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.