Doin' It MY Way!

Alarm clock goes off.... I hit snooze.  Ten minutes of somber sleep.  Alarm clock goes off again, and although I need want to hit that little button again SO bad, the covers fly off, a quick kiss to Hubs and I'm up.  Well of course, It's Black Friday!  A quick jump in the shower, throw on a little make-up, toss on some clothes, and I'm out.... off to.... Work.

While many of you were out freezing your tails off, throwing elbows, scratching eyes out, pulling hair, and giving the 'stink eye' to the 1,000 other individuals that were waiting on the 10 items on the 1 pallet, I was still snuggled under a warm blanket, laying next to Hubs.  And just when you BF shoppers were 'getting in your groove', I was waking up to a warm shower, hot cup of coffee, a few country tunes, and a relaxing morning getting ready for the day.  Did I mention my alarm didn't go off until 530?

Shopping is NOT my thing!  Especially when some of the most Insane people of this day & age, are out and about (please, BF shoppers, don't be offended. My Mom & Sister are among these participants and I be sure to tell them every year I think they've lost their minds!!) .  Crazy women drivers on the phone making sure all the 'team members' are in the correct spots at the correct time.  When those doors open, they send one team member to stand in the checkout line while the other battles her was through the madness, grabs items, and off to check-out.  You all know what I'm talking about.  Complete mayhem! 

I was a little concerned about how long it would take me to get to work today, so I left an hour ahead for what is usually a 20 min. drive.  Great news.... it didn't take any longer.  Got to the hospital, did my thing, off to the next hospital and back home.  By noon.  I changed into my 'comfy clothes' and then... then... busted out the computer.  Oh yes you devoted souls.  I shopped online (I heard the gasp from you BF shoppers.  The one that merely says 'she didn't!'  'She Wouldn't'!).  I sure did!  I cracked my knuckles, stretched my wrists, and I got busy.  I typed.  I clicked.  I compared.  I whipped out my card, I paid.  Dunnzo, task complete.  And I saved $130 dollars on just 2, yes TWO items. 

Grab my keys off the rack and out the door, off to pick up my purchases.  I couldn't have been a more happy shopper when I was home from going to two different stores, about 20 minutes from each other, in 1 1/2 hours!  So, while you all were enjoying the chaos at 3am, I enjoyed my stroll into two undisclosed locations (Hubs tends to read this) at 3pm.  And I may or may not have been wearing plaid pajama pants, house slippers, and a hoodie in doing so!  Now that's My kind of shopping!

(We may not have the tree up yet, but I do have two

gifts wrapped.....with a couple guards)

Hope you all had a wonderful Black Friday and found all the great deals you were hoping to get!  I hope none of you devoted souls were trampled or pushed, kicked or shoved.  And over all, I hope you made it home safe & sound! 

Love,
Jacey

So Thankful!

Pumpkin Bars... check.  Carmel Apple Cheesecake.... check.  3 loaves of banana bread.... check, check, check.  Yes, all you devoted souls, it sounds as if this Betty C. is prepared for the day.  One of my brothers likes to remind me, 'Fail to Plan, Plan to Fail'....so today Rylan, I have succeeded (pick yourself up off the floor and close your mouth).  I have planned SO well that it is currently 930am as I'm heating up this keyboard, and I've already ditched the kitchen for the remainder of the day! 

This afternoon, we'll be going to my mother/father-in-laws where we'll be enjoying the company of family, and grazing on heaping mounds of a delicious Thanksgiving feast.  After we all sit down together and eat, we'll then get up and move to the couch, and eat again... probably a little dessert.  After our tummies are all stuffed and when we think we can't eat another bite, we're off into, 'The Coma'.  You all know what I'm talking about... that state of delirious head wobbling and fixed eyes.  When everyone just sits around and is so full they just head nod, hand gesture, and grunt because no one can conjurer up enough oxygen to speak actual words. This would be due to the fact that their stomach has expanded to such a vast size that the diaphragm has now become concave and has therefore made everyone's lung capacity 1/4 of what is should be.  Oh yes, this my friends, is The Coma.  So, while The Coma sets in, look around the room.  Eyes will start fluttering, heads bobbing, hands will become folded over ones stomachs and....their out.  Off to Lala land.  Pretty soon the snores begin and the room has now went from the banging and clanging of the dishes in the kitchen, to the sites and sounds of Thanksgiving Overload.  And once everyone starts rising from The Coma, what's the next step?  Oh, just to consume a few more calories because as you passed the dessert table while getting a drink for you dry 'Nap Mouth', you just couldn't pass and snatch not have something jump into your hand for just 'one more bite'.

I have so much to be thankful for, and as my list can go for miles, I'd like to take a moment to mention the few things at the top of my list:

I'm thankful for Hubs and for all he brings to my life.  He wears many hats... Mr. Romance, Mr. Sunshine, Mr. Protector, Mr. Listener, Mr. Funny Guy, Mr. Fix-It-Man.... Life is never dull and I love it.

(Chiefs game - November 2011)

 I'm thankful for my Family.  Immediate, extended, and all my in-laws.  Those that live near and far.  I would not be the person I am today without their love, support, & guidance.

 I'm thankful for my health. When it seems ever too often that someone you know has been stricken with cancer or a life altering illness, injured, or just can't seem to 'feel right', I'm thankful that I am able wake up, kiss Hubs, and jump out of bed everyday feeling like a spring chicken (okay... so maybe I have a few pops and cracks... but we won't be discussing this).

I'm thankful for my friends.... and that I do have some of the greatest friends.  Both near and far, old and new.  I love that I may not talk to some of these friends for weeks/months, but when we do speak, we're able to pick up right where we left off. 

 I'm thankful for our 24hr. watch that our soldiers both near and far, provide.  I'm thankful for their service and dedication to this Great Nation.  I'm thankful for the protection they provide and the freedom they defend.  And for their families who so many times, spend these holidays without their loved ones, all for the sake of you and I.

(That cute young man on the left, that's Hubs just a 'few' years back.... in his solider days... just 20 years old)

I'm thankful for our furry little animals.  They always make me feel wanted even if I did just leave and have go back into the house because I forgot my keys.  And, on the rare occasion I do have a Kitchen Fail, they still make it seem like it may be the best thing they've ever eaten (if something happens to accidentally fall on the ground when Hubs is not around)

I'm thankful for the food on our table, the roof over our heads, and a warm house.

I'm thankful for wonderful neighbors.... The 'my kitchen is your kitchen' theme, when someone doesn't have a certain pan or a certain ingrediant.  For the joys in the Christmas Light competition.  For monthly neighbor gathers. And most of all, their friendships.

I'm thankful for my job.  During a time when 'recession' & 'unemployment' seem to be normal topics in the news, I'm so thankful that I am able to work and have a job.

And most importantly, I know all these things are gifts from God above. 

We all have so much to be thankful for.  Look around, have you reminded yourself how good life really is... family, friends, freedom?  We are all so blessed.  Remember, it's all about the small things.  Not how much you have, but Who you have.  I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving.  For those who are traveling, I pray that you make it to and from your destination safe and sound.  Enjoy your time with all your loved ones, as no one is promised tomorrow.

Now, off to help Hubs.... he's wearing his Mr. Fix-It hat today.  Since my B.C. (Betty Crocker) hat is off for the day, it looks like I'll be digging in the closet and dusting off a different hat today.... This my friends, does Not look good:

Love to you all & Have a wonderful Holiday!!
Jacey

Kitchen. Fail.

Awwww... that big, nice, soft, white hunk of Lard.  Yep, I said it. LARD.  You know, that stuff I had to ask for a tour of Hy-Vee to find (you can read about my adventure here) last week?  And the stuff my Grandma said doesn't make a pie crust a Pie Crust without it? 

So, off I go this weekend... making a pecan pie, from scratch, including the crust.  Doing this all for the sake of sweet Hubs.  He recently celebrated the big 3-4 and while he flew off half way across the world (no joke, try finding Micronesia on a map... good luck) on his birthday, I had promised him the dinner of 'his choice' when he got back.  His choice included a night at home with me cooking steaks on the grill.  With that came some awesome garlic oven roasted veggies, and of course I couldn't forget desert for the birthday boy. 

Let me preface by saying I love to cook and have (surprisingly) had very few 'Kitchen Fails'.  I love trying new recipes and if I'm not happy with it, figuring out ways to tweak them.  Hubs loves pecan pie and even though I'd never made one, I thought 'Why Not'?  So Grandma emailed me her crust recipe and Saturday morning I start slaving putting my heart into this meal.  I hadn't made a pie crust since I was a little girl at my Grandpa & Grandma's farm house back in Illinois.  That's what I wanted to do almost every time I was there visiting, and the way I remember, many times I got my way!  A flood of memories came back, and I could literally hear my Grandma saying 'now don't use too much flour when you're rolling that out....you don't want too much flour etc.'  So just to make sure it tasted okay, I used some of the extra dough, rolled it out, and added cinnamon & sugar and baked it... Just like when I was a little girl.  And SURPRISE... I didn't fall over from dry heaving it was actually just like I remembered, yummy and flaky.

Next onto the pie filling.  Read recipe, measure, mix, and pour into the crust.  Wha-la!!

The finished product 

Please people, don't let this beauty fool you.  Don't let the one piece out of the pie before I could whip my camera out and snap a pic, fool you.  And don't let the missing pecans snatched out of the topping by a little kid who couldn't leave their hands out of it Hubs, fool you.  Yes people, this was a Kitchen. Fail.  DISGUSTING.  What I didn't tell you earlier was I had found a 'new recipe' that called for bourbon & molasses.  For some reason, this Better Crocker thought it sounded so 'different and good'.  Wrong.  Never again will I be using molasses... specifically in a pecan pie.  Karo syrup, you have your place, and very well deserved! 

The good news is, Hubs is still living, and he did finish the whole piece of pie he took (and tried to say it wasn't 'that bad').  Our neighbor even took the 'test challange' and once again, FAIL.  I was so appalled that I made something so nasty it immediately found it's way straight in the trash.  But I did learn that I can make one heck of a pie crust... all testers concurred. 

AND, just for the record.  I made up for this fail on Sunday, making a nice spread of chicken w/ lemon sauce, twice baked potato casserole, and apple crisp.  Betty. Crocker. Is. Back.

Happy Monday!

Love,
Jacey

Pay It Forward!

(I'm behind on all I have to say, so let's pretend like this is Friday's post :)... and please be forewarned... there may be a little sass involved)

Grocery shopping... ugh.  I'm not much of a shopper period, and this too entails going to the grocery story.  Here over the past few months, I have many times found myself going to the grocery store after work.  You know, that time when your stomach is painfully growling and all you want to do is cram anything you think you 'may eat' into the cart, pay, and get the heck home.  And on top of all that, I've been going to the store with NO list.  Yes people, so not only am I a starving banshee when I'm there, but I also am carting wildly around the grocery store jamming whatever falls into my hand, in the cart.  Thus makes for extremely high dollar grocery bills and me getting home wondering what I'm going to 'pull together' to please Hubs and I's tummies. 

SO, the past few weeks I've jumped back on my 'old band wagon'.  I've started up my couponing again, and meal planning.  Yes, I try to plan my meals based on what is on sale at the grocery stores.  And no, I am no 'extreme couponer' nor ever desire to be one (I will never use 600 bars of xxxbrand soap in the time I can justify making a stock pile blah blah)!!  Some call me crazy & neurotic, but all it takes is a Sunday paper, a little time, and nice fresh cup of brew.  And it's SO worth it when I see the money I save (or the lack that I spend), when I don't have to think so hard about dinner each night, and the fact that Hubs looks at me like Betty Crocker when I pull together these great meals.

So, Thursday after work, off I go.  List in hand, budget in mind.  Shop, shop, shop and then the cash register.  I get to the cash register and I get behind 'them'.  You know, the woman who was misinformed or didn't read the add right and is now at the register.  I'm. So. Lucky.  In the midst of her rudeness she's performing to the cashier, I realize I forgot something very important on my list.  LARD.  Yes, people, I needed to purchase lard because this weekend, I was going to attempt my very first Adult Solo Pie Crust... and according to my sweet little Grandma, it just isn't the same or near as good with Crisco.  So, after permission from the sweet little cashier who is still being harassed by Nastiness and who has now had the manager called for a 'price check' blah blah, I go on a mad dash back to the meat counter because this Betty Crocker has not the slightest clue where to find lard.  The nice meat guy takes me to Crisco (now really, I said lard, not vegetable oil), but when I told him that's not what I was looking for, he so kindly took me over to the dairy and there is was.  Yes, Hy-Vee came through again.  After the many thank you's to the kind tour guide, I glided my way back up to the cash register, afraid I've already lost my spot.  Nope, Nastiness and all her glory (and her 35+ year old daughter who apparently inherited the 'gene' too) was still there.  I really had to bit my tongue from reminding them that it's not the cashier's fault and yes, we are all human and people do make mistakes.  Sorry Nasty... not everyone is perfect like you think you are.  Okay, so she got what she needed and left.  Thank. Goodness.

And then it was my turn!  I was already perturbed by how rude the lady was to the cashier, so I was trying to be overly nice to the cashier & sacker.  Place the groceries, ring them through (while brief conversation), pay, a quick 'have a good day' and out.  But just when the cashier gave me my total, the lady behind me says 'I have a coupon you can use' and hands me a $5 off coupon for groceries.  People... a Stranger behind me just handed me $5!!!  How kind!  Not only did she hand me the coupon, but then she also gave me her whole coupon book!!  I offered her money and she turned it down giving me a quick explanation of it being a fundraiser for her daughter and that she had bought several of them.  So, I paid ($5 less) and headed out. 

I haven't forgotten about this kind gesture this woman chose to do for me!  And I do plan on passing it on.  I haven't decided yet how, but it is on my list this week.  Just when I was so embarrassed for / upset about the woman in front of me, little did I know there was someone right over my shoulder who made up for Ms. Nasty!  Just remember.... it doesn't matter how small You may think the gesture is, in the eye of the receiver, it could mean something completely different and so much bigger!  To the lady who was behind me: you made my Week!  You are my reminder that there still are 'good strangers' in this world!  Thank you!

Love,
Jacey

Fly that Flag!

How often do you see a flag and think about what those beautiful colors truly represent?  And how often do you think about those who have so selflessly served in all branches of defense, to allow that flag to fly to high?  These soldiers are never thanked often enough for their sacrifice to this country, which allows us to go about our daily business.  In lieu of Veteran's Day, I took the above picture first thing this morning as I was walking into the hospital.  Must we never forget that American IS the Home of the Free and the Brave, not just because it's 'America', but because of men & women who have fought and continue to fight daily to defend what we so often take for granted. 

"This nation will remain the land of the free only

 so long as it is the home of the brave"

~Elmer Davis

 

Thank anyone you know who has served past or present.  And don't thank them just today, but Everyday!  These men and women have committed to defend something so much bigger than themselves.  They have trained and fought in sun, rain, and snow while we have had the luxuries of warm houses, soft beds, tucking children in at night, and sleeping next to the ones we love.  Their families have sacrificed living thousands of miles apart from their soldier, or have been moved from place to place for the next duty station.  And never do these soldiers make near the money they deserve for putting their life of the line for the sake of mine and your's freedom.  There is not enough money or 'Thank You's' in the world for these US soldiers.

I always get so upset when I attend any sporting events etc. where The Star-Spangled Banner is played.  I notice hats on heads, arms/hands hanging at sides, and whispering.  This should be a reflection of who 'we' are and what we represent.  I believe this reflection is just a small amount of respect that we can show towards our American Fighters.  Not only for those who are with us today, but those who have since left this Earth.  So, for those of you who have children, did you explain today why they weren't school?  Have you taught them the right and respectful thing to do each time they hear The Star-Spangled Banner?  And have you let them know, Freedom isn't Free?

No matter what race, religion, or political stance... we are Americans.  Be proud and thankful.  From the bottom of my heart, THANK YOU to those who have served, to each and every solider in this world tonight, and for those who so bravely fought to their death for their love of this beautiful country... America.

Love,
Jacey

Helllllloooooo Music City

Now, considering I LOVE music, and specifically country music, I felt is only right & necessary to write about last nights MAIN event.  Oh yes, I'm talking about the 2011 CMA awards, held in the only other place in the U.S. I'd consider with no heavy heart relocating to.... Nashville. 

Who better to watch the CMA's with (besides my 'Surgar' aka hubby) other than my girlfriends while at our 'dinner club' (just last night did we decide to make it a monthly date, have it be held at someone else's house every month, and call it nothing other than 'dinner club')?  This is just a casual little evening of 5 girls chit-chatting during a nice relaxed dinner, and a little wine; two of the girls have 4 month old babies at home, so for them, I believe it may be 'allota wine'.  But, whatever the case may be and however much is consumed, we were able to enjoy a bit of country music with some of Nashville's finest talent.  Brad Paisley and Carrie Underwood do a phenomenal job as hosts and I loved all the guest appearances!  How awesome was it that Lionel Richie was back on stage, his first awards show since 1986?!  And my favorite appearance?  None other than Little Jimmy Dickens!  I love him... he's so stinkin' cute!  A few years ago, I had the opportunity to attend the Grand Ol' Opry when he played/sang (and yes.... he is a VERY little guy!) and he was still singing to his little bride, Mona!  He was all decked out in his rhinestone-studded outfit, boots, and hat... couldn't look much cuter!  He's another person from a generation long before in which I would love to sit down and ask him lots of questions.... oh to know the things he has experienced.  And... note, another place in Nashville I recommend going, the Grand Ol' Opry!

Lots of 'new stage talent', if you will, took home some big awards.  Jason Aldean, The Band Perry etc.... all very well deserved!  The awards show was able to mix old with new to give the audience  a taste of great talent and people doing what they love!  And even though I'm just another fan amongst 'all their fans'...  Congratulations from this Kansas gal to all the winners down in Nashvegas... your talents never cease to amaze me and your lyrics remind my heart of the love for the country town I'm so happy in which I was raised!

Love,
Jacey

Pennies and Watermelon

So this past weekend, I was at my wonderful in-laws house, just hanging out, relaxing, and occasionally over-eating.  There's always lots of good snacks there, so I had gotten some ice out of the freezer and noticed some dove chocolates there in the door.  Now, I'm not a chocolate-fein by any means (in fact most of the time I can pass on chocolate, no problem) but on DOVE chocolate... that's a different story.  So, I opened up that sweet little goodness and popped into my mouth.  While that delicious bit melted away, I smoothed open the wrapper to read my message and this is what it read: 

All I could do was grin.  This is exactly what my last post was about!  How wonderful that even Dove is reminding people to slow down and remember what's important!

And just to go into this a bit more:  I was forwarded a link to a video today that absolutely melted my heart.  It was this little old lady, Dorothy Custer, who appeared on Jay Leno sometime this past summer.  She had turned 100 years old just a few weeks prior to her television debut, and boy, she was still sharp as a tack... and so whitty!  She was born in 1911, when bread was just 5 cents.  She stilled played the harmonica like she 'owned it'.  She said her secret to longevity was to 'think positive' and 'exercise every day' (she stopped doing the splits when she was 91 b/c her husband thought she ought not hurt herself.... who am I kidding, I can't even do them now! HA).  She has been married to 'just Marvin' for 68 years, saying his name still with a twinkle in her eye.  And when asked about the greatest/worst inventions, she answered the microwave/credit card.  Now... does that give you an idea of just what we take for granted?  She's excited about the microwave so she doesn't have to cook, yet we see people loose their mind if they have to wait just a few extra minutes for their fast food at MickyD's... or better yet, many of us don't remember life withOUT a microwave!  You can check out the video here and I think you'll see why I had to watch and listen to this cute little lady several times!

But as I watched and listened to her, I couldn't help but think of my loving grandparents.  I'm fortunate at my age, to still have two wonderful little ladies in my life, both my dad & my mom's mothers.  Neither one of my Grandma's are 100 years old but I still can't imagine the experiences and changes they have seen over their years.  Both of my grandpa's have passed away over the last 5 years, but each set was married over 50 years (over 60 years for my maternal grandparents).  Over the years, I still enjoy asking questions about how they met, what they did for 'fun', what it was like 'growing up' etc.  All my grandparents were raised 'poor' in their terms.  They lived through the great depression, saw times of war, lots of different presidents, and many new inventions.  Have you ever sat down and asked this generation about these times?  Have you spoke to them about what it was like to not have indoor plumbing, to never go out to eat except maybe a couple times a YEAR, to always wear hand-me-down or home-made clothes, or what 5 cents could buy them?  If you haven't taken the time to ask things like this, I highly suggest it.  I made myself a little 'note book' in which I write all these little 'stories' in.  We all know life is not forever, but at least I have wonderful memories of those conversations held over a cup of coffee or a home cooked meal when they're not longer physically present.

One of my most favorite stories is one in which my Grandpa (mom's dad) told me not too much before he passed.  This was about when he was 10 or 11, during the Great Depression.  He said on Saturdays, IF his family could afford it, his parents would give each child (there were 4) a penny to spend when they went  'to town'.  Now, you could imagine my response "Papa, what the heck could a penny buy you?"  He then went on to tell me that if they could get 10 kids together, they could buy a watermelon and would sit outside the store, crack it on the sidewalk, and enjoy the sweetness of that well earned fruit.  But if there weren't enough kids around, he would go to the drug store and by a bag of penny candy.  This candy would then have to last him (at least) all week... or until the next penny was given.  This same Grandpa is one who never took a loan out in his life...he told me 'if you can't pay for it, you don't need it'.  For years, my Grandma would 'recycle' aluminum foil because it's just so expensive (I think she is finally 'over' doing this thank you to my mom, sister, cousins etc).   In a generation today that is so severly effected by debt, maybe we should all take a step back and see what worked for previous generations.  Some people today may call our grandparents 'cheap' because they aren't constantly buying new 'stuff', but to me, they saw life for what it's worth... family and hard-work. 

So look around... how much 'stuff' do you really need?  We (including myself) so quickly forget the importance of a meaningful deep conversation and good company.  We find ourselves working harder and more hours, to make more money, just to buy more 'stuff'.  Imagine, at one point in life, a penny and a watermelon was all it took to make someone happy.   It's all about the small things people.....

Love,

Jacey

The Small Things

So sorry it's been so long since I've written.  I think we are often reminded how fast time flies by, but man, after looking at my last post date, I was reminded even more of how fast time goes!

I tend to be one of those 'you can take the girl out of the country, but can't take the country out of the girl' kinda girls.  I grew up in a town in which everyone knew everyone and there wasn't even a stoplight found in the town... although I'm still not sure there's a need for one.  One may say a life growing up in Camp Point, Illinois is 'boring' and 'slow', but I say they have no clue on what they are missing.  I wouldn't be who I am without those small town experiences.  Living in the area I currently live in, I find it absolutely mind boggling at times, the 'things' people spend money on and the materialism that is all around.  Man, some of these people's 'needs' blow my mind.  After living 'the simple life' and then moving the the city, I know there are things in which I appreciate that others expect.  Sad yes, but true... Thank you Mom, Dad and family!!

So, that all being said, a taste of 'the simple life' came to Kansas City.  That's right, Kansas City Sprint Center welcomed the American Royal Rodeo and THE Reba McEntire!  Now, I've seen Reba perform before and I knew I'd like to again, so I talked my Amazing Mom to come visit, and away we went, downtown. You know how being with your Mom always just makes your heart 'feel good'?  So having my Mom in town and going to a country event... what more could I want!?  I even liked the smell of cattle when we walked in... weird I know, but it's country :).  We made it just in time to see the last hour of the rodeo, to include barrel racing, roping, and bull riding.  I loved seeing all the cowboy boots and plaid shirts.  There were cowboys and cowgirls from all over the nation: Wyoming, Arkansas, Texas, and Oklahoma just to name a few.  In my opinion, these are the people who enjoy life the most.  They may not have all the 'things', but they've worked hard to get what they have and there's something about being raised in a small town and sitting down for a family dinner every night that the city just doesn't provide.  These people put in an honest day's work, love what they do, and have a desire to work hard and be the best.  Time means everything..... it's not about how much money you have or who you know.  It's about how fast your horse can get around the barrels, or if you can hang on for that 8 seconds.  Numbers don't lie... time is numbers.... and the best time wins.

Mom & I

Once all the animals were herded and rode, the stage was set up and there she was, just feet from us!  I absolutely love Reba.  I first became an avid listener when I was a young lil' thing and would listen to Reba McEntire's Greatest, Vol. 2 on my cassette tape.  I would belt the tunes of Fancy, Walk On, The Greatest Man I Never Knew, etc., listening to them on & on, flip the tape and continue on side 2.  It's amazing when you hear these songs live how those memories come rushing back.  And even Reba's 'new music' continues to portray the talent of a young woman who sings about life, the country, and family.... all the important things.

I once was at this neat little place in Nashville, TN called 'The Bluebird Cafe'.  If you ever visit the Nashville area and are a country music fan, I highly suggest going.  You can find visiting information here.  This is a quaint little place in which song writers come and play their music in front of a very intimate & quiet crowd.  There's usually about 4 or 5 writers at each show and they continue to go in a circle playing songs they have written.  The talent is thick in Nashville, and to play at 'The Bluebird' can be described as being on one's bucket list.  Many times, prior to starting a song, the writer may give a little explanation as to where the song came from, where they may have been at the time they thought of it, or what they may have been experiencing in their life at the time, to inspire the work.  Some of the songs you may never have heard, while others you may hear on your local radio on the top country charts.  Well this particular night, there were song writers for many 'big names' such a Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley, Rascal Flats etc.  The circle came around again to this one gentleman, and instead of explaining where his next number came from, he decided he was going to play a voice mail for us.  So, he gets out his flip phone, dials the number, and puts it on speaker phone... and then came the voice:  It was REBA!  She had called to wish him a Happy New Year and thank him for the 'number one' he had written and she had just recently recorded (Consider Me Gone), and then he went on to play it.  My respect for her talent was high, but after this, my respect for her as an individual was (and still is) sky rocketed.  With all the fame and fortune she has accomplished, she still found the time to thank (one of) the individuals who had a major part in her success..... How absolutely thoughtful.  She probably thought it was no big deal to pick up the phone and make that call, but to him, it meant so much more and I'm so lucky I was there when he shared it.  So...what type of small things have you done lately to let someone know you appreciate them and what they do... even if it's simply picking up the phone to say 'Thank You'.  It's all about the Small Things.

Love,
Jacey