One of Nashville's Finest Nights

Yesterday Eddie Bayers (Drummer Extraordinaire) invited his wife, Lane Brody, and me to attend the Country Music induction of Barbara Mandrell, Roy Clark and Charlie McCoy. Being a people lover and a star gazer, I jumped at the chance. I had two hours to decide what to wear, and I looked cute in my black pants and lacy black top as the valet opened our car doors and we stepped out onto the red carpet.
The red carpet...eeeks! This was something I had only dreamed about! Me - on the red carpet, bulbs flashing, people staring, and me gracefully walking to the big doors held open by a tuxedo-attired gentleman.
Enter the lobby of the Country Music Association Hall of Fame building: music playing, servers walking around with trays held up shoulder high as they carried delectable appetizers and goodies around the room for the duration of the evening.
We made our way to one of the bars and order refreshments and toasted what was destined to be an unforgettable evening in Nashville.
We walked around and talked to Nashville's finest: Reba McIntyre, Barbara Mandrell, Emmylou Harris, Roy Clark, Little Jimmy Dickens, Mayor Karl Dean, Little Jimmy Dickens, and many other noteables.
We took our seats in the intimate theater in the hall,and I sat four rows from the close stage. It felt as though we were all congregated in some close friend's living room.
The next three hours were a celebration of stories, laughter, accomplishments, challenges and surprise musical appearances by: Garth Brooks, Reba, Josh Turner, Roy Clark, Allison Krauss, Sonny James and the list goes on and on.
When the final clap was clapped we all exited to the lobby where the bar was still open, the coffee was brewing and the sweets and dessert tables were set up.
It was as if no one wanted to leave the feelings that were residing in all of our hearts as we celebrated life's greatest moments.
Today I woke up, jumped out of bed and grabbed my camera to make sure that this Cinderella night was really real. There it was - in color.
I sighed, sat back and thanked God for yet another gift he gave me - and proceeded to tackle the day that lay ahead of me.

Waiting for my Nephew

When I was pregnant the wait for my 'Labor Day' seemed interminable. When I delivered my third daughter, knowing it was my last child (cancer took away my choice there!),I was happy that I would not have to wait to deliver a baby again. Little did I realize that every time a good friend or a family memeber was expecting a baby, that I would go through the waiting process all over again.
Today as I sit here writing this I am eagerly and impatiently waiting to deliver a baby again. I am not having the labor pains, as my sister-in-law Nia is, but I am having anxiety pains.
Brian and Nia have a beautiful 2-year-old Emily that is also waiting to have a playmate. Imagine her surprise when this tiny bundle comes home and has no interest in Em. At least the first months when eating seems to be the only thing he will want to do.
I spoke to Brian two days ago on Facebook and they still did not have a name picked out. They know it is a boy; they just have very differing ideas on names; one wants traditional and one wants different. Good luck! My thoughts? After Nia goes through the work of delivering this bundle of joy, let her name the baby!! Just my opinion...biased though it may be!
I sit here and marvel at the miracle of birth, thinking how families grow - some go on and on and on. My girlfriend, Erika, had her ninth baby a week ago. She did not break her pattern: boy-girl-boy-girl-boy-girl-boy-girl- and then another boy, John Paul - a Pope in the making?!
My dear mother had 14 kids in 17 years, and even miscarried once. Whew! I need to take a break after thinking about that! The births alone would be a challenge - then they make you take every baby home with you!!
I am rambling as I wait for my nephew, my girls 45th first cousin! yes, 45! The oldest cousin was 41 in December, the newest one - well, hurry up so we can meet you!
Thank you for being in the WAITING ROOM with me as I wait to hear that my nephew has entered our world! The baby with no name. Any ideas for Brian and Nia?
You have kept me from pacing the floor.
Check back...I will let you know when we can relax and celebrate!! Thanks for being here with me!!