Oh How The Years Go By...

I'll give you two guesses as to who might have inspired the title for this blog. Ok. Time is up. If you guessed Lady Gaga....




YOU WERE WRONG! It's Amy Grant, of course. I saw this card yesterday and it seemed like something my mom should buy for me. It's so appropriate. And if you really think about the different generations it makes sense. I've always said that my generation is extremely feeling and emotion driven...and my parent's generation seems to be much more no non-sense and success driven. They make decisions because they've thought about it. I make decisions because it feels right. They just seem to be a little more private. And I wear my heart on my sleeve. Or I just write a lot of songs. :)

Anyway, I loved this card. I wonder what my kids will be like.

All Things Random

I am starting to sense a pattern.

At my church in Nashville, whenever new members are initiated into the church, the pastor reads a Bible verse for the new member they claim as their "life verse." I think about this sometimes. What would be my life verse?

And then, this morning, it became perfectly clear. You know when you can just feel the change coming? When everything is set for something new to happen and there's no way to stop it? I hate that. I don't like change very much. And every time this happens a little voice in the back of my head remembers, "Forget the former things; Do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it?" This is from Isaiah 43.

I realized that every time I hear this my heart just screams, "NO!" Because I know something's coming. Something's about to change. And I want to stop it. And sometimes I even try. I am so desperate to keep things just the way they are. I feel like my reluctance to change and my determination to hold on for too long are precisely the reasons that God brings Isaiah 43 to my mind so often. I need to keep it with me.

This morning that all became very clear to me. So when I stand up in front of my church and the pastor reads my life verse...it might end up more as a life chapter. The whole flippin' thing. Isaiah 43. I want all of it.

Anyway, so that's my life.

In other news. I love my roommate. Let me set the scene for you. I'm in my room, reading "Searching For God Knows What," by Donald Miller. I'm laughing out loud. Literally. 'Cause he's SOOO funny. And so right on. And all of a sudden I get a little distracted by some noises coming from the bathroom. And I realize that my roommate is in the shower, kind of half-singing/ half-talking to herself in English and in French. I've really never heard anything like it. And then I remembered that I had borrowed my friend's Flip camera and so I documented this amazing moment in my life. I know you will love it. Watch it. Laugh. Share it. Here you go: http://twitvid.com/3F411

My singing roommate and me.

And since I'm blogging about such random things, I will also throw in that I went to an amazing concert tonight. Andy Osenga played (he is my friend and my producer) along with the one and only Waterdeep. OMG (oh my gosh). I am floored. I am actually on the floor. That's how great it was. Don and Lori Chaffer (Waterdeep) melt me. I am like the Wicked Witch of the West. Just a puddle on the ground.

I have been told that if you go to Waterdeep's website this month you can download Lori Chaffer's solo record for free. It's called "One Beginning." I remember when I heard that record for the first time. I was driving on my way to visit my friend Erin in Joplin, MO. Not only could I not stop listening to it, but I couldn't stop thinking about it. I will never forget it. It was my #1 favorite cd of that year. I think it will forever remain at least in my top 5. Get it and let me know what you think!

Alright. It's late. I've shared enough of my randomness. Goodnight.

Music City Unsigned

My junior year of college I had to take Biology. I don't remember our professor's last name, but I know it started with a "P" and her first name was "Angela." I don't think I liked much about this class. Didn't Belmont University know I was there for the music?? Dr. P was nice enough, but Biology isn't really my thing.

The best part about this class, and the reason I'm talking about it (rather than my math or history or Spanish class), was that Dr. P made us get into groups of 4. And these groups did everything together for the whole semester. It was in my group that I met my good friend Rachel. And it was in my group that I met Ryan and Jon. The 4 of us had to come up with our own group name and we chose the "Umami's." It had to relate to biology. I remember making t-shirts that said "Umami said so!" Yea, we were so cool.

Anyway, it's great 5 years later to see what all my friends are up to. Jon has since started an organization called Music City Unsigned that basically helps unsigned artists in Nashville to unite. Jon just has a heart for helping people (and all things good) and does a lot of non-profit work on the side. He is getting ready to launch a non-profit called "Harmony Republic," which I think is really amazing.

this & that is the newest addition to the MCU roster and we are super excited about it. So check it out when you get a chance: this & that.

Be sure to read the bio Jon wrote for us!!

Fright Fest '09

I don't know if anyone else feels this way, but in regards to Halloween I get really hyped up about it and then have a really hard time with the follow through. I get so nostalgic about the fall and pumpkins and costumes and kids and candy...but the closer I get to October 31st and realize I have no clever idea for a costume, I just get less and less jazzed about dressing up. I wish I had the clever mind to come up with something really great. Last year I didn't do anything. I see other people's costumes and think, "why didn't I come up with that?" Even my parents are better than me at this whole Halloween thing. This year they went as a priest and a pregnant nun. Funny, huh? By the way, Mom, I'm gonna need a picture of that.

But sometimes I overlook the obvious. What is my current obsession???? Well. Lady Gaga, of course.

There was one major obstacle in creating this costume. Lady Gaga doesn't wear pants. Perhaps if I looked as good as Lady Gaga (whatever her real name is), I would have considered this as an option. But I didn't think that would be a great look for me. Then I remembered the hair bow! Believe it or not, there is an online tutorial you can watch to create that thing. Unfortunately, the layers in my hair were too short for it to work with my actual hair. So I had to buy a hair
extension.

(the real deal)


(I decided Lady Gaga needed a cute accessory)

(with my roommate, Tamarind - the gothy smurf)

I know I've talked a lot about channeling my inner Lady Gaga. But it really was a blast to be her for a night :)

I LOVE KANSAS CITY.

I love Kansas City. Thank you, friends and family.




And thank you, Brian Stevens, for the very cool picture.

It's Pumpkin Time!

Have you ever seen "Flight of the Conchords?" I think it's on HBO. I don't know much about it except that two really funny guys from New Zealand, Jermaine and Brett have a knack for writing really funny songs and creating shows around the songs. My favorite song is probably "Part Time Model," ("and when you're walking down the street, depending on the street, you are definitely in the top three...depending on the street...you could be a part-time model, but you'd probably have to keep your normal job..."). Pretty funny, huh? I'm laughing right now just thinking about it.

Anyway, this past weekend I traveled to KC with Eric Vinson and the Vinyls and Eric's lovely wife Laura. And we entertained ourselves on the ride home with a few episodes of "Flight of the Conchords." I heard "It's Business Time" for the first time...and now it's stuck in my head. So as I typed the title for this post I was hearing Jermaine and Brett in my ear singing, "It's pumpkin, it's pumpkin time." Google "It's Business Time." You'll get it.

I love fall. I love everything about the fall. Especially pumpkins. I was very upset about a month ago when I tried to make pumpkin cannelloni and found out that all of Nashville was out of canned pumpkin due to a poor pumpkin crop this year. Lame? I know. I had to make it with sweet potatoes instead. So sad.


So last weekend was incredible. Kansas City was so good to us. The Crosstown Station was amazing and it felt SO good to be home with all of my friends and family. I loved it. It was fun to debut "this & that," too. But, as all good things must come to an end, we couldn't stay. So we drove back all day Sunday, only to hop back in the van Monday afternoon to drive to Knoxville...where we had another great show. Thank you, Preservation Pub, for all the good memories and good times.


And on the way back we stopped at IHOP and I got to eat some pumpkin pancakes. Heaven.


So now I'm sitting at my desk in Nashville, scheming ways to play more shows and trying to think of something really creative to write a song about. Any ideas?

And The Grammy Goes To...

This, That And The Other

Guess what!? This & That has it's own blog and logo now!
Please go check it out:

www.thisandthatmusic.blogspot.com

I am going to be kicking things up a notch with this little duo of mine. I hope to get us out more and playing as much as possible.

Speaking of shows, if you are a Kansas Citian you need to catch our show (and my show) this weekend at Crosstown Station by the Power and Light District. It's Saturday night (Oct. 17th) at 8pm. It will feature Red Guitar, Sometimes Three, This & That, Eric Vinson (the other 1/2 of This & That) and yours truly. Please come! Tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door. Seriously, don't miss it.

In the meantime, check out www.thisandthatmusic.blogspot.com - become a fan or a follower or whatever you call it...and make sure you download the music for FREE.

Love you all.

LJ

Follow The Yellow Brick Road

I recently found an old friend on Facebook and Blogger. Her name is Alison Walla. I met Alison sometime around my senior year of high school. She is a few years older than I am, so at the time of our introduction she had just moved back to Kansas City after having spent several years in New York pursuing her Broadway dreams. I wish now that I would have asked her how she felt about coming home. I don't know how long she'd tried - I know the dream didn't come true the first time around. And looking back, I don't know why she came home...I doubt it was to give up. I never got the idea from Alison that she felt defeated.

My point is, the other day I was going through some old keepsakes.

Sidenote: I am "one of those kind of people." The kind that keeps everything 'cause it means something. My friend Julianna did not understand why I'd kept a letter she'd written me 6 years earlier. I'm sure she'd said something nice about me in the letter and I thought maybe I'd need to read it again someday for an emotional boost. Julianna says I should read letters and throw them away.

So, I'm going through my old keepsakes and I come across a Playbill from the Broadway production of "Into The Woods."

The summer that Alison and I became really close (2002 if you were wondering) she got a call from her agent to come try out for a part in "Into The Woods," opposite Vanessa Williams. She lived in Kansas City at this point. Not New York, mind you. I remember when she flew out to audition. I remember when she got the call back. And I remember when she flew back to New York to start her new job! And then she sent me a Playbill. And her name was in it. And I kept it. And I look at it now and then. What a good reminder for me and my dreams.

Alison also gave me a tiny little photo frame with the Bible verse, "You have stolen my heart, my sister, my bride," to remind me who I am. I still have it. Another precious reminder.

I haven't seen Alison in years, but because we're friends on Facebook (and hopefully still friends in real life) I get to keep up with her. Now she's been in several Broadway shows and touring productions and TV shows, etc. Not that you have to have all that good stuff to be a success. But her dream did come true.

Doesn't that just make you feel good??

Ahhhh!!! I love it.

I think you get the point. Never give up. Good things happen whether they're what we thought they'd be or something completely different. There are blessings all over the place.

The end.

LJ

PS - Alison has her own blog. She is an amazing knitter (I'm jealous) and cook...and she has all sorts of great things so say. So check it out: http://www.lepetithibou.blogspot.com

Sweet Home Alabama

I think that I might be magnet for strange people. Weird things happen to me all the time. And, granted, sometimes this is my fault. I'm not sure I'm good with reactions. One time, a guy at the apartment complex I used to live in saw me getting out of my car and came up to me. He asked me if I'd wanna get a drink with him that night. Other than the fact that I'd never met or seen this guy before in my life, I suppose this wasn't too out of the ordinary. But I didn't know how to respond. I feel like saying "no, thanks," is kinda mean. So, instead, I just turned around and walked to my apartment with no response at all. I can't believe I did that. The poor guy asked me a question and I just walked away and ignored him completely. In that instance, I would be the strange, awkward one.


This past weekend I went with Eric Vinson and the Vinyls down to Madison, Alabama to play a street festival. It was quite an ordeal even getting into the place because by the time we arrived all the streets were blocked off. So we couldn't get the trailer anywhere near the stage. As we were standing around trying to come up with a plan of action, I heard someone say "Hey, Lindsey," behind me. Thinking it must be someone I knew (since they knew my name), I turned around excitedly only to find a strange man with a huge lizard on his shoulder. He got the lizard about 5 inches from me and started swinging the lizard tail in my face. I was so surprised that I'm almost 100% positive I made a really awkward sound. Some kind of a screech, I would imagine. I just know I was so caught off guard that I did not play it especially cool. I realize this is kinda one of those "you had to be there" sort of things, but please trust me. This was so weird. Eric and the other guys kept talking about it all day. They all agree it was one of the strangest human interactions they've ever seen. Despite that, though, the festival turned out to be a huge success.

I had searched for venues to play in Alabama and I found a "Top 10 Things To Do In Alabama" list. The Madison Street Festival was on it. They were so sweet and generous to us. So thank you, Madison. We really did love your festival, lizards and all. Oh, and there was one booth in particular that caught my eye. It had a huge sign that read, "Are You A Good Person Or A Bad Person? Take This Simple Test And Get A Free Souvenir." I'm sad I did not take that test because I still don't know the answer :) And I really would have liked a free souvenir. Maybe next time. I wish we'd had more time to walk around but we had to get back to good 'ole Nashvegas in a hurry.


In other news, I've met some new friends that I'd like to introduce you to. Farewell Flight. They are an awesome band and you need to hear them. Don't forget!

That's all for now. I need to keep better track of all the strange things that happen to me. Does anyone else feel like they attract weirdness??

Home Is Where The Art Is Tour (Part II)

I mentioned earlier that I was heading to Charleston, SC and Atlanta, GA for two shows on the Home Is Where The Art Is Tour with Jessica Campbell. It was a great trip - we met so many great people. I found out that Charleston is where "The Notebook" was filmed, which made my day. I was re-enacting scenes in my mind the whole time :) I felt just like Rachel McAdams.

Here are a few pictures from the shows - I'll add more as I get them!

Jessica and I with our host in Charleston, SC

Jessica and I on the front porch of the Iverson's in Atlanta, GA

Desperate Need of Laughter

I'm sorry. I apologize. I haven't had much to blog about lately. But I'm in need of a few laughs, so I thought I would share a few of my funnier moments as of late. Maybe you'll laugh, too.

Yesterday, I was hired to lead worship for a womens' retreat in Kansas City. It was a bit colder in KC than I had originally thought it would be, so even though I had brought a casual dress to wear for the day I opted for a pair of jeans, some gold flip flops and a normal top. I suppose that when the word "retreat," pops into my head that I think of a somewhat informal event. I walked into the womens' "retreat," yesterday morning and EVERYONE was wearing a dressy suit along with pantyhose and high heels. And then there was me in my jeans and flip flops. Oh my gosh. I was so embarrassed. I felt so out of place and so unprofessional. I considered apologizing, but decided that it would be better just to own it. So that's what I did. I rocked those jeans and flip flops :)

This might make you smile. A few weeks ago I was hanging out with my favorite 7 year old, Tessa. We were sitting in the car and I was talking to her older sister. Out of nowhere, Tessa blurted out, "SEXY." Her sister and I stopped our conversation. "What did you say," I asked? "SEXY," Tessa said again. Huh. So I asked her what she thought that meant. "It's when you eat chocolate and watch movies." Right on, Tessa. Right on. I love kids. They say the best things.

I always ask Tessa and her sister Coco, "what is the funniest thing you've done today?" If someone asked me that question, I would tell them about my little clothing mishap from yesterday. So, since I'm in need of laughter, I am going to pose that question to you. What is the funniest thing you've done or experienced today?

I Made It!!

If you go back to the first blog post I ever created, I mentioned that I was training for a 1/2 marathon. Well. I did it! My good friends, Ryan and Rebekah Mitchell and I drove up to Virginia Beach for Labor Day weekend and ran the "Rock'N'Roll Virginia Beach 1/2 Marathon." 13.1 miles. We got up at 4am on Sunday (September 6) and made our way to the starting line. My official time was 2:29:29, which was about fifteen minutes better than how I thought I'd do. I'm not fast!! That's about an 11 minute mile for anyone who's doing the math. But the important part is that I finished and ran the whole time. And I didn't die or pass out (and unfortunately, that happens sometimes...haha...remeber the Great Wall of China incident also from the first post?).

Ryan's sister, Keri, lives in Virginia Beach with her family and she was kind enough to host us along with all the Mitchells. Eight of the ten Mitchell clan ran the 1/2 marathon! And of the two that didn't run, Aileen is three, and her dad Luke needed to take care of her.



All in all it was an amazing experience and I'm so happy I did it. Nevermind that I am walking around like an 80 year old woman. Hopefully, I'll get over that.

In other great news, I sang on the new Josh Wilson ep, "Life Is Not A Snapshot," on the song "Right In Front Of Me," a few months ago. The ep released TODAY!!! Josh is a great Christian artist and he's a wonderful person, too. If he comes to your town, you should see him! But, regardless, you should go buy it. You won't regret it.

Hope all is well!!!

Home Is Where The Art Is

I just found out today that I am hitting the road for a couple of unexpected dates at the end of a tour. This is a great opportunity and I am very excited. So if you live in Charleston, SC or Atlanta, GA you are in luck. I am coming to your city!! Details are TBA. This is what I know for now. I am traveling with Nashville singer/songwriter Jessica Campbell and she is awesome. I am honored.

The Charleston show is the evening of Thursday, September 17 and the Atlanta show is the evening of Friday, September 18.

This is all part of the Home Is Where The Art is tour, which benefits local homeless organizations in the cities where we're playing. Check out the website to see if the tour is stopping in your city (without me).

What To Do When You're With Friends You Love

Today I'm reporting from Pigeon Forge, TN. I'm hanging out with one of my best friends from college, Tiffany. And laughing is our favorite thing to do together. I have a show tonight in Knoxville, so I had gotten my guitar out to practice and Tiffany and I ended up writing this song. We think it was meant to be written. It just kept evolving. And it's pretty awesome. Just to warn you, we have not taken showers or gotten off the couch all day long.




Why Don't I Know
By: Lindsey Jones and Tiffany Spears
8.29.09

I thought I knew once
I thought I knew twice
But then I asked for everyone's advice

I thought I knew then
Why don't I know now
I don't feel like a human, I just feel like a cow

Moooooooo
I feel like a cow, I feel like a cow
I feel like a cow, like a big, brown cow

Don't feel like a dog
Don't feel like a cat
I feel like a cow, so what you think about that

It's the size of my thighs
It just messes with my brain
Don't you think I'm insane
Like a mad cow
Mad Cow Disease

Mooooooooo
I feel like a cow, I feel like a cow
I feel like a cow, like a big, brown cow
Swine flu, I ain't got it, I got the Mad Cow Disease
Like a Mad Cow
I feel like a cow

Up In The Air (Part II)

I told you it would happen and it did. You can read my previous blog if you're wondering what I'm talking about. But I got together yesterday with the other half of “This & That” (www.thisandthatmusic.com), Mr. Eric Vinson, and we wrote “Up In The Air.” I can’t wait for you to hear it. I’ve attached the lyrics and a scratch version of the song – we just recorded it really quickly after we finished writing so that we wouldn’t forget it. Don’t expect a great quality recording. You’ll get the gist of it. And I love it.

Up In The Air - Lindsey Jones and Eric Vinson


Up In The Air
Lindsey Jones and Eric Vinson (8.25.09)

I was high, drifting away on a cloud
Unaware the only way out was down
I fell with the rain as it poured all the way to the ground
And all I’m left with is

Everything so up in the air
And I can’t take it
I either need to learn how to fly
Or how to fake it well
So no one can tell

I second guess every step that I take
Just in case you might be looking my way
What a mess that you and my happiness make
And all I’m left with is

Everything so up in the air
And I can’t take it
I either need to learn how to fly
Or how to fake it well
So no one can tell

Looking through windows
So I can watch everyone else (everybody else)
But I need a mirror
So I can start seeing myself

Everything’s so up in the air
And I can’t take it
I either need to learn how to fly
Or how to fake it well
So no one can tell (I don’t want to fake it)


I’d love to hear your thoughts!!

Up In The Air

This is the theme of my life: Up In The Air. I need to write a song about this. Actually, now that I’ve thought it out loud I have no choice. I’m going to. So wait for it. Coming soon…

I spend so much time thinking about all the things that are going wrong with my life that I forget to breathe – and I just get so overwhelmed. I forget I’m not the one in control. And I forget that I’m not going to screw everything up. I don’t think I have been given that much power. But life and decisions feel so big sometimes. And I have a hard time trusting my God-given abilities and instincts. I have ESPECIALLY hated making decisions as of late. I would much rather someone tell me what to do so I can go on people-pleasing and avoid the responsibility that I, and only I, have to live MY life well.

I was telling my friend Betsy last week that I had been given an opportunity that I wasn’t sure about…until another one of my friends reassured me that she thought it was a good idea. So, because this friend felt good about it, I decided it was ok for me to feel good about it. Betsy was honest with me that she didn’t think I should do something just because someone else thought I should. I know she’s right. But if Betsy’s right that means I have to make my own decisions and I don’t want to! Is this what it means to be a grown-up? If so I’m moving back in with my parents (haha).

My friend, Kim, sent me a book last week, “Secrets of the Secret Place,” by Bob Sorge. It has been just what I needed. Here’s a short passage from the chapter on making decisions:

“Those who make decisions based on external data become thermometers of society: Their lives reflect the natural forces that shape their destiny. But those who make decisions based upon what they see in God become thermostats of society: They influence their world through the forcefulness of bringing divinely received initiatives to bear upon this earthly sphere. Intimacy precedes insight. Passion precedes purpose. First comes the secret place, then comes divine guidance. God doesn’t simply want to get you on the right path, He wants to enjoy you throughout the journey. He doesn’t want you to find His will and then take off running, leaving Him in the dust.”

I’d rather be a thermostat than a thermometer. I’d rather be making the decisions that God directs me to make than the ones that society tells me to. I want to change the world. I don’t just want to fit into it. So if any of you want to tell me how I can do that, I’d really appreciate it. JUST KIDDING. Well, actually, I’m not kidding. But I am. But I’m not…

First Music Video Ever

Wow. I just got online to check my email and discovered I was tagged in a video on Facebook!! Please watch this. It made my entire day :)

http://www.facebook.com/n/?video/video.php&v=111682549190&mid=f51714G20855deGe1dfc8G1d

Connection Cafe

Every so often I have a show that excedes my expectations. I have been lucky to have a lot of those lately! Last week Eric Vinson and I played at the Connection Cafe in Brentwood, TN. We met a guy named Joe Henricks, an awesome local photographer, and he took some great pictures. Thank you, Joe. You can check out his website at: http://photojoeblog.blogspot.com/

And don't forget to download our newest 3 song ep for FREE - This & That.

I'm Ready To Eat

I was doing my morning reading this morning and when I looked up Lilly was staring at me from across the table. "Mom, where's my food?" I added the plate and utensils. But, she's cute. Am I right?

Does this take the award for my shortest blog ever?

Tomato Fest

I promised. I am following through. I said I'd let you know how it was. The Tomato Festival in East Nashville was FANTASTIC. I hate to say it but I kinda felt like I was in Kansas City. KC always has these wonderful events like the Plaza Art Fair and the Westport one...and the First Friday events....and I was so proud of Nashville for the Tomato Fest. It made me feel like home. Turns out it was less about tomatoes and more about supporting local visual artists and music and restaurants and all things organic (not that I care too much about organic stuff). I had a KILLER hot dog. Next time you're in East Nashville you should stop at "I Dream of Weenie." You won't be disappointed. I'm not sure if I mentioned this in an earlier blog, but ever since I went to Tampa this past June I have been obsessed with hot dogs. I love them. Why have I deprived myself of this pleasure for so long? I had hot dogs again for dinner tonight (Hebrew National 97% Fat Free All Beef Hot Dog...it has all the goodness of a regular one). Yummy!

Another treat from the Tomato Festival - the Pied Piper Creamery. It's a local East Nashville ice cream shop. They have the most creative flavors. I am not usually a fan of chocolate ice cream, but they had a flavor called "hot chocolate," and it was chocolate ice cream with cayenne pepper. Love it. Love cayenne pepper. Maybe I'll start putting that on my hot dogs.

I will leave you with two last thoughts:

1. Honesty is so freeing.
2. Do not go see "The Ugly Truth." This is NOT a chick flick. NOT a chick flick. The previews are deceptive. Save your money. Or actually, spend it. Just go see "Julie and Julia" instead.

Julia & Julie & Nicole

Yesterday I went with my amazing friends, Sam and Jess Tinnesz to see "Julia & Julie." Or maybe it's called "Julie & Julia." I can't remember. I do remember thinking that whichever the order of the names in the title goes, I thought it should have been the other way around. And now they both sound fine to me. So I can't remember. Regardless, I would like to highly recommend this movie. It was written and either produced or directed by Nora Ephron, who actually just wrote a book that I just finished reading ("I Feel Bad About My Neck"), so I'm realizing that I'm a big Nora Ephron fan. She is also responsible for "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless In Seattle." But men, don't be worried...I don't think this is a chick flick.

I found myself really relating to the Julie character. There's this scene in the beginning of the movie where she's sitting at a table with a few of her girlfriends and it is so clear that her life has not gone the way she's intended it to. You need to go see the movie for yourself, but I'm not giving it away when I say that she finally finds something she's passionate about, which is cooking her way through a Julia Child cookbook. So the entire movie I kind of found myself thinking I should do the same thing. Which is not gonna happen. Twelve hours later I've come to my senses and realized that this could not and should not be where I focus myself. But it was nice to think about for awhile. And actually, Jess and I talked about maybe cooking our way through a cookbook together...but just once a week. Wouldn't that be fun? Am I old? I feel like that's something that old people do. My mom (who is NOT old) and her friend Shawn are taking two cooking classes next week and I am jealous. Maybe I need to hop on the bandwagon.

But this was my favorite part of last night's entertainment (besides the good company of my friends): Nicole Kidman. She sat right in front of us at the movie. I mean, this lady could have gone to the premier if she'd wanted to. But she chose to see it with me instead. I see country stars all the time...I've even seen Keith Urban...and I'm just not that impressed anymore. But I've always wanted to see a movie star. And my dream came true and it totally lived up to my expectations. She was everything I thought she'd be and more. You know how sometimes in pictures her skin looks so tight that she looks full of botox? She doesn't look like that in person - she looks absolutely gorgeous and youthful. And normal. I'm happy to report that Nashville must be an awesome place for a star to live because not ONE person stopped her during the movie or on her way out to her car for an autograph. I would know because I followed her out.

Nicole and I should really be friends. We have a lot in common. We're both really pale. We're both over Tom Cruise. We've both been to Australia. I like people with Australian accents. And we've both had an insane crush on Keith Urban at one point or another (I'm sorry to say she won). Maybe I'll talk to her the next time I see her and just pretend I don't know who she is :)

Well I'm off for the day. This should be a beautiful Saturday with friends. I think I'm going to the Tomato Festival. And if you're wondering what that is, I'm not sure, so I'll let you know.

My Latest And Greatest Thing

Hi! Ok, so I realize it's been awhile since I've blogged. And this is why: July was pretty tame. I was so busy this past spring that I didn't have a ton of time to book any shows and as a result my adventures were few. Not that it was completely unblogworthy. Yes, I just made that word up.

I know I haven't blogged in awhile because I've been told by SEVERAL people that I need to step it up. What I don't understand is why I didn't even know these people read my blog in the first place. I've been under the impression that I only had 7 followers and no one would care (though I now see I have 11) if I got a little lax with the updates. SO I'm asking you to step it up now. If you read. Commit. Follow me!

For some reason, and I have no idea why, all this typing has made me think about someplace I really meant to go this past week. Blanc Burgers. I am craving a delicious peppercorn burger. Shoot! I have been to Kansas City twice in the past two weeks and I would have to say Blanc was a major highlight of the first trip. To all you Kansans I would highly recommend this joint. I was determined to make it there again on the second trip. But, alas, I forgot. My loss.

I really love food, you guys. I'm just sitting here thinking about all the great food I consumed in KC. And when people come to Nashville I get so excited to take them to my favorite restaurants here. Meals can be such an event. I just love it. And I love the friends and family that I get to share these experiences with. I'm so full of love right now :) Or should I say I'm full on love? Haha. Get it? Yes, I am aware that I'm not very funny.

Everytime I go to KC I feel such a pull to stay. It is home. I think it will always be home. I can't imagine it any other way. I wish it were possible to split my time between two cities. Do you think if I moved to KC that I'd feel the same way about Nashville? My mom told me this week that I really remind her of the latest Bachelorette, Jillian Harris, which is the ULTIMATE complement for me because I truly believe that Jillian and I could be best friends. And one of my mom's reasons is that Jillian is completely ruled by her emotions. Yes, that is me. 100% me. I can't seem to separate the truth from the way I feel about the truth. And there is a difference :) But if being the way I am finds me a hunk like Ed (Jillian's new fiance), then I will be ok. All that to say...that right now, at this exact moment, if I'd allow myself to follow my emotions I would have my things already packed and I'd be 1/2 way back to Kansas City right now. But I know Nashvegas is the place for me.

Well, that's enough about Kansas. I could go on for days.

This is my LATEST AND GREATEST THING. My good friend Eric Vinson and I have been writing together for awhile now and everytime we write we come up with something fantastic. It's impossible for us to do otherwise. So we decided to release a 3 song EP of our music. We are calling ourselves "This and That," and you can download this EP for FREE (YES FREE!!!!) at www.thisandthatmusic.com - What are you waiting for? Go now! This link will send you to a site called "noisetrade," which was started by Derek Webb. All you have to do to get it for free is to give 5 friends' email addresses...but I promise you that these friends will get ONE email saying "I downloaded this EP and you should too." And that is it. They will not be added to a mailing list and they will not start getting annoying spam emails. I pinky promise. If you don't want to do that, you can pay what you want for the music. So I'm pretty sure you could pay $1.00. Whatever. Just get it. 'Cause I really think you will love it. Go to:

www.thisandthatmusic.com

Well, that's all for now. I hope to have an amazing revelation for you all soon.

Oh, but I will leave you with this thought. I am going to help you avoid a mistake I made this morning. If you're thinking about going to the airport in a cute outfit that involves a large belt (that is not only nice to look at but is also necessary for holding things in place), think again. The security guard will make you take it off and everyone will have to wait for you to squeeze it through the belt loops that were much too small for such a large belt to begin with...and then you will realize that everyone can see your underwear and you will be praying very hard that you can make it past the metal detector without your pants falling. Please think about this the next time you go to the airport. It will save you a lot of stress and a lot of embarrassment. Just a suggestion.

Songs of Love

If you've ever heard me say "I've gotta go write a Song of Love," hopefully you've known what I meant and didn't think I was going off to write some love song for no one or maybe someone :) But if you don't know about this organization, I want to take a minute to tell you about it because it is very dear to me. And there are ways you can help. There is nothing more special to me than getting a letter from a child or a parent thanking me for their son or daughter's song...and there is nothing more heartbreaking than getting a letter informing me that their child never made it to hear his/her song. Songs of Love is amazing - and if you can personally help or know of someone that might be in need of a song, please let me know!!!

Check out Songs of Love on the internet.

The Songs of Love Foundation is a non-profit organization that creates free personalized songs for ailing children. Professional songwriters from all over the country (and the world) write, perform and produce more than 250 original songs every month. Our songwriters perform songs in any style ranging from hip-hop to heavy metal, pop to classical, with lyrics based on the interests of each child and the loving people in that child’s life. Children of all ages (up to and including 21) who are currently battling a serious illness are eligible to receive a song, free of charge.

Every child is unique and so is every "song of love" composition. In 13 years, the Songs of Love Foundation has written songs for more than 19,000 children in hospitals throughout the country and the world. The songs alleviate pain and trauma during painful and scary hospital treatments. Song recipients play their "songs of love" in all kinds of situations and settings such as car trips to the hospital, show and tell at school, for family and friends, and even for the doctors and nurses.

There are many ways to help this unique and innovative children’s charity. Through its vehicle donation program, CARS (Children Are Receiving), folks across the country can donate their car, boat, or other vehicle in order to help further the organization’s mission of music. Donated vehicles are fully tax-deductible as allowed by law.

For more information on donating your car, boat or other automobile, you can visit www.songsoflove.org/cardonation or call toll-free, 1-888-909-SONG (7664).

Each child’s “song of love” costs the charity approximately $250 to create, though the Songs of Love Foundation also accepts cash donations in any amount. The $250 covers the cost to produce the song, as well as all administrative and office tasks involved in delivering each song to the child it was written for.

To make a cash donation, you can visit www.songsoflove.org/donation or call toll-free, 1-800-960-SONG (7664).

To request a song, you can visit http://www.songsoflove.org/profilesheet.html or call 1-800-960-SONG (7664) to request a profile sheet in the mail.

Fifth Member of The Four Kicks

So. I am obsessed with the band called THE FOUR KICKS. If you read my blog regularly, you will recognize their name because I have mentioned them before. Anyway, they were in the studio today and I was, once again, amazed by their amazingness. So I asked if there would be any way I could join their band. They told me that if I'd grow a beard like Josh Smith (see below) that I could be the 5th member. So, I did it.

What do you think?????? Does it suit me?

You Can't Take Away

I have exciting news. My good friends, MIKESCHAIR, have just released their first cd with Curb Records TODAY (July 14, 2009). Everyone needs to buy it. You may have heard their first single on the radio. It is called "You Can't Take Away," which is also the name of the album - but really, you just need to buy the whole cd. I went to Target to buy it this afternoon and it was sold out! It is available on iTunes, but you can buy a hard copy at Target or Lifeway...or probably anywhere else that sells cds for that matter. It is an exciting day for my friends and I'm so happy. And they are so talented and sweet and deserving!


One more thing, you might want to listen to "Keep Changing The World." I may or may not be singing on that song. I'm just saying. (hint, hint)


If you don't want to take my word for it, you can check out this review:
http://www.ccmmagazine.com/reviews/music/11605980/

Can't Believe I Got Through The Week

If you happened to catch my status update this past Sunday it read, "bad day = need new tires on brand new car, took dog to vet for allergic reaction, spilled coffee on computer and now it doesn't work."

Let me explain. My sweet friends Rebekah and Laura and I decided to roadtrip to Dallas to try out for American Idol this past week. Eric really wanted me to get my tires rotated before I left and I also needed to get my oil changed, so I found a coupon for Goodyear tire that was for both of those things for $19.99. Good deal, I thought.

So Tuesday morning (and we left for Dallas Tuesday afternoon), I take my car in. My helper-guy is kind of sleezy and insists that I should buy new tires because mine are bald. Yeah right. I bought my car brand new 10 months ago. There is no way I need new tires. He also says he doesn't think he should rotate them. I am determined to not be taken advantage of by this car guy (I always feel like car guys take advantage of girls just because they can and we don't know any better) so I stand my ground and tell him that my boyfriend said it should be done and I want him to do it. End of story. So he does.

Twelve hours later we're in Dallas and my tire pressure light goes on. Luckily, there is a Discount Tire across the street. So we make trip #1. The nice man can't find any nails or anything so he just fills the tires up with air (for free!) and sends me on my way. The light goes off. We park in front of my friend Kristin's house for the day.


That night, when we get home from our day of fun, Kristin's husband Chris informs me that I have a flat tire. He helps me change it to the spare. Actually, he changes it and I watch. And he tells me that he is really glad he can change my tire because it makes him feel "worthless." I laugh. And then he says "I mean...needed." I go to Discount Tire for trip #2 and they patch up my tire (for free!!) and put it back on my car (for free!!!).

We are hungry, so we drive across the parking lot to Chick Fil-A and when I get out of car I hear a "shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh" sound. Sure enough, the newly patched tire is deflating. So I quickly make my way back across the parking lot for Discount Tire trip #3. The nice man, Ben, checks my tire and sees that there is another hole but it is too close to the wall to patch. I had already been informed at trip #1 and #2 that I needed new tires 'cause mine were bald. So at this point I'm believing them. Ben offers to give me a good deal on some new tires but when he realizes that I really can't afford it he decides to be nice and gives me a new-to-me used tire that is in no better and no worse condition than the one I had...except it has no holes in it...FOR FREE!!!!! I'm getting warm and fuzzies about Discount Tire just thinking about them right now!


SO. Day 3 in Dallas. The actual audition day for American Idol. My tire pressure light is back on. Crap. So after we are rejected by American Idol we go across the street for Discount Tire trip #4. Now the OTHER back tire is low. The man says it could be a slow leak but he's not sure so we just need to pay attention. And he airs us up. For free. The light goes off.

Day 4. It's time to drive home. We get 5 hours into our trip and hit a bump. The light goes on again. Laura is a champ and drives us safely off the highway into Walmart. The grossest Walmart I've ever seen. Twilight Zone. We get some more air in the tire and decide to risk our lives to make it to a different tire place. Thankfully, we make it. If Walmart was tire trip #5, than Firestone is tire trip #6. I wish we could have made it to Little Rock to Discount Tire, but that just wasn't going to happen. Now we have new tires and we're gonna make it home just fine. But my car is still only 10 months old. What in the world?? New tires??


Day 5 is Sunday...but it's not really day 5 'cause I'm home. My puppy is scratching her head SO hard that clumps of hair are falling out and she looks like she's bleeding on the top of her head. I know I need to take her to the vet. But I have to go to church first. My tire pressure light goes on AGAIN while I'm on my way to church. I stop off the side of the road and a nice police man helps me check them out. He thinks they're fine. Firestone says the air pressure is good. It must be a problem with the sensor...which is a Nissan issue. So I make a Nissan appointment.

At church (in the green room) I'm researching vets that are open on Sundays to take Lilly to...and the table I'm sitting at gets knocked and my coffee spills onto my computer. A lot of coffee...with cream and sugar. The computer immediately shuts down and I am screwed. It no longer works.

Despite all of this drama, I am not the "Lindsey" I'm used to being. My reactions are much more laid back and relaxed. Maybe I've just finally realized that there isn't anything I can do about these things and God is in control. He knows how it's gonna get better. And it did.

It has gone from the worst day into thanksgiving. All of these things could have stressed me out to no end. But it turns out that Lilly has allergies. Poor thing. Now she's on steroids and I have other things to give her to make her feel better. If I hadn't taken her to the vet she would have continued to suffer.

And my tires: Nissan found that there's something wrong with the sub-frame of my car (an $1,100 replacement) which is, thankfully, covered under my warranty. If that tire pressure light hadn't come on that last time even though my tires were brand new, I never would have known anything was wrong and these new tires would have worn out within 10 months. And, since we can blame it on the sub-frame no one can blame it on my driving (Dad).

As for my computer: I am surrounded my MAC genuises! After being told to air out my computer with a fan for a whole day it just magically works again! Thank you!!!!

I realize this is a long story. But I am so thankful. THANK YOU!!!!!

To see more Dallas pics go to:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2076642&id=34100702&l=4a0030116b

My Life In The Big Leagues

I love thunderstorms...and lightning. I'm enjoying my first night alone in my new home - and I've lived here for close to two months! I'm a planner, so every free moment I have is typically scheduled, which doesn't leave me much free time. I feel like I haven't done anything but sleep here for the past two months, and then every weekend I'm off to a new state to sing for someone or something. Which I love, don't get me wrong. But I'm so happy to be hanging out with myself tonight. I like myself!

So far I've used my free evening to get caught up on what is currently my favorite television show, "The Bachelorette," of course. And I'm pretty upset, I've got to tell you. I can't believe Ed left the show. Willingly. Ed and Kiptyn were my favorites and had my votes to make it to the final two. I hope Ed comes back. Anyone else with me?

I also ate a Hot Pocket (yummy) and cuddled with my dog. She needed it. She's so cute. And now I am uploading a new photo album of some long, overdue pictures which you will soon be able to view on Facebook. Get ready. They're good. You might be in a picture too, you never know unless you look!

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2075735&id=34100702&l=d363bc9d32

This past weekend we (Eric and I) went to visit my best friend, Julianna and her family in Florida. It's so weird to say "family," because I feel like I'm still a teenager most days - and "family" to me means my mom, dad and brother. But Julianna has her own family - a wonderful husband, Ben and now a beautiful baby boy, Zion. I hate that Ben's job takes them away from Nashville (and me) for 8 months out of the year, but that's the way it goes. So it was awesome to get to go and see what the other half of their life looks like. The part that doesn't include me. Haha. I'm serious, though. When Julianna is in town we are together a lot mainly because she is my only friend left that is like me - she doesn't have a real day job.

So. Back to Tampa. Amazing. It was gorgeous. It never rained. I went to the beach three times. I only got in once. I had my first electric go-karting experience. Intense. I'm pretty sure Eric wishes he'd raced with someone a little more competitive. He lapped me three times. Whoops. Julianna gave him a little bit more of a run for his money and even passed him once. That was short-lived. I went to 4 baseball games. We won every game. Ben's face was on the cover of all the programs. AND they started carrying a t-shirt with his name on it for the first time while we were there. When Jules saw it she was an emotional wreck...so exciting. I love the way she loves her husband. Eric and I LOVE little Zion. He is too precious for words. Oh. And I got to experience my first ever fashion show, which I could go to every day for the rest of my life. No
joke.



So I'm thankful for this relaxing evening and for this beautiful storm. It's a great time to reflect on all the ways I've been blessed. And I am VERY blessed. I am so thankful for all the love in my life. Thank you.