“Love means doing what God commanded us, and He has commanded us to love one another, just as you heard from the beginning.” – 2 John 1:6
My circle of friends are a special group of people. I hope you one day get the opportunity to shake their hands and meet them. Most of us have been together since kindergarten, or meshed together in the 7th grade and have since been inseparable, even now with hundreds of miles physically separating some of us at times. All of us are out fighting by taking life by the horns in our efforts to better ourselves and our families lives. Most all of my friends are married or close to it, yet we still strive to invest in one another, support one another and love one another, which makes me so proud and I find to be most special. You don’t see that too often anymore.
One of my dearest friends since kindergarten, Natalie, just lost her father this past Saturday. I received the news while in Birmingham and drove home to be close to everyone. This was the same for every other friend of ours. Joel left Indianapolis, Carrie Beth and Casey took off from Louisville, and everyone else dropped what they were doing and rallied together for Natalie. It touched the inner most part of me. It was a true testament to my friends and their commitments to one another. It was a comforting feeling I had and that I know Natalie also felt, having everyone close. None of us had the perfect words for Natalie, but we were there and I think that was enough for her.
Friendship is an absolutely precious thing! I personally overlook it at times when it’s at my fingertips, being a phone call or ‘hang out’ away. I don’t want something to be taken from me before I realize and acknowledge it’s beauty, importance and blessing in my life. I don’t want to live life unaware of the love and encouragement that cross my path on a daily basis. Today was a reminder for me. I don’t think that Natalie took her father for granted. I know for a fact that she loved him! Maybe not perfectly, but unconditionally!
With that said…Natalie, you have been a true joy to share this life with, calling you ‘friend.’ From jumping on your trampoline in elementary school, seeing you cheer us Wildcats on in basketball, riding with you on your scooter or riding bikes together. You, along with the others, have assisted in creating some of the fondest memories I have ever had or will have. And for that, I am utterly grateful for you. May the Healer of the World come over you and your family during your time of grief.
We can’t lose, loving people. It’s impossible! Thank you Natalie and friends for your love!
LIVE LOVE
” May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” Romans 15:13
It’s been a little bit, people. I hope you’ve been well. I’m going to update you with photos from the last two weeks on the road, because they tell it best.
We gassed up. A lot. This was a normal occurrence.
Saw really pretty skies, similar to this one while driving.
Saw many skylines, too. First stop was Atlanta, GA.
10 High was a great little venue. Probably the best sounding show of the run.
We stayed at the classy Microtel Inn. A nice little police chase/ triple arrest happened in the parking lot.
Loren and I simultaneously photographing one another. Me doing it safer, of course, while driving.
Next stop, High Point University for a Haiti benefit at their Theatre.
We had the opportunity to perform acoustic versions of “Vagabond” and “Broken but Breathing” and they were well accepted. Thanks HPU.
Afterwards, we hit up the world famous Cookout for some Cookout trays and shakes. Mint Chocolate Chip, please.
Slept after that. Woke up… and played some Wii.
I’ve had bad Wii experiences before, as you will see below.
This time was different. I stayed safe and Buck won!
And Loren got mad.
After a victory lap, we went to the venue, set up merch and got ready.
Had the show. And decided to…yep, eat. Carolina Diner.
I look away for two minutes and come back to a smiley. I didn’t mind though. It was cute.
Definitely a culprit. You can’t take Chris anywhere.
This shake was duhlishus.
If you come to a show, you’ll get one of these. Some hold magical powers, which you’ll find out if you have a magical one.
And this is me back in Nashville, wearing purple sunglasses at 2a.m. Why? I don’t really know. They’re cool though.
All in all, it was a great little two weeks. I have been super busy today with meetings and auditions. Be on the lookout for “Just Me, Just You” my debut EP on RYTONE Entertainment to drop, along with the single and music video at the same time. I just saw the final artwork for the physical CD’s. Really cool. A great personal story behind it as well. I’ll have to share soon.
This was a long blog. A lot of ground covered, miles wise. Many new friends and good stories. Thanks for sticking around.
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“Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.” Matthew 5:10
A great few shows this past weekend. Loren and I ate a bunch of Tim Tams and had some great conversation as well as some not-so-great food choices. It never fails that you end up eating terribly on the road. We even made a pact before we left and I said, “Loren, we are going to eat healthy; Subway, etc. etc.” Didn’t happen really…at all!
See below from a 4:00 am Denny’s run, post show.
Loren is showing on his phone “4:00am” for proof. You can’t see it, but you can see Brock’s, Loren’s and my tired face. Bring on the bed!
My friends Bethany and Brock hosted us at their home and even cooked us up a stellar breakfast the morning of the show Saturday. So there was breakfast at 11am and 4am the following day!
Before all the pancakes and turkey sausage, though, was one of my all-time favorite shows I’ve had in a while at DeVassa. The crowd, the company, the vibe – just a perfect concoction of yumminess. DeVassa has to be one of my favorite places to stop. I got a great response to all the new songs, as well as sore ears from people screaming the words back with me. You people really show the love. Thanks!
My new magic shoes.
This is Loren, my great buddy. It’s a blessing to have such a classy, kind gentleman out with me that I can laugh with and goof off with and that is as talented as he is.
I leave for Atlanta in the next day . It’ll be nice to play these new venues in the new cities and sleep in a clean, yet not-so-clean hotel bed. 10 High, here I come. Here’s some information on the show if you live in the area.
Tuesday January 19, 2010
10:00 pm
Dark Horse Tavern/10 High
Atlanta, GA
(404) 873-3607
After Atlanta, I head to High Point, NC to play along with my good friend Chris and his band Runaway City. I would consider High Point a place where I really came in to my own as a musician. I have many roots there and many friends. It will be such a joy to see them all again. If you live in the North Carolina area or knows someone who does, come on out and check out the show.
(Please note that the marquee says, “Wednesday” when it’s supposed to say “THURSDAY“, but the 21st is correct. The poster below will kill any confusion. JANUARY 21st!
Side note:
I know it’s not always easy to keep going when you feel people turn against you, throw stuff in your face… (literally) or question everything you’ve ever believed in. I promise that if you stay the course, you will win. The easy thing to do is to retaliate, give up, or believe things they say to be truth, but don’t. Follow the feelings of peace deep down in you. You know that peace I’m talking about. You’re important. Hold on to it. I’ll do the same.
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“Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck. Write them on the tablet of your heart.” Proverbs 3:3
I love getting hilarious picture messages. The following photo sent to me was taken from inside a building in Savannah, GA. It is a sign that basically states “you’re kid is nothing more than a problem; a zoo animal. And if you let go of his/her hand, then you are committing a felony and will go to prison for 5 years.”
(At least that’s what I thought it meant when I saw it.) Mom says “to me, it says ‘no running.’” Whatever! I like mine better.
Over the weekend I ate only pizza. Seriously. For two days, breakfast consisted of left overs from the previous evening, while lunch and dinner were freshly ordered. (Side Note: After viewing my blog, my mother corrected me about the pizza statement. She reminded me that she came over to our place to cook spaghetti on Sunday. Which I left out because that was for my little, tiny, spoiled baby brother. I was just there to eat the left overs.)
Shall I continue…
I got to hang out with my good friend Mikey, too. He and I have been pals since middle school. Mikey AKA Gilbs, was the guy I played against in grade school basketball that grew quicker than all the other guys, so to me, he was a giant with an elementary school beard and arm pit hair. All that to say, I was scared of him. But not anymore. I’m taller than him now and I too have a beard. He’s still way smarter and can beat me at Guitar Hero and Modern Warfare 2.
My little brother John, featured in the previous “Pushing the Pig” vlog, left yesterday to go back to the University of Kentucky. I was really sad, to be honest. He and I weren’t the closest when I was in high school. We didn’t really have much in common at the time, I don’t guess. But now, he, Aaron and I are like peas and carrots. I got to spend a lot of time with John over his Christmas break, which was a huge blessing to me. I hope you get the opportunity to meet the guy. He’s hilarious, can carry on a conversation about anything with anyone and could probably beat you at any board game or card game known to man. Family is super special, but it’s even cooler to have best friends for brothers.
We’re about to release the music video for my brand new single from my new EP Worldwide-wide-wide. Be on the lookout for that. It is an exciting time for myself, management and Rytone. A lot of people are working extremely hard right now to make things happen, which is quite cool and strange all at once. For years, it was me taking on 42 tasks at once. I now have a team I can rely on and that works hard and honors me.
There’s a lot to be done in the next two days before rehearsals and the shows start. So much, that I decided to talk about it.
I’ll be taking as much video and as many photos of my travels that I possibly can to share with you. You’ll meet my friend Loren who just got married to his lovely bride and see all the rest stops and lemonade and beef jerky we consume. (Good combination) I’m committed to it.
Below are a few of the upcoming dates. I hope you can make it out if you live in the area.
1.15.10
Does-Paducah, KY
1.16.10
DeVassa-Lexington, KY
1.19.10
10 High-Atlanta, GA
1.21.10
Club Triangle-High Point, NC
1.29.10
Bernie’s-Columbus, OH
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