my life. These people are the sole reason I refuse to believe that the world is a bad place.

This past week, I got to hang out with one of my best friends, Kim. If she wanted to blackmail me, I’d be in trouble. That’s how you know she’s a good friend. She has access to that kind of information. Kim works for an amazing organization called the Muscular Dystrophy Association and makes the world a better place each day. How can you get more inspiring than that?!

 

 

 

PLUS, I got to meet a new friend by the name of Luke Christie. This guy is awesome. In an instant, we were talking music (he KNOWS his country music) and writing. Although he is a few years younger than I am (and by a few, I mean a lot), Luke is much smarter. Not only was I inspired, I also learned quite a bit about life. Luke is preparing to launch a new blog on July 4th. You should all go check it out. It’s called “LC Live.” Stay tuned…

YOU ARE…American if you truly love the 4th of July.

This country is great for so many reasons and I adore getting a chance to show my appreciation. Fireworks and homemade ice cream and family and friends. It’s an American tradition. I will be forever happy to live in this spectacular nation and to be surrounded by people who embrace it with me. There is no better country. If you think there is…move there.

“Red, White and Blue” by The Warren Brothers. “My hair’s turning white. My neck’s always been red. My collar’s still blue. We’ve always been here just tryin’ to sing the truth to you. Guess you could say we’ve always been red, white and blue.” (The Warren Brothers; Bluebird Cafe; June 22nd) The Warren Brothers crack me up! If you want to go hear not only amazing music, but also a full comedy routine, find out where these guys are playing. Hilarious.

“Independence Day” by Martina McBride. “Let freedom ring. Let the white doves sing. Let the whole world know that today is a day of reckoning. Let the weak be strong. Let the right be wrong. Throw the stones away. Let the guilty pay. It’s Independence Day.” (Martina McBride; LP Field; CMA Fan Fest; June 11th) The crowd wouldn’t stop cheering. She couldn’t even start the next song. And then she was in tears. I’ve heard Martina McBride sing live many times and EVERY time I am in awe. How does she sing like that?!

 

 

 

YOU ARE…right to laugh at the “Tweet of the Month.”

There are actually two, because both made me LOL (That’s “laugh out loud” for those who don’t speak teen).

“50 Years ago, Cinderella longed for her Prince Charming. Today, ‘The Bachelorette’ is just hoping for a douchebag without Syphilis.” – NotKennyRogers

and

“Crazy people rarely call themselves crazy, but sane people often do. Grass is always greener on the crazy side I guess.”

- Zooey Deschanel

 

“A couple of hundred years ago, Benjamin Franklin shared with the world the secret of his success. Never leave that till tomorrow, he said, which you can do today. This is the man who discovered electricity. You think more people would listen to what he had to say. I don’t know why we put things off, but if I had to guess, I’d have to say it has a lot to do with fear. Fear of failure, fear of rejection, sometimes the fear is just of making a decision, because what if you’re wrong? What if you’re making a mistake you can’t undo? The early bird catches the worm. A stitch in time saves nine. He who hesitates is lost. We can’t pretend we hadn’t been told. We’ve all heard the proverbs, heard the philosophers, heard our grandparents warning us about wasted time, heard the damn poets urging us to seize the day. Still sometimes we have to see for ourselves. We have to make our own mistakes. We have to learn our own lessons. We have to sweep today’s possibility under tomorrow’s rug until we can’t anymore. Until we finally understand for ourselves what Benjamin Franklin really meant. That knowing is better than wondering, that waking is better than sleeping, and even the biggest failure, even the worst, beat the Hell out of never trying.” – Meredith Grey (“Grey’s Anatomy” season finale)

 

 

 

Until Next Time…

No Reins!

K

 

P.S. “If you’re sleepin’ instead of dreamin’ about something better and nobody’s ever called you crazy then just maybe, you aint doin’ it right. If you’re ridin’ instead of drivin’ like you stole it then you don’t know what you’ve been missin’. Honey, listen. You aint doin’ it right. You aint livin’ life. You’re just spinnin’ with the planet. Gettin’ older by the minute. Yeah, you might survive but you aint doin’ it right.” (“You Aint Doin’ It Right”; Ramsey; Blue Bar and Rack Room; June 2nd) Hearing Matt sing never gets old and this song continues to inspire. It explains exactly how we should be living life. We should be taking advantage of our creativity! Right Jalen?!