Come on Everybody Let's Do the Conga

Well, I suppose my recount of my Grammy trip would be incomplete without including the actual "day of" the show. I'll have to say, these last three posts are so out of my character... too much about me! However, I am writing them per request, and I'm glad to at least have the experience in writing. I forgive you if you're about to hurl from reading all about ME! :)

Funny... being in L.A., you're on Pacific time, but L.A. keeps all of its events (for the most part) on Eastern time -- meaning L.A. moves all star-studded events to earlier times so that they can coincide with "Prime Time" on the East Coast.

So, because we were involved in the pre-telecast, which started at 12:30 (3:30 EST), we had a lobby call at 11:30am. Something about getting ready for an evening out at 9:30 in the morning is just WRONG.

Normally, if I have something exciting to get ready for, I love the hours of prep and relaxation leading up to the departure. I like taking my time, having enough time to get my hair right, taking a bath to relax, sipping a glass of wine, etc.

Not on this day... On January 30, 2010, I woke at 9am and had 2.5 hours to be ready to go. Don even mentioned that he would not be able to wait. He enforced that I REALLY NEEDED to be READY when the limos arrived. Ok. No pressure.

As Don got his shower, pants pressed, shirt touched up, etc. (guys have it so easy, but us girls sure do have fun with our complications!), I was trying to relax and hurry all at the same time. This isn't really possible or reasonable for that matter, not when the event you're going to is pretty much a "once in a lifetime."

At any rate, I got my shower, dried my hair and began the curling of the hair and the application of the makeup. I was nervous about the makeup. I had several new products in my lineup, and today was the day that I had to "do the smokey eye" all by myself!--No Karee :(

I'm not much of a makeup person. Don't get me wrong, I like the basics: foundation, blush, lipstick and mascara. It's the extras that I don't do (or at least not very often). Today included the extras: eyeliner, eye shadow, highlighter, concealer, waterproof mascara, etc. I managed to get it all on in all the right places. My hair cooperated and did it's thing, and with the help of a good dose of hairspray, some spritzes of my favorite fragrance and a reasonable amount of Hollywood Fashion Tape, I was ready to go by 11:35am.

Our day was so much fun. We climbed in our limos and headed to the Staples Center with our first stop being the Convention Center for the pre-show. Bill Miller, the artist that Don was there representing, was up for Native American Indian Album of the Year.

The pre-show was much more electric than I thought it would be. There were bukoos of round tables adorned with white table cloths scattered around the lobby. Each table was filled with food, and on either end were open bars (hmmm, it's NOON). This perk came with your ticket. We grabbed some water (no alcohol yet), a bite to eat and headed in to find a general admission seat.

Bill's award was about halfway, maybe less, through the show. He WON! We were all ecstatic for him. After his acceptance speech, we headed with Don and Bill's publicist, Lesley, for media interviews (interpret: RED CARPET).

The Red Carpet itself was highly secure with poker-faced (yes, I know) guards sporting the little in-ear walkie talkie things. They were stationed every few feet or so to keep the riff-raff (me included) off the main drag of the carpet. For those of us, like me, who did not have security clearance, we were only allowed to walk down the edges of the carpet behind lovely fenced barriers.

Don, Lesley, Bill and his sweet wife Renee, all hit the piece-de-resistance in stride and headed for multiple interviews along the way: People Magazine, Jimmy Kimmell Live (which we, and me, were on--thank you Beth and Robert!), FOX, E!, etc. My group and I strolled along gawking at all of the hullabaloo and having a great time.

Somewhere along the way, however, my group headed on out. There were guards continually "shooing" us along---"don't loiter," they would say. "Keep moving. Keep moving, folks." Well, I managed to be overlooked for a while (I kept moving, only I would walk a little ways down the carpet and then a little ways up the carpet. No one knew if I was coming or going.) Someone eventually spotted me and my antics and told me that I needed to move on.

"Moving on" was not an option for me at the time. Staying on or near the Red Carpet was my plan. So, I headed over to a tall, handsome, African-American security guard who had kindly "overlooked" me loitering. Indulge me here for a minute b/c I really did pour on the "poor me"...

As I approached Mr. Handsome, I widened my eyes and looked up at him with that lost puppy dog kind of look; then I told him that I needed to get with my escort who was currently ON the red carpet. I said, "Can you please help me get back with my husband. I am all alone without an escort, and I really don't know where to go or what to do. I would really appreciate it if you would walk me down the carpet to (the safety) of my husband (grin and bat lashes)." At first the handsome young man said no. I pleaded again, "Please. I'm all alone."

In this case, second time's the charm. He held his arm out. I took it, and he walked me down the carpet (AAAHHHH!!). "I made it, Hollywood. I made it!" (JK).

As we were walking the carpet, he asked me, "Now, you're not gonna go all crazy on me and try to attack one of these stars (there weren't really that many stars worth attacking at the moment, anyway)?" I assured him that I would remain calm, cool and collected, and he had nothing to worry about. So, he delivered me right up to Don, and I spent the next 20 minutes or so "cruising the carpet." From there, we spent the next couple of hours escorting Bill to many more press opps and pictures...lots of fun.

I'm pretty certain that I just missed out on seeing some of the big stars on the carpet, but I was having so much fun going backstage at the Staples Center, watching the media and pretending to be "someone", that I really didn't care who I was missing.

From our Bill's media interviews, we went to a rooftop party hosted by AEG. At this party was everybody who was anybody behind everybody who is somebody. Make sense? Basically, this fashion bath was full of all the people who helped the stars get where they are today. There was wonderful food all around, waiters offering up platters of champagne and an open bar sponsored by Patron (all the events seemed to be sponsored by one liquor company or another).

Interestingly, while we were at this party, we ran into some friends from the music biz at home. Don also introduced me to Jay Cooper. Jay is about 82 years old, and is still a practicing attorney at the L.A. branch of Greenberg Traurig. Jay represents Seinfeld, among many others.

I loved chatting with Jay. He was quite sharp for 42, much less 82. Jay told me about a framed letter that hangs on his office wall. Ironically, this letter is NBC's denunciation of Seinfeld as a viable sitcom. Basically, the letter pronounces the characters as pathetic and states that Seinfeld will never make it on TV... I love stories like that.

At any rate, the outdoor party was tented with massive tents each boasting beautiful crystal chandeliers hanging from their centers. There were lovely tufted velvet benches for sitting and all kinds of nooks and crannies to slip into for a little dining privacy. The balcony of the event overlooked the front of the Staples Center with a wonderful view of fellow Grammy attendees all dolled up.

After the party, we headed to our seats. To give you an idea of our seats, we held "gold" level seating. There were silver, gold, and platinum, I believe. The gold level seating was basically the first section of risers as you go around the venue. From the stage, we were about 1/4 or more around... not on the floor, not that close but an unobstructed, good view. The major PERK that came with these seats, though, was that my seat, next to the railing looked directly into a hall where ALL of the stars came in and out, in and out, in and out.

Suddenly, I was a star struck (it was fun watching everyone and trying to figure out who they were.). From my vantage point, I could easily call out to any one of the stars walking by, and one or another would look and wave. Fortunately, for me, there was a young married couple behind us who was able to recognize a LOT MORE stars than I could. All evening long, I looked back and forth at that hallway and the stage.

I got waves from Keith Urban and Nicole Kidman (not big news for my Franklin friends b/c there are many sightings of these two in and around town; plus, Mom does yoga with Nikki), Taylor Swift, Jeff Bridges, PINK, Quintin Terantino, Beyonce, Jay-Z, and others. I waved to Lady Ga Ga (strange, strange), the Jo Bros., Justin Bebor (?), and many others that were probably someone, but I didn't recognize.

The show was fantastic. It was four hours, but it just flew by. We got stuck in the hallway when we went for a break during commercial. So, we basically missed the Taylor Swift/Stevie Nicks duet and the Michael Jackson tribute. Apparently, Taylor didn't sound so hot on TV; however, ya gotta give the girl a break. She was singing with STEVIE NICKS. Surely they keyed Taylor down a few notches which made it very difficult for either of them to harmonize with the other...

My favorite act all night, though, was PINK. Pink's performance live was absolutely stunning... so beautiful. I was captivated with her and her amazing ability to sing on key hanging from the ceiling, upside down, spinning and soaking wet! Come on. That's talent.

Aside from the fact that the performance was genius, she pulled it off without a hitch. However, some might have been a little miffed with her for getting them wet. Those haute couture dresses come with hefty price tags.

When Pink spun above the expertly dressed, water sprayed all over them. You could visibly see and hear the whole "stage left" section of the audience swell up in their chairs and gasp. That was kinda cool.

Following the show, we headed to the after-party sponsored by NARAS. We were among a select 1000 or two that went to this exclusive party! It was HUGE. If there were any big names there (I'm sure there weren't), we never saw them. Nonetheless, it was a blast.

The ballroom where the pre-telecast had been held was turned into a literal circus. Everywhere there were clowns, acrobats, "tall" men (stilts). There were tents with performers, fire, juggling. It went on and on and on. Food was everywhere you turned around and drinks were flowing. By the way, the alcohol sponsor of this party was Ultimat Vodka. Ultimat also had free picture taking available. You could get a photo (or two or three) taken with your date, friends, etc., and they would print out a 4x6 black and white on the spot (pretty cool).

There was also a live band at the party, and the volume was cranked up. At this point, I had been in my lovely platform (4.75") heels for 9.5 hours. My feet were hurting... mostly b/c of the shoes I had worn the day before. Anyway, I had a couple of blisters but was "hangin' in."

Down the hall from the Big Tent party was the Red Jazz room. This party room was a 1/4 the size of the other room but with the same food and drinks and a live jazz band playing. The room was lit with red bulbs, hence the name. We joined our group here for a little while.

While in the Red room, Don got a call from Lesley, the publicist (and our sweet friend). Lesley had gotten us on the list for another party. Don and I were up to the challenge as were Bill and Renee. So, the 4 of us headed out of the convention center. However, on our way out, we got our gift bags... very cool Moroccan Oil beach bags filled with Moroccan Oil hair products. Okay, I know it's not a Grammy nominee gift bag, but, hey, it's the best darn gift bag I've ever gotten :)

Gift bags in tow, we headed to The Conga Room! "Come on everybody, let's do the Conga!" Remember Sheila E?! Well, even if you don't, maybe you've heard of Jaime Foxx?

The Conga Room was just a block away, still in the L.A. Live complex. Jamie Foxx and Sheila E. own this club together, and there they were jammin' on stage when we walked in! Talk about a Par-tay... The stage was packed with singers vying for a turn with the mic. Brothers and sisters were dancing like only brothers and sisters can dance -- GREAT! Everybody was havin' fun at this party. We may have stuck out a little... me with my blonde hair and white dress and Bill in his Native American garb... nobody seemed to mind.

We stayed long enough for me to forget that I didn't own any groove of my own... We hit the dance floor (or I did anyway) and danced til Jamie and his entourage left the stage... and then we danced (or I did) a little more.

Exhausted from the day, the fun and the over-indulging, (not to mention the fact that it was 3am! 5am CST!) we headed to the hotel and crashed for a short night's sleep.

All in all, the trip was amazing. As fun as it was; as unique as it was; as "once-in-a-lifetime" it was, nothing compared to the welcome home from our Fabulous Four, our gifts of a lifetime!

Gifts come in all kinds of packages... big, small, sometimes unrecognizable or overlooked, but no trip to the Grammys, Hawaii, the Oscars (wouldn't that be fun?!) or even the Moon can compare to the perfect sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the perfect love of the Father.

It is with this love that we are given the opportunity to love in return, to rejoice in all things, to give thanks in all circumstances (even when we're not at the Grammys) and to pray without ceasing.

May you go in peace to love and serve the Lord, and "come on, baby, let's do the Conga" along the way... there's always room for rejoicing!

Out of the Woods

I just found this unpublished blog post of mine... it made me laugh today... maybe it will do the same for you!

Last night, I gathered the children around to tell them about Mrs. E who had fallen and broken her leg (femur). My friend RoseAnne was with her at the hospital and through her surgery... pretty much staying by her bedside for the last 48 hours+.

Anyway, I told the children that 95 year old, Mrs. Elizabeth Crunk had fallen and broken her leg. She had to have surgery and had only recently been brought into recovery. The kids asked me, "How is she?" I responded, in accordance to what RoseAnne had told me, "Well, she's not out of the woods yet. We need to pray."

The kids stared at me like they'd seen a ghost -- expressionless (this is all happening w/in seconds). I'm actually confused by the looks on their faces. It's almost like horror. Then Baker spoke up and said, "Is she still in the woods?!" Then Eliza, "Did she break her leg in the woods?" "Mom, why was she in the woods? How did she break her leg in the woods?" The questions were coming so fast that I had to burst out and say, "She's not really in the woods!" "Well, where is she," the kids said. "She's in the hospital!" Well, this raised even more confusion, and the kids were "demanding" an explanation for "she's not out of the woods yet."

I was flustered and laughing, and it was hard to explain "not out of the woods" to them. I finally was able to compare it to "she's not completely well yet." They were pretty confused, but came to understand what I meant. It was funny and sweet, and prayers were given from the mouths of babes for Mrs. E who was not literally in the woods. :>)

Heavy...

Mom dropped me off curbside at Southwest baggage check. After we hoisted my brand-new, chock-full suitcase out of the back, we hugged and kissed each other goodbye. My suitcase was rather heavy to say the least. I had decided that I would pack as much in it as I could in order to avoid carrying stuff on the plane.

I had neatly trimmed down my carry-on items to one little Juicy sling purse and my train case filled with my jewelry, book, magazine and non-liquid makeup. I packed my large purse in my suitcase along with my liquid toiletries so I wouldn't have to move them into a baggie in the "bare it all" security line. I felt very put together, organized, prepared and ready to glide on down to the gate.

NOT SO FAST... I rolled my lovely blue Delsey suitcase over to the "self-check" inside. I approached the checkin screen and began entering my information. I had already printed my boarding pass at home to save time. Next, I attempted to lift my suitcase onto the scale. THE SCALE! OMG! I TOTALLY FORGOT ABOUT THE SCALE!!

The SWA checkin agent looked at me and said, "I'm sorry, but you're overweight. The weight limit is 50 lbs. Your suitcase weighs 61 lbs. Would you like to pay the extra $50 overweight baggage fee?" "No, I don't want to pay the extra $50 overweight baggage fee," I tried to calmly say. Oh, gosh, I just sunk down, embarrassed and at a loss at what to do.

I did not want to pay an extra $50 for my bag. I could buy a bag for less than that. So, my options were to eliminate 11 lbs. from my suitcase or go buy another suitcase and come back. Leaving and coming back was the last thing that I wanted to do. I just wanted out of there! Two bags fly free on SWA... but bags over 50 lbs cost an extra $50. Truly, I was so peeved with myself for packing so much, and I was so hot with embarrassment, that all I could think to do was to start unloading my suitcase.

Lucky for me, I had my giant, bright blue, brand new Coach bag (brand name dropping is appropriate when going to L.A. It just fits the L.A. profile, right?!)  packed in my suitcase, and it was EMPTY. So, I began stuffing it with my curling iron, my flatiron, my camera, heavy sweaters (it might be cold in L.A.), and extra coats (it's possible that it could be really cold in LA). I re-zipped my suitcase and plopped, ok heaved, it back up on the scale... 55 lbs! OMG! Now I can feel the sweat running down my back. I'm trying to remain calm and coolheaded, but I felt so silly. I keep thinking to myself, "You're 40. You're a grownup. You don't need to be embarrassed. Just keep your cool. I want my MOM!"

Back down on my knees again with my suitcase, I unzipped it and pulled out more things. My giant Coach bag did not seem so giant anymore. Clothes were now spilling over the top. Once again, I re-zipped and hoisted that damn (cussing is okay too when you're going to LA) bag up on the scale. Ahhh... 54 lbs. YOU HAVE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME?!

A third time, I knelt down and pulled socks, boots and shoes out... stacking them atop the other things in my now tiny looking Coach bag. Back to the scale went my stupid, huge, "why did I bring this" bag... 51 lbs! SERIOUSLY?! The kind SWA agents who had been watching me, said, "don't worry about it... we'll give you that extra pound." They then slapped a lovely red striped sticker on my ridiculous bag that read:  HEAVY.

Nice...

I stood up, thanked the SWA agents (they really were kind) and realized I no longer had my boarding pass. Perfect. All I wanted to do was to get out of there and to my gate. Graciously, the SWA printed me a fresh, new boarding pass and sent me on my sweaty way now carrying an extra 11 lbs. all balancing atop spilling my lovely,bright blue, brand new Coach bag :) I am so NOT L.A.!

Before going through security, I went to a gift shop and bought a small duffle to stuff my extra 11 lbs into. The duffle was a reasonable $9.99... better than $50! (Actually, looking back, I think the $50 might have been a well-spent $50.) Then I took my tidy little Juicy sling purse and put it into my Coach bag. Now, I had a duffle, a giant blue purse and my train case in tow... heading toward security-- Instead of being the wonderfully put together and prepared passenger, I am now the one that you don't want to be behind in line.

Lucky for me, though, there was a mom a few passengers in front of me traveling with two small children, one asleep in the stroller. She picked him up, still asleep, and then attempted to fold her stroller, get everything out of her pockets, load her purse, diaper bag and her other child's backpack onto the belt of shame... (truly, going through security is a humbling experience for most of us -- undressing ourselves, removing our shoes and piling up all of our belonging for everyone to see.) This process took her a good, full 5 minutes. I could have helped only I was balancing my 11 extra pounds and waiting for room on the moving belt.

At any rate, I made it through security with no "beeps" or "bleeps" for that matter. Onward, I proceeded with my extra 11 lbs and headed to SWA gate C-17. There are 21 gates in the C Terminal at BNA, and if you're familiar with the airport, it's a hike to the end.  After a stop for a Blue Coast Burrito (yum) to go and a trip to the Ladies' room, I began my stroll to gate C-17. Lucky for me, Mom had dropped me off at the airport with plenty of time to spare. So, my suitcase escapades had at least not made me run for the gate.

Arriving at gate C-17, hot and sweaty (again), by this point, I found it odd that so few people were going to L.A., and I found it even stranger that there was no gate agent, terminal check-in or marquee with my flight status. It was at that moment that my memory returned to me, and it dawned on me that my gate was C-7, not C-17. I knew this in my head, but for some flighty :) reason, I just had just trotted on down to C-17... Thinking to myself, "Well, at least I'm getting some exercise," was actually of very little solace to me at this point.

Deep breath...

My arms are KILLING me. I smell like a burrito, and I am sweating again... I calmly and cooly look around as though I had come to gate C-17 to find someone (like anyone is paying attention to me anyway... like they are so concerned at why this girl is here with so much stuff). Having not found the person I was looking for, I gathered my 11 lbs that now felt like 50 lbs and headed to gate C-7, which I had so swiftly and determinedly passed earlier... so I could sit down at gate C-17.

All I'm thinking is, "I just have to get on that plane. Get me OUT OF HERE!" Walking up to gate C-7, I ran into friends heading to L.A., and I threw up on them -- not literally -- I just had to find some sympathy from someone, and these friends were the lucky ones. Graciously, they listened to my morning adventure and even made me feel better by saying that they too had overpacked before...

Our flight began boarding, and since my friends had children, they went ahead of me. The flight was full, overcrowded even. Some got off to make room for others. I found a window seat toward the back next to an older couple who greeted me with, "Oh, thank God, you're small! I really didn't want to sit next to someone who's really big. You'll do just fine." "Well, golly, ma'am. Thank you very much. I'm flattered?"

As grateful as I was to finally be aboard the flight and ready to go, I don't like sitting in a full row, on a full plane, especially next to the window, but I took the opportunity to keep to my "little" self, eat my burrito (worth every bite) and chug down as much H2O as possible --

Mistake!

Our flight from Nashville to L.A., albeit a full 40 minutes ahead of schedule, lasted around 4 hours. The captain kept the "fasten your seatbelt" light on for almost all 4 of those hours. I was DYING. The "delightful" couple sitting next to me, were sound asleep -- He with his pillow and eye mask, her with her jaw dropped open and head bobbing and jerking every time it hung to far too the right. My bladder was about to EXPLODE. I was stuck.

Seriously, I thought I was going to throw up on the lady next to me -- and not with a story this time. I was nauseous. I practiced my kegels for 3 hours. I couldn't look at a magazine. I couldn't read my book. I kept crossing and recrossing my legs. I even prayed, "God please, please, please tell the captain to turn off that seatbelt light." I sent mental telepathy waves. I prayed and prayed and prayed. Then, I think I passed out... not really, but I did sleep a little which took my mind off of it.

I wasn't the only one needing to go to the bathroom. Folks were getting up right and left. As soon as someone did, the intercom would crackle, and the flight attendant would kindly remind the passengers to remain seated while the fasten your seatbelt sign was on. "It is on for a reason, ladies and gentlemen."

Oh my gosh, I'm gonna die of a bladder infection. Finally, that "ding" of freedom that I'd been praying for rang in my ears. The couple next to me gently awoke from their lovely nap, and with as much calm as I could maintain, I asked them to please let me out. On any other day, in any other circumstance, it would not have mattered, but this couple took sooo long to get out of their seats that by the time I got to the back bathroom there was a line 6 people deep and only one lavatory.

Of course, there was a lavatory up front, but you risk being handcuffed and tackled to the ground if you dare "loiter" near the lavatory... forming a line in front of the plane is strictly prohibited. Grandpa, though, the sleeping beauty in my row, managed to meander right up to the front of the plane and get into the bathroom while I stood and waited... sweet relief.

GET ME TO L.A.!

Landing 40 minutes early in L.A. was great. I was so excited to get off that plane and on to the hotel. I waited at baggage claim for my HEAVY labeled blue bag. It nearly drug me to the ground as I tried to get it off the turning belt. No one helped me. I then promptly ripped the HEAVY tag off and went on my merry way.. Because Don had meetings that day, I had to take a cab to Hermosa Beach where we were staying. All of my 61 lbs + waited with me in the taxi queue.

I hailed my cab, handed over my baggage for him to load and plopped myself down in the backseat and put on my sunglasses (it's the L.A. cool factor, right?). The cabbie climbed in and said, in his Jamaican accent, "Where to?" I gave the driver the hotel address in Hermosa Beach. We headed out of the terminal.

Before we got out of LAX, the driver was asking me if I knew where I was going. "Well, yes, I know where I'm going. I just gave you the address." Ahhh.... he didn't mean did I have the address. He meant did I actually know HOW to get there.

ARE YOU KIDDING ME?! MY CAB DRIVER DOESN'T KNOW HOW TO GET TO MY HOTEL. ISN'T THAT WHY I'M IN A CAB?!

Thank God, truly, for my iPhone GPS. I began entering the address into my phone as we merge into the L.A. traffic. Mom calls in. I put her on speaker phone so I can give directions to the driver. This was not a good plan. I don't know where the hell I am. "Seriously," I'm thinking. "I am going to have to tell him how to get to the hotel for real!" I had to tell Mom I'd call her back later.

Honestly, I had to give the cab driver turn-by-turn directions to a place that I'd never been in a city I had only been driven through a couple of times years ago. Thank the good Lord, though, we arrived at the Hermosa Beach Club safe and sound... a mere 5 miles from LAX.

Ironically, as I was climbing out of the cab, the driver said, "Oh, there was a much better way to go than the way you took me." (seriously?!) I looked up at the cabbie and said with a polite Southern accent and maintained composure (How I drew up these powers, I do not know), "Well, you didn't know how to get here. I didn't know how to get here.  Lucky for us, I had GPS, and we just followed what it said. We did the best we could, and here we are. Now, the next time someone asks you to take them to Hermosa Beach, you'll know where to go."

I then grabbed my 61 lbs of "must-have's" and headed for the trip of a lifetime...

If the Dress Fits...

For Christmas, Don surprised me with a trip to The Grammy Awards in Los Angeles. Don did such a great job keeping the gift a secret and creatively wrapping and giving it to me. I opened a box about the size of a shoe box. Inside were 7 sealed envelopes numbered 1-7.

The first envelope I opened had a photo of The Blackeyed Peas. I was confused. The second envelope and third had a pictures of Taylor Swift and The Zac Brown Band. Now, I'm thinking concert... Next up, a picture of the LA LIVE icon.  Ok... concert in LA? Inside the 5th envelope was a Southwest airline flight itinerary for me to fly to LA! Ok... Wow! We're going to a concert in LA! I then opened a hotel reservation in the 6th envelope. Still... I'm thinking trip to LA for a concert at LA LIVE. Fun! The last envelope, however, took me over the edge with excitement. It was a photo of a Grammy award. OMG! It wasn't until that moment that I fully understood that Don was taking me to the Grammys!

With a trip to the Grammys on the horizon, I had to get myself in gear, get a dress and prepare for the trip of a lifetime. So, when the kids went back to school in January, I hit the pavement. Driving all over Nashville and Franklin, I tried on dresses in every shape, size, color and length. I even solicited help from a blog author, Liza Graves, who knows our town upside down, inside and out. After plowing through every glam, hip, 2nd hand, designer and exquisite boutique, though, I found my dress at the mall at BCBG... but by then I knew what I wanted and had fun in the process. Actually, I knew what I didn't want and ended up with a dress in a color I hadn't tried... but it was the right one for me.

From picking out my dress, my jewelry, my shoes and my makeup to helping me regain my body's PH level :), I had "fashionista angels" helping me all along the way. My wonderful mom and BFF, of course, went to almost every dress shop with me and watched me don every dress, giving input all along the way. I couldn't have made my pick without her.

My beautiful and talented friend, Karee Hays, helped me with my skin and makeup. I've been really out of the loop on makeup trends, but Karee set me straight. Karee does facials at Dr. Retief's office in Green Hills and is AMAZING. She helped me get my skin in great shape. However, she not only helped me with my face, she also treated me to spray tans in her attic (because I was told that I would need "a little color")! This was so funny. The spray tan gets all over everything. So, the best place to do it is in a room where you don't care what gets on the walls. Karee's attic served this purpose well. I loved it when Karee said, "Girl, it doesn't get much more redneck than spray tanning in the attic!" I agreed, but it was so worth it!

Following the spray tanning, Karee went on to give me makeup lessons in her home. I sat on her vanity stool while she taught me how to do the "smokey eye," add highlights to my face and play up features while diminishing others. She even GAVE me her own makeup to take along with me on the trip to ensure that I had the right colors... including a new tube of her coveted, impossible-to-find Loreal lipgloss . She gave me this to KEEP... so sweet!

My darling & beautiful model friend, Tiffany Baker, helped me all the way from Asia through "inboxing" me on my Face Book page with all sorts of health and well-being tips, not to mention suggestions for makeup that she loves as a high fashion model, and books for reading, which covered topics from the Perricone diet for clear skin to The Hip Chicks Guide to Macrobiotics. She introduced me to the Japanese Ume Plum and its healing and restorative properties, and she gave me encouragement and confidence.

(*author's note: I have known both Karee and Tiffy my entire life... I think it's so cool how God has brought us full circle and back into each other's lives.)

At this point, whomever is reading this is probably thinking, "Good grief. Aren't you going a little overboard with the glam?!" Well, part of me thought the very same thing; however, I decided to embrace the experience, bathe myself in some totally out-of-the-ordinary "me focus" and have fun doing it (my fashionistas encouraged me to do the same). Like Liza Graves told me while I was searching for my dress, "The thrill of the hunt is half the fun."  Karee said, "75% of the FUN is the getting ready and having something fun to look forward to," and Tiffy, "...don't stress too much on what (dress) to choose (dress). Wear what YOU feel good in!" Mom affirmed me, as she always does, by saying, "Thought you selected the perfect dress for the Grammys. Beautiful on you!"

So, with their advice and affirmation in tow, I headed to Unruli, an Aveda Salon in downtown Franklin, to get my hair in shape! Vallorie Chappel Barnes, the best colorist in the world :), got my hair color-perfect, gave me detailed styling suggestions and loaned me a glove for the curling iron to protect my hand (oh, I need to return that). Uli, owner of Unruli, gave me a beautiful cut and got my hair in healthy shape.

I had my dress, my shoes, my makeup... but I didn't have my jewelry. So, Mom and I hit the shops again searching for that perfect necklace. We looked at everything from vintage and antique to new and sparkly. I finally landed on just the right necklace through an invitation to a Stella & Dot jewelry show. The only problem was that I needed the necklace right away. My problem was no problem for Stella & Dot consultant, Kim Wright, though. She brought me a bagful of jewelry to try. I picked one. She ordered it, and it arrived the day before I left! Awesome!

Of course, I got my pedi/mani so my toes and fingers would fit the glam profile for LA. I also picked out a new suitcase because with all of the fashion advice I'd received, I had A LOT that I need to take on my trip... I packed up EVERYTHING and Mom picked me up on Thursday, Jan 28 (a day earlier than my original flight... I moved it so as to avoid the huge winter storm of 2010!... no way was I gonna miss this trip!).

With THE dress that fit (and felt perfect) all packed neatly in its own BCBG garment bag, I approached the SWA check-in counter quite unaware of what lay before me...

(The airport arrival and the trip itself, however, will merit blogs of their own. More to come.)

I Want to Give it All...

This is my first posting for twenty-ten as I prefer to call it... just seems to have a better ring to it than two-thousand-ten does. Not only is this a new year, but it is a new decade as well. For some of us, like me, it's a fresh start, a new beginning, a new chapter.

                                                       (photo credit: images.mirror.co.uk)

Sadly, though, January 2010 has brought disaster upon the nation of Haiti. I believe the word "disaster" may be too light to describe the situation there. Having watched news coverage, followed tweets of people who are there and witnessed a personal friend leave and return from the devastation, I would have to say that Haiti, in its current condition is hell-on-earth.

With the 7.0 earthquake and the subsequent aftershocks day-after-day, the death totals are being estimated at 100,000 people plus. What breaks my heart is the reports of those with minor injuries who could have been saved but have died because of lack of doctors, medical supplies, medicine, hospitals, food, water, shelter... what the media is now calling "stupid deaths."

Stupid deaths? Stupid deaths are unacceptable, but how can help get to this ravaged nation with no airport, no port, no roads and no plan for distribution? Here we are a week from the date of the earthquake, and supplies, while at the airport, are only now making it to some of the far-reaching areas hit by the quake, some of the most devastated areas.

If you have children, like I do, it's impossible to explain why such a tragedy has occurred. There is no explanation except that we live in a fallen world with natural disasters, man-made disasters, and danger facing every person every day -- some of us in more danger than others; however, because accidents and death occur on our planet, there is no one who is immune.

We have talked with our children about the earthquake in Haiti, the deaths, the needs, and the devastation. To try to explain "why" remains virtually impossible; however, as Christians, the Good News is that Earth is not our home. We are not destined for a fallen, hurtful world. As children of God, saved by the blood of the Lamb, we are destined for heaven where there is no death, no sorrow, no hunger, no earthquakes, no tsunamis, no hurricanes or tornados... nothing fearful or bad. The promise of heaven is our comfort, our hope.

Finding comfort in heaven and in the God who saves us is evident in men and women across the globe and radiating in the people of Haiti. The media has shown us images and video of the Haitian people calling out in prayer and song to God, walking the streets in chorus, asking God, "why" but surviving in the promise of eternity.

                          (photo credit: airamerica.com/ breakingnews/22702/)

The 69 year old woman pulled from the rubble yesterday was actually in the home of the Catholic Archbishop. The woman, Ena Zizi, after being saved from 6 days without food or water, said "I talked only to my boss, God. I didn't need any more humans." Obviously, a woman of faith, in peace and relying on God alone... powerful.

These stories and more have touched the heart of my family and those around the world; however, most pressing on our family's heart has been the condition of the orphans in Haiti... "the least of these." We have friends who have been directly affected because of their own adoption-in-process of Tia, a 5 year old Haitian girl.

Tia's father, Mike Wilson, rushed to Haiti the day after the quake to find his 21 year old daughter, Katie, there as a missionary, and his soon-to-be-adopted daughter, Tia. Mike left with the knowledge that they were alive. He just had to find them. Mike and Tia's story, along with the stories of many orphans, have been all over the networks, CNN, MSNBC, FOX, etc. Mike found the girls and the orphans, was able to move the orphans to safety, was able to get Katie home but refused to leave without Tia. Sadly, all of the Haitian adoptions papers had been destroyed when the five-story building where they were housed collapsed into a 5 ft. pile of rubble.

The next 5 days proved to be an adrenaline loaded rush to get Mike and Tia home safely, and, if possible, all 47 orphans. The Brent Gambrell Ministry worked tirelessly day and night with little sleep, if any, to get their loved ones home. Our family was pulled in to help along the way. So, our mission became an extension to donating money, buying and packing supplies. It became a mission of helping to save lives.

To God be the glory... He used the hands and feet of his servants to accomplish what seemed to be an insurmountable task at times, and He delivered Mike and Tia and one other orphan home on Tuesday, January 19, 2010. God took crazy moving parts, philanthropic people, information, government red tape and more and used it to accomplish His purposes.

On any given day, most of us would not have considered asking for the donation of a private jet, much less receive it. On any given day, we would not have expected an adoption in Haiti that takes years to complete to happen within a matter of days. On any given day, the Red Cross and UNICEF could not have expected to receive upwards of $7 million in donations in ONE evening. On any given day, we would not have expected to hear reports of a 69 year old woman surviving 6 days without food and water.

Tuesday, January 12, 2010 was not any given day. It was the day that the Lord put people into action to save the hurting, the broken, the lost, the buried, the injured, the most destitute of nations in the world (even before the earthquake). January 12, 2010 was a day that God's hand of miracles became undeniable -- from sea-to-shining-sea.

With miracles happening all around, needs being met in extraordinary ways and people in the midst of unimaginable crisis, our children have been able to witness the fact that every little bit helps -- every penny, every drop of medicine, every water purification packet, every pair of shoes, every act of kindness and relief and EVERY PRAYER. They are witnessing God responding to the cries of the brokenhearted, the broken in spirit and those with broken bodies.

To that end, my 9-year-old daughter Eliza raised her hand to help. On Monday afternoon, after she had witnessed the miracle of securing a plane to bring Tia and Mike home, she came home, asked me for her money jar (which I keep hidden at her request) and began counting her bills and coins. I didn't know why other than the fact that she had asked me if she could exchange 3 dollars worth of quarters for 3 dollar bills.

While I was in the kitchen preparing dinner, Eliza tapped me on the arm. I turned to look at her. She looked at me with her saucer round blue eyes and handed me a Ziploc baggie full of bills and coins... on the outside of the baggie was written in Sharpie, "$182.64 Money for Haiti." This money was her life savings. I leaned over and gave Eliza a big hug and said, "Eliza this is wonderful. You are so generous." Then I asked her, "Are you sure you want to give it all?!" Eliza, with tears in her eyes, said, "What do I need it for? I don't need it for anything. I want to give it ALL." She cried. I cried.

I looked at Eliza and thought, "she gets it." She wants to give it all... not most, not some, not a little -- ALL. Eliza wanted to help bring Tia home to her new family -- DONE! She wants to bring all of the orphans of Haiti safely to adoptive families. She believes that she can help with her $182.64. She's right...

We Wish You a Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

Love, 

The Donahue Crew

Don & Laura Lyn

Cara (11), Brennan (11), Eliza (9), and Baker (14)

The old adage, "Time flies when you're having fun," applies well to the Donahue Crew. Although we've had our fair share of not-so-fun-moments, the joy of being a parent to four precious children is what makes the years pass so quickly. Children grow in the blink of an eye, and the years get shorter as I grow older. It seems as though it was yesterday when I was holding my first-born child in my arms. That was 14 years ago.

As a family, throughout 2009, we have experienced many highs and lows. God has carried us through both. It has been a tough year, and 2009 bookends a decade of desert experiences that we are the better for having walked through -- albeit sometimes just barely dragging. God has sustained us through the tumultuous demise of the music industry (thanks in part to digital downloading), the close of a hard-fought business, failed promises, business venture after business venture collapsing, a savings squandered by a selfish man, a rapid decline in income and many other life-challenges that intensified our need for a gracious God.

Praise Him that He is indeed that: Gracious. Never does His love waiver. He is our Sustainer and continues to carry us through the close of 2009 and on into a new decade.

While there have been rough waters, there has been an oasis or two (or three or four :) here and there. God never let us go without food, shelter or clothing, and He opened our eyes wider to the beautiful children we have been entrusted to raise, nurture, teach and, above all, love with all of our hearts.

Baker #24 for the GMS Generals

This fall, Baker began playing football for the Grassland Generals. In the past, he played for the Franklin Cowboys, our county league, and has been waiting with baited-breath to join the Generals Varsity Team. Baker started as cornerback and occasionally played on the kickoff team. I loved watching him on the field and building a comradery with the other football parents. To say that Baker was ecstatic over playing footfall would be an understatement. Baker engrossed himself in not just football but in becoming a trusted teammate, a well-mannered young man and a leader on and off of the field. Later this fall, Baker went on to wrestle for GMS and discovered that he had a natural talent for the sport... following in the footsteps of his uncles. At the end of the season, the Generals placed #1 in Williamson county and Baker placed #2 in his weight class. Wow! I am so proud of him and the joy that his participation in sports has brought not only to him but to Don and me as well. What I am most proud of, though, is the fact that Don and I were blessed by unsolicited compliments from friends, parents of teammates and faculty on behalf of Baker, his kindness and his joy... joy unspeakable, an oasis.

Brennan at the Mizzou Campus

Brennan is our "joy boy." His eyes dance; his feet dance; his whole presence exudes joy. Brennan is very talented musically. We knew he had talent, but this spring, he combined his talent for playing instruments with his knack for being very funny. Brennan learned to play the recorder (not a flute!) very well. Brennan learned to play two recorders at the same time very well. As a matter of fact, Brennan taught himself to play the song "The Lion Sleeps Tonight" from the Lion King... not just the traditional way with the mouth, but in a very non-traditional way with a recorder poised in each nostril. Talk about joy! I don't know when I've laughed as hard as I did when he first showed me this skill!

(The video is posted on my FaceBook page if you want to see it)  Undoubtedly, Brennan is our comedian. He's unafraid of a crowd and loves to perform. I am so proud of him and his musical talents. This fall he expanded his repertoire to the trumpet. While he can't manage to play the trumpet (much less two trumpets) through his nose, he does a very good job playing the traditional. Not only is Brennan talented musically, but he has a tender heart and often gives me a beautiful smile or hug to add joy to my day. Brennan certainly salted and peppered our 2009 with his gift of being our joy boy, an oasis...

Cara @ Nana & GranMan's

Cara is Brennan's (younger :-) twin sister. However, she maintains and sustains her own individual identity. Cara is beautiful and talented. She is a top-notch student, a great help to her teachers and a wonderful daughter. This year at my 40th birthday party, all of the children gave me wonderful, sentimental, funny and thoughtful toasts in front of my birthday crowd. At the end of the evening when most of the guests were gone and just a few of us lingering in the kitchen, Cara came to me and showed me a song that she had written JUST for me... talk about joy overflowing (tears, tears, tears). Of course, I asked Cara to sing it for me. Cara has an amazing and beautiful voice. I don't have the complete song on video, but below are the lyrics:

YOU  by Cara Donahue

Did you ever stop

Stop to wonder

About life

Beyond down under

The things that make

People smile

The things that take

A long while

Did you ever stop to see what makes me laugh

What makes me smile

It's YOU

Your brighten my day

Make it special in your own way

Shine a light on those darker things

Shine a light on every human being

Now you see

Why everyone

Has their own

Battle that they've won

You encouraged all of us

To fight until we've won

You helped us see

The brighter path

The path that'll make

Our future last

You make each second worth it all

Never again will I think to fall

It's YOU

Your brighten my day

Make it special in your own way

Shine a light on those darker things

Shine a light on every human being

You

You

© 2009

This fall, Cara sang YOU at Open Mic Night at school. She sang acapella, with confidence and with joy. I am so proud of her, and her expressions of love from the heart, the heart of my very own daughter -- my flesh and blood...  a joyful song, an oasis...

Eliza & My Dad @ Rosemary Beach, FL

Eliza is the "baby" of the family. It's getting harder and harder to see her as a baby anymore, though. She is growing as fast as the other 3. On Easter morning of this year, Eliza was baptized in the Gulf of Mexico by my dad. The joy of seeing your child born again, is indeed holy and of the Divine. As I watched my dad hold Eliza's hand and walk into the ocean, the tears streamed down my face. Dad held Eliza, tipped her back, baptized her in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit and raised her to newness of Life... and the waves gently crashing on the shore echoed the same... washed by the blood of the Lamb. Spotless. White as new-fallen snow. She came running out of the water and threw her arms around Don. My heart was filled with joy to watch Eliza as she decided that she wanted to express her love for Jesus in a public way. I don't know that there could have been a more beautiful setting than that Easter morning at the beach. Eliza is our quiet-spirit but will surprise you with unabashed personality when you least expect it. Eliza is very conscientious. She is a hard worker, a wonderful helper and a true blessing. Her outward expression of faith this April brought a holy joy to my heart, an oasis...

Don @ Rosemary Beach, FL

Don, my husband of 16 years, is the love of my life, my soulmate. My heart swells with joy when I see him smile at me. I am so proud of Don and the way he has carried himself and our family through the uncertainty of 2009. Never once did Don's love for God and confidence in His ability to provide waiver. I know as a husband and provider, there were difficult stretches and dry deserts that he walked through. Yet, he never walked alone, and he always walked with his heavenly Father. I am so very proud of him and all that he has accomplished in his career... setting him up for his current, full-time job. We are so blessed to close 2009 and begin 2010 with a new job, insurance benefits and steady income. I received joy in the journey because of Don's love and endurance despite our circumstances. In June, Don expressed his love for me in a way that will truly remain imprinted on my heart forever. He planned and arranged a beautiful 40th birthday party for me on the hill in our own backyard, overlooking the sunset. He worked so hard hanging icicle lights in the trees, arranging catering, setting up tables, renting enormous fans to keep our guests cool, preparing the stage set for Two Birds in Love (our favorite singing duo, husband and wife, Jan & Chris Harris) and surprising me with my best friend from college and another dear friend. Kay flew in from Orlando and Janis flew in from Kansas City. I was blown away. Don then sent us out for a day of shopping and mani/pedis! I felt like a princess, a new bride. The love of my husband, whether it's an elaborate party or a knowing smile from across the room, is pure joy, an oasis...

The Donahue Crew @ Rosemary Beach

I am proud to strive to be the woman that God has called me to be... daughter, wife, mother and friend. He is faithful to provide in the desert and in the land of milk and honey. We need Him in every season. Often, it's when we are wandering in the desert that we realize the significance of His love for us. Sometimes we need the desert to redirect our attention to the God who loves us and sustains us in all circumstances. While I would not choose my desert for you, and you would not choose your desert for me, I do know that we are better people for having traveled the dusty road through the wilderness.

I have learned the significance of finding joy in all of our experiences and of giving "thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for us in Christ Jesus." (I Thes. 5:18). God is the Lover of my soul. He is my refuge. He is my comfort. He is my strength. I am His beloved, and He is mine... everlasting joy, never-ending oasis.

Merry Christmas to our friends and relatives. We wish you perfect joy that only the Father can provide from one decade into another, from now until forever...

My Fabulous Four... filled with JOY!

Christmas All Year Long...

My parents are a beautiful couple... not just on the outside but on the inside where it counts the most. I don't know of two more generous people. I'm sure there are some who give more monetarily, but I don't know that many, if any, could compare to the heart and soul that my parents give without reservation and with delight.


With the economy in shambles, unemployment at 1 person in every 10 and health insurance barely scratching the surface of caring for those in need, it's a wonder any of us has room to give. Obviously, the most meaningful giving doesn't come when incomes are high and the grass is vibrant green. Giving becomes the most colorful when it comes during hard times... in spite of the economy and all of the externals stacked against us. When we give in desperate times, we are giving because we want to, not because we should or because we feel we have to.


Our gifts of time, money and resources are more thoughtful when we have to consider the consequences of our sacrifice. It is indeed "better to give than to receive," but how difficult is it to give when we have been receiving barely enough to get by ourselves (if that)? I think at this juncture, it's imperative to consider what we do have to give and realize that the gift of money is not always the answer to the pain or to the need.


I don't want to take away the significance of monetary gifts. Obviously, we live in a world where most resources come at a price. Without financial donations, many of us would not be in a healthy enough condition to give anything. It is true that "money makes the world go 'round" in the sense of our economy. It is the nature of living in an imperfect world, but just because money is needed, it does not make it the "be all and the end all" for giving.


It is true that my husband and I also need money to take care of our food, shelter and clothing. This is an obvious and undeniable truth, and I am grateful for the monetary blessings we receive. However, over the last few years, the gifts of the heart have become the most abundant gifts I have ever received... gifts that keep on giving in an endless supply and without regard to a price tag.


My parents, at age 65+, have never ceased to give heart, soul, strength, mind and money. When there doesn't seem to be enough financial resources, there is a never ending supply of heart resources. While Mom and Dad reach out to the community and to family in ways that astound me, I am particularly focused on the blessing of how they have reached out to my family this year.


2009 is significant for us because of our own unemployment, lack of quality insurance, our own "Madof" scandal, etc., Don and I have been wandering in a very dry desert for the last several years, and the enemy has used many measures of attack; however, not once have my parents refrained from helping, and it's not the gifts of money that have left the lasting impressions... 


My parents have been so generous to our family throughout 2009, not to mention always, but they have given way above and way beyond, this year in particular. We are so grateful. We do not need presents under the tree this Christmas. We have EVERYTHING we could ever want or need.


When we needed extra support, my parents stepped up to the plate without blinking an eye. Mom and Dad's generosity afforded us some wonderful experiences this year including an extended family trip to Florida, their own sweat and muscle power (not to mention aching backs) to help landscape our home, shopping outings, special lunches during the week, family dinners out to eat, Sunday night meals together and so much more.


More than the monetary, though, Mom and Dad have blessed us with beautiful memories of being together as an extended family--a gift that Don, the children and I will cherish forever... Permanent pictures imprinted on our hearts and in our photo books. My parents are always ready to go and ready to engage. We love that quality about them -- individually and as a couple. They are an inspiration.


That said, however, the most significant gift that my parents gave us this year was their willingness to sit down with us and counsel us through a difficult decision and a tiring season of life. One day in particular proved to be a turning point for us. We have marked this Fall day in 2009 as a day of empowerment, confidence and support -- none of which could be bought at any price. We will forever remember that day, perhaps even as an altar in our desert -- a cold cup of water, an oasis, a breath of fresh air.


Gifts of the heart are costlier than gifts of gold and the reward is greater. The MasterCard commercial so ironically juxtaposes monetary gifts against personal experiences as "priceless". 


My parents gifts have been, and continue to be, exactly that for us: Priceless. 


Thank you, Mom and Dad, for being Christmas all year long.


I love you both with all of my heart.