NANA NOTES

175th CELEBRATION at MUMC

After months of work the day is finally arriving--the 175th anniversary of our church--Meadville United Methodist.  The committee has spent countless hours working and planning for this day.  Although I wasn't on the committee, I got to work on a couple of projects for the event. I designed and sold tshirts. So far that has gone well.  We've sold almost 100.  I also got to put together four bulletin boards for the church--this let me put all my scrapbooking equipment to good use!! 

I picked up a couple of fall wreaths for the doors and Beverly added the bows. It made the front look so inviting. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This board is in the front foyer. I wanted a border but couldn't find one I liked. My theory is "when in doubt-don't" so I left it plain.  The emblem in the middle is on the back of the tshirt.  The Military board has to be one  of my favorites.  It has the sons and friends of our members in the military on it that we are praying for.  Be sure to check it out.

This is really a good one--and I can't take full credit for the idea. But--I did do it with my own creative additions. It's on the board going into the Fellowship Hall. Check it out!    Downstairs in the Sunday School foyer is this board.  I thought it turned out well.

Today when I carried my food to the church there were beautiful flowers everywhere and the video with pictures was tremendous. I know the music is going to be good and the sermon and other speakers should be wonderful as well.  I hope I can take my camera tomorrow and get some shots of the day. This will be too good to miss.  Muffins and coffee at 9:30 AM with church to begin at 10:30 AM.  Come if you can.  You won't be disappointed.

AND THE WINNER IS--------------------------------------

AMY!!!!!

Please get in touch with me [you know all the ways!] so I can get your great, awesome, tremendous HIGH ROAD cd to you! Congratulations!! Your name was drawn from the group in a totally annonamous drawing by a wonderful guy--out of the candy jar!!

The rest of you don't be disappointed--there may be another give away soon.

A "HIGH ROAD" GIVE AWAY!!

 I'm finally getting the CD on the blog!!  Twitter me or comment on the blog to win this wonderful second High Road "Turn Your Radio On" CD!! I think you'll love it as much as I do!  This is the back picture--the front one is a real sunny pose and doesn't photograph well for me.  I'm already wanting a third!! You're gonna' love these girls [and guys!]  Anna Grace and Sarah have done it again! And as an added bonus you get Lee Holland and Blake Stratton!!  It doesn't get any better--or maybe it will!  You have until next week!

ALWAYS A GROUPIE

All this week there has been a big red bus parked outside at the condo.  We've been curious but not enough to ask--until there just happen to be an opportunity--and we took it.  Turns out that the bus belongs to The Simmons Brothers Band from Nashville.  Can't say that it meant anything to me but maybe you know "Party Like a Rock Star".  They were here in Orange Beach making a video and did a few "gigs" at several places around town.  Here is a picture I lifted off their website. 

HIGH ROAD SHOWS UP AND SHOWS OUT!

  Anna Grace and Sarah came to Meadville this weekend to do a couple of concerts.  I went to Natchez to hear them and as usual I wasn't disappointed.  I told them I needed new CD's because I know every word on the one they have out. The good news is they are working on one. These girls are so precious to me-such genuinely awesome good girls.

 

Anna Grace

 

Sarah

 

 

 

 

 

Keep your ears open for "High Road" on the radio--it's coming soon to a Christian station near you!!  It's already happening here!

NASHVILLE: THE FINAL INSTALLMENT (or is it?) I hope not!!!

I can remember when I was little my grandfather would sit in his chair by his little green plastic radio and listen to the Grand Ole Opry--Ernest Tubb, Little Jimmy Dickens and the list goes on.  I had never been to the GOO and was excited to learn that someone got us tickets--all nine of us!!  As it turned out it was in the old Ryman Auditorium that night because of another function in the new building.  Ok by me--it was the real thing.  A woman dressed up like Minnie Pearl came out and said--you guessed it--"Howdy, I'm just so proud to be here!"  She told a few jokes to warm up the crowd. She was funny but she wasn't Minnie Pearl. There was only one of those. 

 

The GOO Square Dancers were good--those guys could really move their feet! (Sorry about the back of the guys head!)

There was a long list of entertainment for the night. Those of you who have been there might know that it's a radio show and they have breaks and commercial announcements.  You see all of that on stage and the guys moving the equipment around.  Jesse McReynolds and the Virginia Boys and Darryl Worley did the first set.

 

 

 The Whites were good.  Jan Howard only sang one song.

Kathy Mattea sang "Where've You Been" a song I remember from a long time ago.  I still cried.

 

Mike Snider was one of my favorites.  He was funny and I really enjoyed the music.  

 Everyone remembers "Mississippi Squirrel" by Ray Stevens and "It's Me Again Margaret".                                  

  Stonewall Jackson sang a song or two.  You may know him--we did not. Connie Smith also performed.

 Restless Heart finished out the night and it was time to go. When we went outside it was freezing cold.  Someone had blocked our car but the guys did a great job of getting us out.  We actually got to bed before midnight!!

An early wake up, a quick breakfast and off to Brentwood UMC for a very good service.  The "AG Crew" filled up a whole pew.  Then it was off to lunch and Lee Pittman greeted us at the door.  Lee is a friend of AG's.

Isn't he a sweetie? [Sorry Lee if you're reading this!! But it's true!] We had a fun time at McAllister's Deli and hated to leave. A long drive awaited us. Time for one last group photo and then on the road back home. 

This had to be one of the most fun weekends I've had in a long time. We were on the go constantly and heard more good music than most people hear in forever!  I hope I get to go again and I want to be going to a show with these two as "headliners"--High Road! 

  And when I do, AG is going to be famous and she's going to know ME!!   :)

NASHVILLE TRIP--PART II

 

After the wonderful reception for Anna Grace, it was on to the "Stage on Broadway" to listen to Ron Sansone and the Rebel Band with Sarah Davison on keyboard!  I can tell you it's been a very long time since we've been to a place with a band and it was terrific.  Did you know that kids now take their own earplugs?  We didn't know that and Anna Grace gave us torn up pieces of napkins to put in our ears. Yes, the music was LOUD!! 

Sarah was terrific. She had a solo with the band while we were there.  I know she had to be tired--that girl works too hard! 

 

 

Cosima took a picture of Ed, me, Anna Grace, Susie and Bob.  We were lucky to be standing close to the stage on some steps. I could actually see the band.

It was the wee hours for us when we left. I think the band played until about 2:30 am.   We had breakfast together the next morning at the Puffy Muffin--awesome omelets and fruit.

Anna Grace, John Robert, Chris and Cosima sat together at one table and the "grown-ups" sat together.  I shouldn't tell you they were rowdy or that some of the grown-ups shot spitballs back at them!!  We got a few looks but had a great time.   From there it was on to Bruce and Leigh's for an impromptu concert--three violinists and three pianists.  There were probably about twenty people that invaded their home. They were great to let us come.

 

Sarah, Susie and Leigh took turns playing the piano. I don't have to say anymore about that--you know the music was wonderful. :)

We met Leigh's "babies" one of which she dressed for us.  Meet Lacy.

   This is Doris Jean's "granddog"!!

We had to run Anna Grace and Cosima off to get Chris to the airport and we ran by the hotel to change clothes [I think] for supper and the Grand Ole Opry.  I think I can stretch this into two more posts--at least one more.  Stay tuned.

THE GREAT RECITAL WEEKEND [NASHVILLE OR BUST!]

Ed and I left on Thursday for Nashville and drove to Birmingham. We had a great dinner at J Alexander's and a good night's sleep. After breakfast we headed for Nashville.  We got there in time to order flowers and rest a little bit before Anna Grace's recital at the Massey Performing Arts Center on the Belmont Campus.  We met up with Susie, Bob, and John Robert and rode together. The first person we saw when we got there was Sarah Crosby. She and Brother Johnny had come and we were pleased to visit with them.  The "Anna Grace" crew filled up two rows. The auditorium was full and folks said that more people attended that recital than any they had seen in a long time.  Music students are required to attend a certain number per year but are not told which ones to go to.  She had friends and family from Meadville (us), Starkville, California, Brookhaven, Iowa, Ohio and more. 

She wowed everyone with her music, her poise and personality.  I know there were some professionals in the audience who really enjoyed the show.  We all could have sat there much longer.  Doesn't she look beautiful?  Ed loves "Baby Girl" and is so proud of her. His appreciation of music has grown because of her. So has mine!! 

Sarah and her mother had prepared and set up a wonderful barbecue reception following the recital.  It was delicious.  Sarah had baked four cakes, made baked beans, delicious potato salad and had veggies and dips. The barbecue was very good and everyone had a great time.  There were lots of photo ops.  

This photo is Anna Grace with "Corn" and RJ. "Corn" played the bass and RJ came out for the final number and sang like WOW!!!  These guys were good!

  Sarah's parents were delightful--Scott and Kathleen Davison--how could they not be having raised such a beautiful and sweet girl as Sarah?

I probably could sell this picture--in fact I told Andy that I probably would!  Two of the guys play with the "Time Jumpers" [Joe Spivey on the left and Andy Reiss on the right] and the guy on the right of Susie is Bob Colvert who introduced AG to them.  She plays with them sometimes at the Station Inn on Monday nights. 

 

These folks are pretty important in AG's life.  John Robert is Anna Grace's brother [far left], Holli-her older sister-and Pascal, Holli's husband from Belgium.  Allin was missed [he was working but wanted to be there badly.] 

We all enjoyed meeting and getting to know Cosima and Chris Luther from California (by way of Colorado). They and their dad run the Rocky Mountain Fiddle Camp that Susie and AG attend each summer.  They are smart and funny and great people.  I hope some day they come here and you can meet them.  

I told Susie that there wasn't any need to be hugging on Bob. All the money was gone--spent on the education and recital! Bob laughed and agreed!

 

Leave it to AG--RED SHOES!!  "It was Valentines, Ms Barbara!"

There is still lots more to this post but my computer says  "Not tonight".  Stay tuned for part two of the Nashville trip-Sarah's gig at The Stage on Broadway and the impromptu concert!!

A FUN WEEKEND COMING UP!!

I am so excited about this weekend.  Ed has been promising "Baby Girl" that we would come to her Senior Recital since she started Belmont. The time has come--and we're going !!!  We have a weekend full of activities that involve friends and MUSIC!! And I can't wait.

Watch for a post when we get back. You know it's going to be a great one!

2009 - A GREAT NEW YEAR BEGINNING

Ed and I have never been much for going out on New Year's Eve. We can't stay awake that long and we're really not rowdy people.  We went to bed early and woke up about 4:00 AM to someone knocking on our door. A young man from Vicksburg had wrecked his vehicle in front of our home and came for help.  We carried him to the hospital.  After looking at his vehicle we realized he was a very lucky guy.  There wasn't anything about it that was recognizable. He had angels surrounding him.

We had plans for about 24 people for lunch--the usual New Year's fare-roast pork, baked chicken, black eyed peas, cole slaw, potato salad, green beans, sweet potato pone, cabbage, mexican cornbread, pecan pie, blueberry cake--just the normal little lunch!! :)

After lunch we all settled in to listen to Anna Grace and Sarah [High Road] do a little playing and singing.  When we looked at the clock it was nearly 5:00 PM.  The guys didn't even miss the football games; they enjoyed the music so much.  We all did.  Jennifer is hoping that John Robert playing her new guitar rubbed off on the guitar and she will be able to get some of the sounds out of it. :)

These girls have great talent--some of which I will keep a great secret-unless I'm bribed to tell !! :)  Only a few shall know!!

By now Jennifer probably has a video on her blog that you can see. Please check it out.  And--buy their CD; you'll love it!!

Thanks everyone for a great New Year's Day celebration.

PS:  The young man checked out fine at the hospital; when I talked to the nurse at noon he was waiting for someone in his family to come and get him.  They said he had a "reality check".  I'm sure he did.  He will be very grateful for 2009.

MISTLETOE AND E WOMEN-My Last Hurrah [at least for 6 weeks!]

November 7 was "Mistletoe Day". Libby didn't get to go so Pat and I went and hurriedly walked the isles.  She ran across so many people that she knew that we didn't get much shopping done but we sure had fun! [And I was the one who grew up in Jackson and lived there most of my life.] Libby would be proud of us because we only bought candy!!  I did manage to pick up one Christmas gift and a couple of stocking stuffers.  I really would have loved to go back today but the Friday night session of the EWomen Conference was so good and we knew that today would be even better.  We were right!! 

We met up with Carolyn, Sharon and Dana [back row] and a few more from our wonderful community.  It's great to sing and laugh and cry with friends.

  Pat was sweet enough to take my picture with Chonda Pierce.  This woman can make you laugh and cry at the same time.  Thanks, Pat.

The Children of Hope are always a delight. They are children from Africa.  You have a chance to sponsor children whose parents have given them up or cannot raise them usually due to HIV. Their dancing and singing always bring a smile to your face.

 I especially liked Avalon this year. Their music wasn't as loud and was more to my liking.  They did new versions of old, contemporary hymns. I loved the version of "I'll Fly Away".

Karen Kingsbury did a wonderful job. I don't think I have read any of her books but she has a book out that I definitely plan to buy. [They ran out before I could get one today.] I think Barbie will change from Dr. Suess to this one for the Seniors on Graduation Sunday!

 

Angela Thomas is just about my favorite.  This girl gets right to your heart with laughs and tears.  She said we're all "little Jesus girls"!  I love that.

 

I got to walk down the hall with Thelma Wells. We were coming from the "product room" to the sanctuary and I happen to see her.  I spoke to her and we started talking.  When we started down the steps, she took my hand.  A couple of years ago she had cancer and was very sick.  She's doing fine now.  Her story is incredible.  And-we learned today that she has a beautiful singing voice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I did not know Mark Schultz. His plane was late so he was the last on the program. He did about 20 minutes worth of music and flew out again.  His music is very good. Pat and I decided that he should find Anna Grace in Nashville and they should work together.  Stranger things have happened!  The next E Women's Conference in Jackson will be in 2010--but we know the way to Baton Rouge or Birmingham for 2009!  Don't we Libby?

A SONG I LOVE

I found a CD that I really enjoy--Jim Brinkman Valentine. The song copied below is on that CD.  When I was going through chemotherapy and felt so bad I would listen to this song and think about how God was watching over me and protecting me-always there for me.  I realize that He always has been there for me and always has been protecting me but this song really touched me.  Last night when I was driving home from town the moon was really bright and beautiful.  This song came on and I heard it in a totally different way.  I thought about my family--children and grandchildren and Ed.  And really if you think about it--you want these things for everyone you know.   I tried to find a link so you can hear it but you know I'm "technically challenged". Find one if you can and listen to it.  You'll love it as much as I do.

Never Alone                                    

                                                                  
May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you when its time to go home
May you always have plenty
Your glass never empty
And know in your belly
You're never alone

May your tears come from laughing
You find friends worth having
With every year passing
They mean more than gold
May you win but stay humble
Smile more than grumble
And know when you stumble
You're never alone

Chorus:
Never alone
Never alone
You'll be in every beat of your heart
When you face the unknown
Wherever you fly
This isn't goodbye
My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you¹re never alone

Well I have to be honest
As much as I wanted
I'm not gonna promise the cold winds won't blow
So when hard times have found you
And your fears surround you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone

Chorus

May the angels protect you
Trouble neglect you
And heaven accept you when its time to go home
And when hard times have found you
And your fear surrounds you
Wrap my love around you
You're never alone

Chorus

My love will follow you stay with you
Baby you're never alone

EXCITING SATURDAY MORNING & WONDERFUL SUNDAY NIGHT

I've always said that "football was NOT my life" but this soccer thing could get to be!  I attended my very first soccer games on Saturday morning.  I didn't really plan to; it just sort of worked it's way into my morning.  Sam and Ben both had games and I had never been to one.  Some of the other grandchildren play and now I've just got to see them play!  I know that Sam scored in his game [they won] and I know that Ben's team  won.

 

 

 

 

 

 

  After breakfast I rested while Ed worked the bees and bottled honey.  Sunday came fast--I don't remember going to sleep!  Church, lunch, rest and then to a concert by Allin, Sarah and Anna Grace at the Bude Baptist Church.  Too good for words--you just had to be there!!

SHE'S GOING TO KNOW ME WHEN SHE'S FAMOUS!

The Second "Anna Grace and Friends" Fund Raiser for the Meadville United Methodist Church was Thursday night.  It had been a very long day for me [starting at 4:30 am] including a five mile walk, a four hour treatment, grocery buying and getting to the church by 7:00 pm, but I was determined not to miss the concert.  And boy am I glad we didn't!

Anna Grace, Tyler Bridge, Marvin Curtis and Susie Kimbrough were wonderful.  Anna Grace played and sang some original "tunes and songs" [there is a difference!] accompanied by the others.  Someday you'll pay big bucks to hear that---and she's going to know ME when she's famous! 

A NEW CD

 

 

This CD was dropped off at our house and I listened to it over the weekend.  There's something on it for everyone.  Like any CD you buy, you're not going to like every song but I'll bet you like most of them.  Gerard wrote most of the songs on the CD.  I'd be willing to say he'd want you to go out any buy it.  I'd also bet that he'd be like Matt Friedman on AFR and say that "his wife thanks you, his five children thank you and he thanks you".  You can listen to the music on

.gfsongs.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

SUNDAY MORNING MUSIC. . .

Sundays are my days to get up early and get busy.  I am usually in the kitchen with nothing but the sounds of pots and pans.  This Sunday I heard the most beautiful music coming from outside my kitchen window.  I looked out to see a group of birds sitting in a tree doing the "happy dance" and singing a beautiful song.  I only wish I had had a video recorder.  The sound was delightful and the sight was somewhat funny.  It made an otherwise routine Sunday morning a bit cheerful and gave me a reminder that God's always there willing to give us a taste of His wonderful world.  The picture doesn't do it justice, but it's all I have.  You'll just have to trust me that it was beautiful.