Life Is Too Short To Drink Cheap WIne

Merry Christmas to all! And to all, a good night's sleep! I need it dammit!

It's 10:27 PM, Friday, December 25, 2009. I have made it through another Christmas. Does anyone know how terribly hard Christmas is to a Mid-Life Orphan?

Yes, Sir Greg of LaVoi, you do. And thank you so much for the awesome phone call today.

Also, thank you to Kenny and his family, Big Ken, Li'l Mama, Karen, and Zoe.










They invited me to celebrate Christmas with them, and since Zoe is 9 years old, and Christmas is for kids, I was able to lose myself in watching her wonder and amazement at this season of giving. It was very special.

Last night was an amazing Christmas Eve dinner prepared by Li'l Mama,


and this morning , it was up at 8 am and over to Karen and Zoe's for presents. Zoe got Rock Band from "Santa." You know I was happy!


Then this evening, another incredible Christmas dinner. They spoil us kids rotten. And we love it!

After dinner, Pictionary Man. Kenny and I had a mind-meld and won the game with "Thong." Don't ask.


And, for some reason, I got TWO of these glasses for Christmas. Do you think they're trying to tell me "You're a wine connoisseur, Stacey." Or, "You're a wine snob, Stacey."

Or.... "LUSH!"

Oh well, I have two new wine glasses, and they're BIG so I either way, I win.



Then after all the familial awesome-ness, Kenny and I stopped off at Lipstick Lounge for one cocktail (okay, two) and said a brief goodbye (I cried my eyes out) because I'm leaving Nashville tomorrow at around 7 am. You know how they say some people are in your life for a Reason, a Season, or a Lifetime? Well, Kenny is Lifetime. I am so lucky to count him among my chosen family.

Speaking of chosen families, tomorrow, I will be heading back home to California to pick up with my life where I left off.

I am so fortunate, that I have people I love, wherever I go.

My incredible band, Nobody's Station (hi Dave, Greg and John!), will start recording our second album (the first is our demo, now available on iTunes!). I am very excited to get back to them with all my new stories and songs. Hopefully my music lessons have been paying off and they will have a stronger Stacey in the band! One worthy of their talents!

Ringing in the New Year with the band and Friends of Band, and celebrating Mattie's birthday at the same time. Can't wait to sit in Mat and Elena's beautiful home, playing music, eating, drinking, being merry, and catching up on everyone's lives! By the way you guys, prepare my room! I'm sleeping over!

Oh, and Rachel, I need to come over and record using your live piano. Is that alright? I have IDEAS my friend!

Getting back into the swing with a new job. My regular show goes back into production at the end of April, so I needed a show to work on from Jan through April. Have you ever read that book The Alchemist? The moral of that story is "if you go after your heart's desire, the universe will conspire to help you." I sincerely believe that because I have a job from Jan to April. Thank you Eryn and Ryan! I'm right back into hair styling, 5 days after I return home. Wow. I am filled with "Glee!" I am very excited to be a part of this show! And I've already requested the Band Room at lunch.... um... every day.

James and Monte. Get ready for a pretty serious "roommate-thang" during that run!

Looking forward to catching up with all of my friends, and hearing about their holidays.

As of right now, it's 11:12 PM. I'm still battling a weird cold, and I need to be up in 7 hours to hit the road for an 11 hour drive.

I will post blogs on my trip home, and then, goodnight to this chapter.

I love life!

JACK OF ALL TRADES

So about a couple months ago, while I was visiting Nashville for one week in October, Kenny and I saw a preview for a movie called Avatar. I was instantly hooked and couldn't wait for it to be released so we could see it together at the IMAX. Then I found out it was James Cameron....

WHO CARES?

Finally feeling like a human being again after 6 days prostrate and prone on the delightful sofabed, I made it out of the house with Kenny and we headed to Opry Mills.

Kenny and I got a huge tub of popcorn, two bottles of water, donned our 3D glasses, and entered the amazing IMAX. How will I ever watch a movie any other way again?

I don't want to give anything away here, but, people, run, don't walk, to the nearest IMAX, and see this film. No, no, EXPERIENCE this story. We were both so sad when it was over. It's just that incredible.

Now, I thought this came straight from JC's imagination, and so I had to give it up to him. Props man. Props. But Kenny found out that Avatar was a cartoon first. So now I've got to find it and check it out.

Then last night, I was invited by the cool Donnie Hillaker to play a half hour set at a place called Pope's, where I'd never been before, and I wasn't sure how I'd do, because while I was sick I didn't practice or play at all. But a half hour set? Hell yeah! Kenny came with me thankfully because the place was pretty much empty except a few regulars sidled up to the bar, most of whom were not interested in me at all. I took my own microphone just to be safe, and my set consisted of, "Christmas In July," "Belle of the Ball," "Flawed," "Out Of My Reach," "One Day," and "Tonight." I actually messed up on Out of My Reach, and couldn't get back in line. I stopped. I stopped and started over! I've never done that before. Usually I fake through it because no one knows my songs, they wouldn't know if I was faking or not. I just couldn't get out of it successfully. So that was a bummer. But the rest went pretty okay. I also made a video of the whole set, which, when I tried to upload it, I found out the file was corrupted. Naturally.

Then I went to Douglas Corner for my last time this trip, just to see who was there and listen. I didn't plan on playing. But when I got there, Jack greeted me and said I might be able to play. He was right. So I was the 4th person in the final round of the night, with Jack, which was very poetic, because I'm gonna miss that little guy! I played "One Day," and "Tonight," because my guitar was already tuned for those two songs (DADGAD), and I didn't have time to retune. I sang my little heart out and said farewell to Donnie who runs the sound there, and Rhonda who makes a great Elixir, and the singer/songwriters I've met during Nashville Open Mic Nights, November and December, 2009. I won't be singing out again this trip, as I'm gonna hang with Kenny and his family for the holidays and pack and get ready for my three-day road trip back home. So I ended on a high note "La La Laaaaaaaaaa!"

I will miss Nashville.

That's SICK!

Haven't been able to convince myself to get on the computer for about 5 days. Woke up Wednesday feeling like complete crap, and it just went downhill from there. Friday finally went to the doctors and got medicine and instructions to rest. So, Dr. Kenny brought me DVDs and gatorade and I've been a sofabed potato ever since.

Today is Sunday and I'm starting to feel a little better, thankfully.

So I thought I'd post a few things I forgot to post earlier.

GUITAR-B-QUE:

This super cool guy, Don, has one every month. I somehow got invited to this one! Here are a couple photos of what I'm talking about:





Such a great night. Just music music music, and then, a little more music. I seriously loved this. I hope when I come back to Nashville, I can attend another one!

That was last Saturday. I wrote a blog about my fantastic Monday already, then Tuesday Kenny took me to a Predator's game.


We learned a bunch of the local chants. So you know that song, "Dr. Whoooo... Hey!" Right? Here's how you sing it at a Predator's game in Nashville:

"Dr. Whoooo... Hey! You suck!
Dr. Whoooo... Hey! You suck!
Dr. Whoooo... Hey! You suck!
We're gonna beat the crap outta you!
You!
You!
Gonna beat'cher Momma too!"

When in The Athens of the South... I guess...

We had a great time, I ate a cup o' fries and although I thought I would want to drink a beer out of a plastic cup, I didn't really feel like it. Little did I know I was going to be sick the next morning!

After the game, Kenny went home (he had to work in the morning) and I went to Douglas Corner Cafe, just in time to hear my friend Justin sing a new song Boomerang, and to be in the second to the last round.

I sang two brand spankin' new songs, "One Day," and "Tonight." Did pretty okay considering I was about to become deathly ill!

If you want to check out any of the performances by the cool Nashville peeps I keep raving about, I have posted them, with their permissions, on my YouTube channel.

http://www.youtube.com/user/staceykblack

Check them out. I have posted, Craig Waller, Rock Marcello, Adam Stone, Shashi Light, and Justin VanSant. I may post one of my own but first I have to get a good video of myself. It may not happen people!

I'm off to my favorite new place in Nashville, the sofabed in my rental house. What a bummer that I'm sick my last week here. Hopefully I will be all rested up and ready for work when I get home. Sheesh.

Gonna go watch Apollo 13 now because I have never seen it. Can you imagine?

Hope you all are having a great pre-holiday. See you soon!

I DO Like Mondays! Whattaya know!?

Yesterday was pretty awesome all the way around.

My day started with a Writers Room at ASCAP. I booked the piano room for 4 hours and spent from 9 am til 1 pm playing the piano and transposing three of my songs so I can play them on the piano now too. Yes.... I need to get a really good keyboard. I think a piano is too big of a dream right now... sigh...

Then I ran some errands, freaked out over my dwindling bank account for a good solid hour, and got ready to hit The Bluebird Cafe. I thought I would sign up and get my raincheck ticket for a guarantee the next time I go, and hang around and listen to some of my friends sing. I was not disappointed. Craig and Rock were there, signed up to play, and Shashi was in my boat, just getting her golden ticket to use next Monday. Jack and few others as well. Then, Barbara the hostess, informed us that they would be closed next Monday. I swear my heart dropped. Because I'm leaving to go back to California before the Monday following that and so I wouldn't be playing at the Bluebird again until next year (because I do plan on coming back).

But, I still had a night of great music to look forward to. Rock and Craig played, and Adam was there, and I got some great videos that I will post on YouTube sometime today or tomorrow (with their kind permissions of course). Then at the end of the Open Mic, there was still time left so Shashi and I were able to play one song each. I thought to myself, "Self? This is your last time to play at the Bluebird this year, this trip, maybe forever! Don't blow it! Don't be so freakin' nervous!" But there's just something about that place. I was shaking in my boots alright. If I post the video of me, you'll see what I mean. I may not though. I have my pride!

I seriously did not expect to play so I didn't even bring my guitar! Craig the gentleman that he is offered his and it sounded way better than I did.

Then, I left The Bluebird and saw that one of my hubcaps was missing! What the hell is that all about? I don't think hubcaps just fall off, do they? They must be removed! That freaked me out a little! But not enough to keep me from going to Pick's with a few of the Bluebird crowd for a laid-back Open Mic jam session. We do four songs each there, and for some reason I wasn't nervous. Sure, NOW I'm not nervous.

Whatever.

I took a few videos of other people, then my memory card was full, so no video of my own performance from Pick's. But here's a photo (with Shashi's guitar).

Justin and Mike were there at Pick's, both of whom I seriously dig. Very sweet guys and talented songwriters. I know when I come back to Nashville next year, they are going to be hugely successful. I hope everyone I've met is!

Here is Shashi doing one of her beautiful soothing songs.

And Cowboy Slim with Marceia.

This guy kept hitting on me. What is going on with the young puppies these days? He was 27, a chef on tour with some gospel group, and staying at the hotel in which Pick's is located. Throwing back the Jagermeister and Budweiser, and being very funny and charming...(eek, not charming... I hate that shit...) not taking no for an answer.

When I informed him I could have seriously given birth to him (I would have been in high school but it's been known to happen people), I thought for sure he would be deterred.

Not a chance. I am just too hot.

Flattered? Yes I was.

Tempted? Hell no!

I kept telling him it would be too much like pedophilia, and mamma don't play that. I kept calling him an embryo. He wasn't going anywhere. Then my new friend Tony came to my rescue.

Anyone else think he looks like someone I used to know? But Tony is more of a man, while the "one he resembles" was more like... Satan? Haha!

Tony is super talented and has this great song that I predict will go to #1 for some lucky recording artist.

So, at the end of this Monday, I had done so many cool things, memories I will treasure, and it all ended with Tony rescuing me from the Horny Toddler at Pick's Honkytonk.

Hmmm... do I smell a new country song a'brewin'?

Ooops! I missed a blog! Sorry Kathie!

I thought I posted a blog about my visit from Kathie, but I can't find it so I must have dreamt it! So this is out of order, but still worth a read!

Oh, and thanks to Kathie for some of these photos!!!

Anyway, Kathie and I have known each other for about... well.. let's say since kindergarten it doesn't matter how long that is. Haha. We went all through school until high school graduation. She now lives in Indiana and it's a 5 hour drive to Nashville so she graciously came to visit!

Kathie brought her yearbooks, which I always appreciate because mine were ruined in a flood years ago. So we listened to 80's music and went through the yearbooks and checked for people on facebook. Geeked right out. Yes we did. It was so much fun! I found an ex bf on fb, omg I was LOL he looked so different I was like, WTF?

....... but I digress...

We had a great time. I dragged Kat to Joe's Crab Shack of course, and karaoke at Lonnie's Western Room where I sang Carrie Underwood's "Before He Cheats."

I sang it BADLY... that's a hard song peeps!

Then we trolled Broadway and honkytonk-hopped for the rest of the night.

I was going to take her to open mic, but it's not for everyone, I understand that. If you're not into songwriters, and you have to sit through 15 of them just to listen to your friend sing her two little songs, it can get boring for some people, and I wanted her to have fun!

So we went to The Stage, Tootsies, and Full Moon. There was this amazing guy playing upright slap bass and singing lead vocals. I was mesmerized, so naturally I had to go tell him how awesome he was. His response? "Great thanks! Now put some money in the tip jar!"

And I certainly did! He was incredible.

Then, Kathie got hit on by someone I seriously thought played Beaver Cleaver. Not kidding.

And I cozied up to another unavailable guy. When will I ever learn?

The next morning I took Kat to the Y as my guest. I did my hard Saturday Zumba class and she worked out in the gym. Then we went to the Vandy School Store so she could get her glass for her growing collection, and we visited The Parthenon.

Because Nashville is the Athens of the South. Did you know that? This is why!

That night we took Kenny to dinner at a little Italian place downtown, then went back to my rental house and drank wine and watched some videos and yes, I went through the yearbooks some more I can't help it!

Next morning before Kathie left to go home, we ate breakie at the Pancake Pantry. It's like Pink's hotdogs in LA, because you have to wait in a long-ass line to get in. But unlike Pink's, the food here was totally worth the wait! Sweet potato pancakes with cinnamon cream syrup.

Shut. Up.

Oh, and just in case you're wondering about The Parthenon thing??? Don't bring your skateboard.

WHORE!

Well, it was inevitable. It was bound to happen sooner or later. I went to a songwriter's night last night, and I got up and left before I played my two little folk songs. I thought it would be the perfect place for me, I mean, look at that stage!!

Huge room, great acoustics, but I just couldn't shake the feeling that it was all wrong. For me. And, I was there for 2 hours, I seriously gave it a chance. I think it was all the smoke again. I can't take it!

Anyway, I am gaining a new appreciation for Country and Western music, I really am. Don't laugh, I am! I don't mean that commercial pap that's out there on terrestrial radio, I mean the real deal from real songwriters with hearts. I'm digging it. But last night? Every song I heard was about drinking and manipulating stupid loose girls into gettin' in on, and how Jesus loves it when you do all those things as long as you know you're going to be with him at the Pearly gates throwing back the Jack and Coke when your time comes. Oh, and be sure to bring him a chick too. According to most, he likes the cheap ones. Am I going to Hell for this blog post? Maybe. But at least they'll have some decent damn Chardonnay there!

Speaking of whores, I've always considered myself guilty of certain whore-ish behavior. For example, if I'm home in Cali, and someone calls me to work, and I'm available but I've SWORN to myself I'm gonna take some time off? I'll take the job. Every time.

Whore.

Here in Nashville, a stage is a stage! Another chance to get my songs heard! When I went to Idle Hours the first time, I thought I'd leave, but after 5 minutes I knew I was staying and playing, and that place now holds a special place in my heart.

Whore.

Last night? I tried to stay at ______________. I toughed it out for a long time, and when the drunk girl got up and started warbling about her dead dog while trying to balance on her stiletto boots, and the crowd was cheering some sporting event on the TV, and I couldn't see a foot in front of my face for all the smoke in the air, and they didn't have Chardonnay!!!!!!???? I got up and marched out of there with my head held high. Plus, I was freakin' tired.

Not a whore! Whew!

I left the establishment (which I won't name because everyone was seriously super nice, I'm just ripping because it's fun but I don't want to give them a bad name), and the frigid air hit me full in the face. It was awesome! Clean and crisp and yes, cold, but I could breathe! Hallelujah!

So, I trotted on home and worked on some songs of my own about throwing back the Chardonnay and manipulating stupid buff guys into gettin' it on.

Whore!

BIG WOMEN

Hello from Music City! Or, I should probably be starting these blog posts out with, "Dear Diary," shouldn't I? Haha!

It's freaking cold here. I know I'm originally from Michigan, but DAMN! This is ridiculous!

But, it's always warm during open mic and writer's nights! I played at the Commodore Lounge Wednesday open mic, and after I played, the sweet lady (Debbie Champion you rock!) who runs it wanted to schedule me for a featured writer's night (there is a difference between open mic and writer's nights, but it's a real fine line, I'm still figuring all this out). So she opened up her calendar to write me in, and started at February. Yikes. I had to tell her I only have a couple weeks left. She is booked solid until February, but will call if she gets a cancellation before I leave. Bummer, but it still felt great to be asked!

Also met a very cool dude named Sam who asked me to go to Idle Hours on Thursday. I've been there, the super smoky place? Ugh. But hey, why not? So I called the guy who runs it, Donnie, and he put me in a round at 9:30 on Thursday night.

So yesterday, Thursday, was another fun day! 2 1/2 hours of brutal YMCA classes, then open mic at Puckett's in Leiper's Fork, TN (I know!), I sang "Starting to Shake" and "Out of My Reach." The featured band was from Louisiana, called L'Angelus, two sisters and a brother and they were incredible. They're going to be playing in LA in January, hopefully I can make it!

Okay, did my two songs, listened for about another hour, and took off. Went back to Idle Hours, the smokiest bar in all of Nashville, and knew about 15 people there. It was like Cheers. Jack was there. I see him almost every night. Gotta get a good photo of him soon.

So I ran into two guys, Justin and Mike, whom I've seen around. Mike and I were in the same round together with another guy named Jason, I just met him last night. So, Mike is one of those guys I'm always talking about who speaks with no discernible accent, and then when he sings, he's got the thickest accent I've ever heard! That cracks me up! Super talented songwriter, he did a song called "Big Women." Yeeeeeeessssss.... "Big Women." So I was up there on the stage with him (the "stage" being a portion of floor), in front of a big crowd, with a smile kinda slapped on my face. I wasn't sure where the song was going to go. There were some lyrics that kinda... I don't know... made fun of big girls, but the gist of it was that "Big Women know what I need." Complete with twang! Um, so, it wasn't ripping on us biggies, it was a love song to women who, when they dance, "shake in places he's never seen." Whhhhhhhoooooooeeeeewwwww...." I just sat there, tapping my toes, trying not to cringe at the little offensive lyrics, and trying not to gloat during the complimentary lyrics, just trying not to react at all to the song. But COME ON!!!!! So, after he finished, I was the next to sing. I spoke into the microphone, "Okay, I"m doing my next song called "Skinny Guys..." Got a huge laugh, thankfully, and allowed me to blow off a little of what I was feeling. From Mike's point of view, his song is all about loving Big Women. That's awesome. Good for him. It was just a little uncomfortable up there. But that was my problem, not his. He's a cool guy! And, we're singing in a round together again next Thursday. I wonder if I can write that Skinny Guys song by then???

Anyway, I had a great time, sang my most comfortable songs to perform, "Starting to Shake" "Out of My Reach" and "Alive," and stayed until they closed the place listening to every single songwriter. I drank something called "Bud Light Lime," which I actually kind of liked, and got invited to a Guitar-B-Que on Saturday night. Food, drink, songwriters and guitars.

Is this place heaven or what?

HELP ME FIND MY LIGHT

Here I am singing at The Bluebird Cafe, trying not to swallow my own tongue. Man that place makes me nervous, which is why I go back every week. I hope to play there once before I leave without hyperventilating!

Oh, y'all... I love it here so much! Don't get me wrong, I love my life in California, and I miss everyone so much, but I love it here in Nashville too. Well, I guess I just love it no matter where I am but Cali and Nashie are homes to my two biggest passions, Sushi and Soul Food! No, seriously, Music and Movies, and I'm so lucky to experience them both so thoroughly!


I have fallen deeply and desperately in love with the Songwriters here. All of them. It's such a great mixture of poignancy and levity, all different genres, all different styles, but mostly each song is a personal story from the songwriter's own life and man alive, my eyes are open!

Last night I went to my favorite Tuesday venue, Douglas Corner Cafe, and they had the place set up differently than I've seen yet (see above photo), where the writers were sitting in chairs facing each other, with the crowd all around outside the circle. The place was dim, with one light hanging over the writers, so moody, and beautiful. It was intimate, and intense, and the sound was like... angels singing! It was by far my favorite writer's night so far. I had a blast! I sang "One Good Thing," and "Out Of My Reach." Craig and Rock are in that photo (Craig's in the hat, Rock is facing the camera), two of my most favorite dudes I've met here, and I will miss them when I go home!

My amazingly talented vocal coach Missy Johnson from Grand Staff Music School in Franklin, TN, was playing a gig at The Basement last night, which is just down the street from Douglas Corner, so I stepped out for about an hour to hear her play. She had her full band there, and rocked the place off it's foundation. She's one of those little tiny powerhouses, you know what I mean. You can't really see what they're wearing because they are so little, they're too far away from your eyes to make out the details (hello down there! You look great, I think!). Super cute, and a voice that can rattle windows. Such power. She ended her set with one cover, a Led Zepplin song, if that gives you any idea.

Then I ran back to Douglas Corner in plenty of time to sing my songs.

Tonight I'm trying out a new place, The Commodore, the place where Jack told me he thought I was 20.

I can't wait to play there, the lighting must be amazing!!!

HOW OLD ARE YOU?

This may very well be the best day of my life.

So, I have written about one of my new open mic buddies, Jack Frisby, in previous blogs. He's this super cute young guy, who writes wry, funny, poignant songs, one of which is about a friend of his who asked Jack to critique a song, to which Jack's chorus reply is: "It Sucks." You KNOW I love that shit! Anyway, I seem to run into him all over Nashville, and he's the guy who gave me the courage to sing my profanity song, "Please Go," and he's sweet. HOWEVER, tonight, I stopped in a place I haven't been to yet, just to check out the open mic and see if I want to play there. I do, and I will, on Wednesday this week. I was drinking a glass of wine, and I saw Jack. He came over and said, "You can drink? How old are you?" At first, I didn't understand the question, because it sounded like he was inquiring if I was of LEGAL DRINKING AGE....

He was. I know! How cool is that?

He thought I was 20! I'm not kidding, and he wasn't trying to butter me up in any way or hit on me. I am just seriously that youthful! Or childlike. Either way, it's a compliment.

Jack actually IS 20, and I informed him that I am plenty old enough to have given birth to him. Which is true. Sad, but true.

Anyway, that is the story of the greatest day of my life.

Don't hate.

BORDER PATROL

I can't believe I forgot to write about my hiccup at the Canadian border last week! Hey, if anyone thinks the US Border patrol isn't hard on people coming in from Canada, think again!

Okay, so, I was in Canada, I had already entered that country the day before. Thursday, right? And I had commented to my Aunt Carol that I can tell I'm getting older, because as a child, the border guards were adults. They were older than me, authority figures, ADULTS! Now, they're all 20's. 30's, I'm almost 40... haha 42, and so they seem like kids to me. So Friday night on my way to Connie's I was at the check-point to re-enter the US. Of A. You know, where I live? So after examining my driver's license from California, and my license plate, from California, and my United States passport, the ten year-old in the booth asked again "you DROVE here from California?", maybe he thought it was out of the country? I don't know! Anyway, he instructed me to pull over to these other embryos in military style garb with flashlights and other scary-looking paraphernalia hanging off their belts, because they wanted to ask me a few more questions.

I was intrigued as to what it was about me that had them suspicious. But another adventure? I'm up for it! I pulled over and opened my door. The First Boy Border Patrol asked me to come with him, and to leave my belongings in my car. I started to get out, then:

First Boy Border Patrol: "Do you have any money in there?"

Me: "Yes, I have money in my wallet."

First Boy Border Patrol: "Do you have more than ten thousand dollars in your wallet?"

Me: "..............................................................no."

First Boy Border Patrol: "Okay, bring your wallet and come with me."

I looked around at all four Border Boys, then,

Me: "Oh my god you're all just kids!"

Blank, trying for angry stares greeted me.

Me: "What I mean is, I grew up here, right here in Port Huron, in this here city, and would go back and forth to Canada almost every weekend to visit my family, this was 25 years ago, so the border dudes were, you know, older than me, and now... I mean... look at you! You just started shaving this year, didn't you!?"

First Pissed Off Boy Border Patrol: "This way, MA'AM."

Ouch.

So off I go following Doogie into the Customs building. He goes behind a counter and I lean on it. He asks me to step back, asserting his authority over me. I smiled and winked. He asked for my wallet and took everything out, examining my Guitar Center credit card (the only credit card I have, perhaps he thought I was a drug smokin' hippie!!!!),

Me: "Hey, I have a really expensive guitar out in my car. Will it be safe?"

First Pissed Off Doogie Patrol: "Yes."

Me: "No aspiring musicians out there going through my stuff who may pilfer it?"

Doogs: blank stare.

Finally, after looking at my ASCAP cards, I have two,

The Doogmeister: "Why do you have two of these?"

Me: "Do you know what they are?"

He just handed everything back in a messy pile. I leaned on the counter to start putting it all back into my wallet. He told me to step back again.

Me: "You're so cute!"

He left me there for a while, and even though it was warm in the building, I had dinner plans man! I wanted to get on the road! Finally I was approached by another toddler with his hat pulled down past his eyebrows, who told me to follow him and we went back out to my car.

Second Toddler Border Patrol: "You're free to go."

Me: "Would you mind staying with me while I check my car?"

Second Toddler Border Patrol: "For what?"

Me: "I just had a bunch of strange young men going through my personal belongings. Just wait a minute while I make sure it's all good inside my vehicle."

Second Boy rolled his eyes! Can you believe it!?

Me: "By the way, what was it about me that got me this delightful secondary inspection?"

Second Boy of Authority: "We're targetting all cars from California today."

At last! A sense of humor! So I laughed! He didn't. He was serious.

Me: "Why?"

Second Playground Bully: (internal dialogue "DUH!") "Because you're 3,000 miles away!"

Me: "So, it's rare to have a California car, is what you're saying? You must be slammed tonight if Cali is your target!"

Trademark blank stare.

Me: "Anyway, everyone is from somewhere, I'm from here. And it's been a pleasure. Thanks for keeping us safe. I mean it."

Big smile.

Second Boy: "You're welcome!"

And hope prevails.

I'M BAAAAACK!!!

It's been quite a week!

I returned safe and sound from my holiday in the Great White North on Monday and went directly to The Bluebird Cafe to sign up for open mic and get my raincheck ticket for next week. Smart!

I walked in and was happy to see my new friends already there. This is a weird thing. You know how in a social situation, you are attracted to certain people for different reasons? Well, during all these open mic nights, I have been attracted to the people I find the most talented. Duh. Anyway, I think I've mentioned them before, but on separate occasions and at different places, I have spoken with Craig, Les, Jack, Rock, Joe, Shashi, Justin, Cowboy Slim, and a few others whom either I have approached or who have approached me. What I realized Monday when I walked into the Bluebird, is that four of them were all sitting at the same table and asked me to join them. I wasn't even aware they all knew each other. Nashville isn't that small is it? Anyway, I was happy to see them, and listen to some great songwriters for a while.

Then a few of us went to Pick's, which is a bar in a hotel that also has open mic on Mondays. It's a little more laid back and relaxed, and they have no rules about profanity in lyrics! Sweet! So Jack requested my song, Please Go, which we have renamed "the best breakup song... ever!"

Fun night.

Tuesday, after all my crazy classes at the YMCA, I worked on some songs and that night went back to Douglas Corner Cafe. I really like it there. More of my favorite Nashville songwriters were there again. I already feel the ticking clock, and though I miss all of my California family dearly, I know it's going to be hard to leave here!

I went ahead and did Please Go because jack was there again and he gave me the courage to try it for a more crowded house. It went over like a charm. I followed it with Here We Go Again. Just to redeem myself.

Wednesday was music classes, which I love, then Taco Night at Kenny's friends Theresa and Spock. Great people, awesome food!

Last night I had a scheduled performance at a Writer's Night. I thought it would be so exciting! When I walked in the place (never having been there before), my heart sank a little. To call this place a dive would be too generous. And oh, what's this? A smoking establishment! Goody goody gumdrops! Why did I even bother quitting (10 months ago! Wheee!)??

So picture this, I walk in, all cuted out, seriously, I even straightened my hair. I was hot last night and I'm not afraid to admit it. And I am faced with about 15 guys, ranging wildly in age and personal hygiene. Scary. "I'm outta here" was my first thought. But, I was scheduled. I felt obligated, and also, okay, a challenge? Yeah baby. A challenge. Gulp.

I recognized two people in the place, which helped. Then Cowboy Slim came in and my heart slowed a little. Then a couple ladies showed up and the estrogen level increased, further relaxing me. AND! the guy currently singing was using a little profanity. Okay, I had one chance to get this crowd on my side and I decided to use it.

I was in the next group of writers and I started the round with Please Go.

In the pocket! It worked, thankfully. I followed up with One More Song and Alive. Then I tried to stay for the next round of writers but I couldn't see two feet in front of me for the smoke (cough! How did I EVER do that???) So I left after they each did one song and went to visit Kenny and his Funky Bunch. I can't get enough of them!

Today, my friend Kathie is coming to visit from Indiana for the weekend. I'm dragging her to karaoke tonight! My vocal teacher may join us, which would be fabulous! And, we'll be hitting the touristy honkytonks afterward on Broadway. I should have some great photos!

I will try to stay out of the smoking places, but seriously. I feel like I'm swimming against the tide!

Hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving, by the way!

SMOKY KARAOKE!!!

Oh it's been a great coupla days! First of all, last Tuesday night I was in the semi-finals of the Rising Star Songwriting Competition at Puckett's in Franklin, TN. I did not make it to the final four. I know! Unbelievable! I was shocked myself. But, everyone was really good so at least I was beaten by really talented writers. Like that makes it hurt any less! Waaaahhh!!!

Then after, Kenny and I decided to go to karaoke. Even though I needed to be up at 5 am to leave for my holiday trip to Michigan and Canada the next day. We went and did you know you can still smoke in some bars and restaurants in Nashville? Oh yes, and it seemed like everyone in the place was lighting up and puffing away. I can't believe I ever did that! Oh well, we had a great time and I got back to my house around 11:30 pm. Finished up some last minute packing, put my clothes in the washer, and went to bed around 12.

The alarm went off immediately after that, at 5. Groan! I got up and went to put my clothes in the dryer. I had forgotten to turn the damn washer on! So, what to do? Wash them and dry them and get a late start? No way, I just washed them and traveled with a set of wet clothes in my car. But at least they weren't all smoky!

I know, that was a really inane story, but I thought it was funny at the time. Reading it here, I'm wondering, "who will care??? Really!"

So I hit lots of holiday traffic on the way and my 9 hour trip took 11 hours. But I had my bluetooth earbud (thanks Dave!) and caught up with a lot of friends and family on the way. Also listened to Stephen King's new book "Under the Dome" on audiobook. He's awesome. And, worked on a couple new song lyrics. All in all, a productive road trip.

I arrived in my hometown of Port Huron, Michigan, safe and sound, my friend Connie met me at my hotel and then we went out to The Roche to see who was going to show up to this mini-reunion we had tried to put together for the past month or so. It was great! But, did you know, you can stil smoke in some bars and restaurants in Michigan. Yeeeessssss.

Many of my childhood friends showed up, some I knew about, Connie, Lisa, Janice, Becky, and some I wasn't sure were going to make it, like Leslie, Joel and Tammi, and Connie's sister and niece. Dale and his friends were spinning some great tunes and we chatted and danced a little and then decided it was too crazy and smoky in there so we went next door to this brand new place called "The Alley," a non-smoking establishment, and more people showed up like Pam, Kathy, and Mark! I know I'm leaving people out, I'm sorry but this blog is going to be too long if I don't wrap it up soon!

Anyway, had such a blast! Next day, Thanksgiving, I traveled across the border to my Aunt and Uncle's in Corunna, Ontario, Canada. Their Thanksgiving was last month, but because my family is so cool, they prepared an American thanksgiving feast for me. My cousin Stephanie and her husband and kids came over. Her 13 year old boy is taller than me. I am shocked!

Yesterday my Aunt and I did a little shopping and visited my cousin Mark at his store, The Eye Opener, where I met the most recent addition to his family, Plano the Pug. That's her photo up there! She's so young, she still doesn't have full command of her legs! So cute and what an attitude. You know I love her to bits!

I went back into Port Huron last night for dinner at Connie's house and to see her kids again. I hadn't seen them for about 10 years. Her 16 year old son is taller than me. What's going on here? We had a great time going through old photos and laughing and her children are wonderful.

Today, my Aunt Carol is going to teach me to make cheese biscuits from scratch, because I've never been able to bake, and she's like the Yoda of baking, "there is no try, there is only do," so we're going to attempt this thang! Later we're having dinner with my cousin Mark and his family, then my cousin Stephanie and I are having a girl's night out. Wheee!

Tomorrow all cousins and kids will arrive for the tree-trimming festivities. And, although Christmas is a really hard holiday for me ever since my mom passed away, I'm sure watching those kids run around with the decorations is going to be spectacular. They're good for the soul, I tell ya.

Then Monday morning it's back on the road, back to Nashville for another fun-filled month of music.

Stay tuned for more fun!

Even though my classes at the Y are kicking my ass, I'm getting a lot of rest during my sabbatical. I rarely use an alarm clock and sleep well unless lyrics wake me in the middle of the night, which has happened on more than one occasion. I end up lying in bed with my phone set to the iTalk App., reciting lyrics that have come to me in my sleep. I love me some Nashville!

I am a little homesick, I'll be honest. I miss all my loved ones in California. Having said that, I know that when I leave Nashville, I'll miss this place too. Such a cool city. I seriously have not met one mean person since I've been here. Even the people who work at FedEx Kinko's were sweet. I know! Crazy!

When I played at Douglas Corner Cafe the other night, people kept asking me for my card, and I noticed business cards were being exchanged. I haven't had cards in forever, and certainly not cards that say "songwriter." So, I ran to Kinko's (or is it FedEx Office now? It will always be Kinko's to me!) and made some really quick-like. They're awful, but I'll get new ones eventually. Especially if I decide to come back to Nashville next year.

Oh, so the other night I played at a pizza parlor! Yes! I was invited to play at a Writer's Night, and it was at a pizza parlor! But not quite what you'd expect. It's this group of people who started getting together to try out new songs on each other and it's grown into this really cool venue and they call it "The Not Uptight Writer's Night." I did four songs and had a blast. I'm seeing a lot of the same people all over and everyone is super nice and supportive.

I'm collecting lots of cards!

Tonight, I'm going to Kenny's parents for a Cuban dinner. Hello and Yum! I've been making so much homemade chicken soup, this is going to be a real treat. Plus Li'l Momma can COOK!

Then tomorrow it's Open Mic again at the Bluebird Cafe and Tuesday night is the Semi-Finals at Puckett's. Wednesday off to Michigan and Canada.

I really am getting some rest. I swear!

IS THIS THING ON?

Douglas Corner Cafe, Nashville, TN, 12:16 this morning. I finally climb onto this stage --

-- to perform at the Open Mic Writer's Night. When I arrived (at 8:00 pm), I found out I was number 30. It was a crowded room even when I played. The way they do it there is "in the round," like a lot of places around Nashville. It's kinda cool, you're onstage with three other writers and you each do one song, then another. It makes it really interesting and mixes up the styles, genres, stories, and the people. Oh my goodness. The range of ages and backgrounds, it was pretty wild.

These little cuties were Gospel singers. So good! Then there was this other gentleman, probably in his late 60's early 70's, white hair, white goatee, blue jeans black leather jacket, really a cool looking dude. And he could play and sing like you can't believe! Come on! Some of the people have had successful songs cut by big recording artists, and they can coast now and just hang. And they do! And they play their hits and it's very cool and the people love hearing the hits (which I am usually unfamiliar with).

There's this guy named Craig that I see around, really amazing player/writer. He wrote a song called "I Miss Living in Louisianne." Just Cajun as can be. I could watch him all night.

We had three real lookalikes. Jared Leto lookalike decided to show up dressed as Colin Farrell. Old Neil Diamond and Willie Nelson showed up. They really looked just like them! But older versions of the stars. It was kinda uncanny! Oh, this other guy gets up there wearing the birkenstock-type sandals, with white gym socks. It was cold last night! Then he started singing and his voice was like an angel and his songs truly poignant and beautiful (he and I talked for a while after I sang. Cool dude. Along with a bunch of other people who were very complimentary about my songs and voice and I was sincerely touched!).

When my name was called, there was only two of us left to play, myself and this young cutie named George. From what I understand, he's had some hits because he had requests. Which he seemed to love. He was awesome! After our two songs each (I again did "One More Song," and "Starting to Shake," killed 'em!!!), they asked us each to do another because "we're diggin' y'all." So I thought fast and did "Flawed," which was adequate.

Needless to say I had a blast, OH! and I was asked to join a Writer's Night this Friday which I will attend. They make videos as well, so you know I'm all for that!

Douglas Corner Cafe, 1:16 this morning. I skip out to my car, happy to be here!

STIR CRAZY

Remember that old movie with Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder, Stir Crazy? So funny!

Not what I'm writing about, but a little how I feel. I have spent two days solid in this room working on my song "Starting to Shake." The acoustic version is available as a free download at

http://www.reverbnation.com/staceykblack

I've been working on the produced studio version and it's kicking my ass.

This is the view I've had for about 48 hours straight.

Yesterday I had a break when Kenny came over with the canine part of his funky bunch and we ran around the backyard. Okay, then I went out for a little while last night to the Bluebird Cafe Writer's Night, but basically, I need to crawl out of my cave tonight and attempt to play at the Bluebird again. I don't know why, but I really love that place! Wish me luck!

I SEE STARS!

Yesterday I went on a fruitless search of Nashville Pawn Shops, looking for a large piano size keyboard. You'd think in Music City they'd be plentiful, right? Nope. Nothing. Lots of guitars and drums, but no keyboards and I visited many, many pawn shops.

Found a Studio Instrument Rental place that wanted to charge me my mortgage to rent a keyboard for two weeks. They must have mistaken me for Taylor Swift. That happens all the time and quite frankly, I'm getting tired of it.

So I went back to Shelby House and practiced on my little keyboard. I knew I should've brought my biggun!

After a day of making music, or trying to anyway, I wanted to get out of my own head for a while. SO!

In Brentwood, TN, they have this observatory run by Vanderbilt University. Wait, I have to mention that every time I see a sign for this University, I think of my 8th grade designer jeans. Can't help it! Anyhoo, so the Dyer Observatory has Open House Telescope nights from March - November. Last night was the last time this year to look through their telescope, so naturally I went. It was a hoot. A loooong line of people, many of them boyscouts, yay, and docents along the line giving us information on space, and the observatory, and what we would be seeing in the sky this fine clear evening. I knew I wouldn't be seeing Saturn as she is a morning star, but luckily on the docket... Jupiter! I was stoked. So I waited in the line, shuffled forward inch by inch, and looked at star charts and read up on nebulas, which are my personal favorite. So beautiful. They had huge photos taken from the Hubble space telescope all along the walls with written descriptions. Globular Clusters, The Tadpole Nebula, the Andromeda Galaxy which is moving toward our Milky Way even as we move toward it... It boggles the mind.

So I finally made my way into the main dome which houses the telescope. It was pointing to an open spot in the dome through which I could see the night sky. And my pulse said "HI!"

After I hijacked the Observatory personnel to take my photo (on my iPhone which he was not familiar with. Fun for everyone especially the people waiting in line behind me), I was able to look through the powerful telescope and gaze at Jupiter. The red spot was not toward me but I was able to clearly make out the stripes and striations of moving gasses. And the bonus? Three of his moons, Europa, Ganymede, and Callisto were visible, with Europa's shadow visible on the planet's surface.

Call me a geek, but I almost started crying.

Afterward, I decided I needed a treat and three weeks was long enough to go without sushi. I found a nearby place and it looked promising. However, I was thoroughly disappointed. Why is it that I can peek into the window of my neighbors 365 MILLION miles away, say howdy to their moons, and on this very planet, most sushi places can't put fish on rice and make it delicious?

I mean, It's not like its astronomy.

Sheesh.

Who Says Second Best Ain't Good Enough?

I just realized today that my hair is getting long! Finally! Oh but that's not what I want to write about.

Hey so I'm in the semi finals of that open mic contest I entered tuesday night. The chick who came In first place that night won't be here for the rest of the contest, so second place is in it to win it. That's me! I'm stoked. The competition was great and I am proud to have kicked all their asses!!! Haha! Hopefully Firsty won't decide to come back to town for the semi finals. That would suck!

I'm writing this from my phone so it's short and sweet this time. I'll write more later!!!

Thanks y'all!

PROOF!

Used to be, you went on vacation and visited friends, and took pictures to show your friends and family back home. Nowadays, our worlds have become so compact, and with the advent of facebook and twitter and all the other online communities, it's so easy for our friends and family to remain close, even though they are thousands of miles away. I, for one, love it, because I don't feel as far away from everyone as I used to. I know what's up with y'all's kids (Yep, I said it. Y'all's. HAHA!), your jobs, your loves, and it's comforting to me. But what it has created in this little musician/filmmmaker's mind, is a freakin' monster! I am not content with showing a few photos. Just ask my band, Nobody's Station, and the FONS (Friends Of Nobody's Station), and they will tell you, whenever we go camping, or have a party, which is often, I have video cameras all over the place. No one is safe. Rachel takes the most amazing still photos, and she will caress you with her lens. I will violate you with my digi-vidi. Be prepared.

Anyway, having said all that, I want to share with you a big part of my sabbatical to Nashville, which is my first performance at The Bluebird Cafe. Kenny, bless his heart, shot this video from WAAAAY below me, so my chin(s) are actually the real star here. What I love about it, is how my vanity regarding said chin(s) is non-existent these days. Thankfully!

Oh, I guess if there was no more vanity, I wouldn't have even mentioned it. Yikes. Oh well, I'm trying!

So here's my terrified performance of my new song "Starting To Shake." 

Chin(s) and all.

(Click on the link below to see the video via facebook. Thanks!)

Starting To Shake, The Bluebird Cafe, 11-09-09

BREATHE DAMMIT!

I did it. I got up in front of a bunch of strangers, a bunch of strange SONGWRITERS that is. Last night at The Bluebird Cafe. In a nutshell, I didn't suck. I thought I did, but when I watched the video, I realized that it wasn't horrible. I know I can do better, but no one else there knows that... yet!

It was fun. Kenny and his sister Karen were my tag-team support group. I literally could not breathe up there. It was very intimidating, but I'm so glad I finally got that first big performance out of the way. Now I can concentrate on managing stage fright!

The coolest thing about Nashville to me, so far, is the diversity in the people who are attracted to the music. Much like Los Angeles, people congregate there for the film industry. But last night, the first guy to get up and sing was I don't know. 100? Old dude. And so cute and awesome! He was from Arkansas. Then, there was this little 12 year-old dynamo, Sweet Caroline, look for her soon. She's something. She came all the way from Clearwater, FL to play the Bluebird. It attracts people of all ages and backgrounds, although, I wouldn't mind seeing a little color once in a while. I am staying in a culturally diverse neighborhood, thank goodness, but the music scene is pretty white. Maybe that'll change soon I hope!

I had positive feedback from a lot of the other musicians there, which was really great. Tonight I'm going to another place. Hopefully I will be able to breathe!

Here's a funny story. I stayed up too late last night, because when I got home at 12:30 I had to watch another episode of Battlestar Galactica. OBSESSED! So I slept late and made it just in time to the Y for water aerobics, and for the first time, Zumba. In my haste to pack and get out the door, I forgot a bra. I mean, I wore my bathing suit there, did the water aerobics, doing the quick-change thing for Zumba... no bra in my duffel bag. Mmm... Yeah, you know me and my... proportions... and Zumba is dancing. I was just about to scrap the whole idea, when I decided to just keep on my bathing suit as my undergarments for the class. I arrived not quite knowing what to expect, let's just say, a sport's bra is on the agenda for tomorrow.

Haha.

Breathe indeed.

HELLO AGAIN!

Hello again! It's been what, a week since my last post? Well let me tell ya, it's been exciting here in Nashville. Music City, USA dammit all!

My first week, I went to the Y every day. They have an amazing YMCA in downtown Nashville with water aerobics, which I love, and this great Cardio Cinema room. It's a room filled with treadmills, elliptical machines, and stationary bikes. It's pitch dark, and there's a huge movie screen with a different movie each day of the week. You actually forget you're working out. Well, I don't because I loathe exercise so much, but still, I did get a little lost in Mrs. Doubtfire. "It was a run by fruiting!" Gets me every time!

I also explored Nashville some more, and hung out with Kenny's Funky Bunch quite a bit, and I was at his house each night when he came home from work so we could spend time together catching up as much as possible. I even tried to have dinner waiting a few times, but didn't always time his arrival just right. Hey, "domestic" I never claimed to be. The highlight meal so far has been Joe's Crab Shack. Delicious beyond my imagination.

Kenny and I went to The Bluebird Cafe last Monday night and I signed up for the Open Mic, but it filled up too fast and I didn't get to play. So I am guaranteed a spot the next Monday Open Mic I attend, which will be tonight! We stayed and listened to the talent and I gotta say, Nashville has some great songwriters. I'm not so much intimidated, as I am wondering what the HELL I'm doing! But here's something that cracked me up. This one guy, says he's from New York (called it Manhattan, which Kenny, a true New Yorker, informed me is inaccurate. True New Yorkers call it "The City," but I digress), so he says he's from Manhattan, and then sings his country songs with the deepest twang this side of the Appalachian Mountains. Seriously. Then, last night, there was a featured Writer's Night at the Bluebird, so I went to check it out, and another guy, from California, totally no accent while speaking, then singing? Even the word Lord had two syllables. Lo-ord. What gives? That kinda cracks me up. However, most of the singer/songwriters I've seen and heard here are more Folk than they are Country, and that suits me just fine.

Saturday afternoon, I moved into my little rental house. I already miss the Funkys, but I visit them every day. The house is super cute and the living room furniture is not comfortable. Which is great. I won't sit and grow roots into it. Although, I have been watching an episode of Battlestar Galactica just about every day. God I can't get enough! I'm almost done with Season 4. Great show, if you haven't seen it, you should go get it. Crazy good. Addictive.

Been working on recording, well trying to anyway. My equipment started to get a little moody yesterday so I wiped my computer clean and reinstalled everything. Hoping today goes more smoothly.

I shall write more tomorrow, hopefully with good stories of my open mic adventure tonight at the world famous Bluebird Cafe.

I hope I do real goo-ood.

THE TRUTH ABOUT CATS AND DOGS

I didn't write a blog last night because when I got in, Kenny's awesome parents asked us if we wanted to go to Carrabba's for dinner. See? The universe listens!

So after a wonderful meal, a couple glasses of wine, and catching up with Kenny and his Funky Bunch (doggie friends: Vinnie, Buddy, Sanchez, kitty friends: Harry Potter, and One-Eyed Willie), I went to sleep and it was awesome.

This morning however, has been, well, interesting, to say the very least.

Before I leave Kenny's house, I always do a head count, to make sure the entire Funky Bunch is present and accounted for. Well today, after unloading my car, I couldn't find Willie (he of the One Eye). I searched under, over, behind, everything in every room, he was nowhere. I shook the cat food and yelled "Willie! Who wants food?" The other four of the Bunch came running. No sign of the One-Eyed Wonder. My mind started working overtime, and I thought for sure he must have snuck out while I was unloading my car, even though I was super careful! Allow me to make this short: I called Kenny, told him one of his kids was MIA, I got in my car and drove all over Nashville shaking a huge tupperware container filled with Tender Vittles out my window and yelling "Willie! Who wants food kitty kitty!" while crying my fool head off.

Visions of my two-month sabbatical stated to form. Me driving around for two months looking for Kenny's cat who ran away on my watch. I could NOT believe this was happening.

After about an hour Kenny called. I could barely speak through my misery. I love this little kitty, and what if I couldn't find him? Kenny and I have been through soooo much together over the past 23 (?!?!?!?!?!) years, and we know each other very well. I know, not much is more important to him than animals, which is why he devotes his life to them (read: Saint). So when he called and asked if he should come home from work and help me look, I knew it would not be fun. Lovely as ever, he joked with me because he could tell I was beating myself up pretty badly, but I could hear it in his voice. Not. Good.

A couple minutes later his Scion whizzed past me on one of my passes through his neighborhood, and I followed him back to his house. He was already out of his car and in his house when I pulled in. I was dreading this more than anything. I still couldn't believe I had lost his cat, on my FIRST morning in town!

Then the door opened and he walked out holding Willie. "He was sitting on my window sill in my room. We'll laugh about this later."

The relief? I can't describe it.

I cried some more and Kenny hugged me while saying "I'm gonna have to kill you for this." I was fine with that, as long as Willie was safe. So I asked that frisky feline why he hid from me. He just looked at me and winked.

Well, he always winks. He only has one eye.

DAY TWO:

I'm sitting in a motel room that smells like band-aids.

What I won't do for my art.

It's 9:30-ish PM, I'm in Van Buren, Arkansas, at a Motel 6, and its a dry county. Wha...??

Fuckin' Tom Bodett and his light. It drew me like a moth to fire! A billboard that screamed $37.99 for a room, and I'm on a budget. It was perfect. Oh, the lure of advertising. When will I ever learn?

Today it rained most of my way, but I have many provisions on my dandy little iPod (thank you KS!). So I listened to Ani DiFranco for most of today, worked on some vocal exercises, and listened to a portion of Neverwhere by Neil Gaiman. I have to say, I am having a blast on this trip, just vegging out and being still. Well, you know what I mean.

The leaves are still changing so I saw a lot of beauty, which is always good.

Ate a delicious jalapeno cheese burger from Sonic, and that was the best tasting thing I've had for the past two days. Oh yes, because right next to my band aid smelling Motel 6, is a steakhouse. So, tonight I thought I had finally hit the jackpot. A steakhouse in Arkansas, has got to be delicious, right? Oh, what a shame to be so wrong. You should check my facebook for the photos.

Tomorrow night, I have to talk Kenny into going to Carrabbas for dinner. I have never had a bad meal there, and I think I've been more than patient.

Oh! Here's a funny story. I had just checked into the Motel and was grabbing my stuff from my car. This lady approached me and asked, "Excuse me, but can I ask you, how does that thing handle?" That "thing" being my precious Scion xb. I replied, "It's my favorite car of all the cars I've ever had. Isn't he cute?" She looked at me like she had already smelled my room and replied, "No."

Who knew Arkansasians were such little assholes? Oh! I know! She just needs a drink!

DAY ONE: Today's the Day!

I awake bright and early at 7 am. Later than I intended, so I don't actually get on the road until 9 am. But, no worries. I have plenty of time, and plus I drive really fast. Reeeaally fast. SO, I'm on the 15 North, talking to Kenny on my cell phone and all of a sudden, "roo roo roo," Mr. Police Man is pulling me over. I think it's for the cell phone thing. No, he tells me I was speeding. Moi? So I decide to play really sweet and when he hands me the ticket he says, "You were going 98, but I only wrote you up for 90 because 98 would have been reckless endangerment. At 90, you can still do traffic school." What a sweetie! Right? I say, "I can't believe my car can actually GO 98, especially loaded down with all my stuff in the back!" He then informs me that I was coming down a hill, and I was following an SUV that was actually going a little faster than me. Yesssss... Faster than me. So, of course I can't resist: "Oh, so I was the lucky one to get pulled over?" Sheepishly he replies, "Well I can't pull over more than one car at a time, it wouldn't be safe." "So, you nabbed me, the SLOWER of your two SPEEDING choices?" And here I thought he was so sweet! I mean, you think you know someone! Sheesh!

Needless to say, I keep it to a sedate 80 the rest of the day.

When I get to Arizona, I'm greeted by snow in Williams, a blizzard in Flagstaff (10,000 elev.), then another blizzard in Gallup NM. I get some great photos and video! Safely, I assure you.

I'm really responsible and only talk on my phone a couple times, to Aunt Carol and Monte, the whole rest of the day. I listen to music lectures, and an audiobook, oh and some Go-Go's, Beauty and the Beat, around 3 to wake myself up. I do trade a couple quick texts with Sir Greg of LaVoi and Kenny, but only when traffic was nil. I swear!

The sun is setting by 5:30 (or 6:30, I can't remember which time zone I was actually in!), and my phone rings. BLOCKED. That usually means Mat and Elena, so I answer. Some guy named Larry that I guess I talked to a couple years ago about painting my house, wondering if I had reconsidered and was ready to get 'er done? It's almost dark, I'm driving in a blizzard (snow swirling around my car constitutes a blizzard. I'm from Michigan. I should know), I'm heading toward a much-needed sabbatical, and I'm yanked back into the reality of my life. My house needs painting, it really does. But I tell Larry to call me back next year. I should be well rested by then!

I finally pull off in Albuquerque at the Best Western because the billboard says restaurant, and I'm a little hungry. I've eaten very little on the ride and could use a good nosh. The restaurant is about to close, so I quickly scan the menu and see they offer paella! No freakin' way! I'm so excited! I get the dish to my room, turn on the Sci-Fi Channel and take a bite. Its the most disgusting, vile, nasty food I've ever tried to eat. No joke. It's not even palatable enough to call fuel!

BUT! I've got lots of photos and videos to go through, and I want to be on the road by sun-up tomorrow, so, things to look forward to.

But I will be getting breakfast somewhere else!