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Showing posts from March, 2010

Magical Moment 55, "Free to Chat"

My older sister, Regina, and I have a special bond. We’re close in age and grew up as each other’s built-in-best-friend and playmate. My mother dressed us in matching outfits and we often were mistaken for twins. We played barbies in the basement, pioneer girls outside, board games at the kitchen table, and Regina made up a game called, queen and slave (I always had to be the slave, but I was ok with it). At Christmas, we set up an ornament-making factory downstairs where we created decorations with orange juice cans, yarn, glitter, and cut up Hallmark cards. We spent Sunday mornings giggling uncontrollably in church, eventually having to be separated after getting the evil eye from our mom. Yes, we fought like any siblings. I have a scratch on my chin in my 2 nd grade school picture to prove it, but we were always there for each other. We remember the really “old days,” living in my grandparents basement, playing with Grandma’s big blue curlers under the dining room table, findi

Magical Moment 54, "The Creation of a Song"

Like painting a work of art, writing a book, or constructing a house, there is a process in creating a song. Everyone does it a little bit different, but this is how I do it. First, an idea will hit me. It may be a word, a sentence, or an idea that needs to articulated into a rhyme later. I have about a million of them written down in a spiral notebook and a small pad I keep in my purse for just that reason. Some get written into songs, others will remain in that notebook for all time. I've found the ones that become the best songs in the end, are the ones that seem to overflow onto paper without me even thinking about it. Or when I can’t move my pen fast enough to get the words down. All of my songs are personal for some reason. Not that I’ve personally experienced what I describe in all of my songs, but they’re personally inspired in some way, shape, or form. I try to put music with the lyrics as I write. I find that if I do lyrics and music separate, the lyrics almost always

Magical Moment 53, "The Cure for the Blues, the Blues!"

I spent my weekend googling, practicing, and memorizing blues standards. Although I have a repertoire full of jazz and boogie-woogie, I have only a couple genuine blues songs and next week I’m booked playing an entire blues set for hour and a half straight. I’ll be impressed if I keep the crowd entertained that long, considering blues is the same 3 chords played in the same format over and over again. I began with the basics, Ray Charles, Jimmy Rogers, Ottis Redding, even some Bo Diddley. And soon my fears of monotony were put at ease when I discovered the full spectrum of the blues genre. I even found several new lines to add to my “greatest lyrics ever” list: “If you don’t think you’ll come home soon, I’m gonna drown in my own tears” - Ray Charles “You aint nothing but a hound dog, been snoopin round my door. You can wag your tail, but I ain’t gonna feedjya no mo.” – Etta James “Put you down in a ditch with a great long spade.
Wish to God that you hadn't never been made.” – Edd

Magical Moment 52, "A Mass-ively Wrong Stereotype"

Mass transportation in this area can be a horrible experience. The buses are rarely on time, the drivers are usually cranky, and the other passengers are either rude, smelly, or a little creepy. And anyone can completely transform into the Hulk if all the unspoken “mass-transit courtesy” rules are not followed. I’ve seen drivers throw tantrums like 2-year olds when a tourist doesn’t pay with exact change. I’ve seen passengers practically break out into a fistfight because the reading light was on and no one was reading. I even saw a bus driver stop the bus, get up from his drivers seat, walk back to a seated passenger, and yell at them for accidently hitting the stop button. And it doesn’t end with the buses. The subways have their rules too. When you get on, you go to the back or middle to make room for the next group boarding. You don’t talk to anyone, or look at anyone unless you want to get hit on or start a fight. Overall, the experience can be cold and intimidating. I began to f

Magical Moment 51, "Jungle of Stone"

I walked through a jungle made of stone With steal mountains high as I could see. I walked through the jungle all alone Though predators had their eye on me. If unprovoked, they won’t attack So calm I must remain. I look to the front, not the side or back Traveling through rough terrain. A snake, a tiger, creatures unknown, Spiders, lizards, and bears Are lurking about this jungle of stone So I must pass through with care. My feet are blistered, my muscles are sore I’m dirty, scared, and tired. I fear that I can walk no more But if I stop, I’ll surely expire. I look up above and what’s that I see? The sun is peeking through, High above the cement canopy I don’t have much left to do. A few more steps and I’ll be safe Inside my secure, warm home. A few more steps, I’ve made it now. Out of this jungle of stone.

Magical Moment 50, "A Moment of Pride"

My little sister is officially a grown up and officially in the Air Force. She just graduated Air Force Tech School and before that, the 8 grueling weeks of basic training. Her entire family is beaming with pride today as we stare at the picture of her in the neatly tailored dress uniform and blue beret. People say that the military forces you to grow up and although I have seen many military personnel who will never grow up, I think the statement is true for Erica. It was true for me as well. I understand the feeling of pride and accomplishment, and doing something so rare among your circle of friends who are working as managers in the mall, handling fast food, or don’t know what they’re going to do yet. Wasn’t it only a few years ago we were the same? During my senior year of high school, the thought never entered my mind, but a year and a half later there I was. In ROTC, and then airborne school, where the military became real to me for the first time. Airborne school was the fi

Magical Moment 49, "A Well Earned Prize"

My puppy, Joy, and I walked outside on a windy, spring evening. Still clumsy and a poor judge of distance, Joy often stumbles and trips over herself. Walking downstairs sometimes causes her to tumble head over feet, exposing her pink, puppy tummy while she lets out a startled yelp. Now that spring is here and the critters of the neighborhood are finding the courage to emerge from the safety and warmth of their homes, Joy is discovering that it might be fun to chase and bark at squirrels and birds. Which she does quite well now. I don’t mind it though. She rummaged through the leaves on the ground with her nose pressed deep in the grass and dirt, smelling all the new scents that now filled her world since the snow disappeared. Soon she found something that fascinated and amazed her on such a level, she had to have it. She must not let this treasure get away. She would carry it and protect it with her life. It was a big stick. She clamped her teeth around the stick only to find that th

Magical Moment 47, "My Albums of Memories"

When we moved from our 4-bedroom house with storage space, closets, washer/dryer, yard, and cabinets into a tiny apartment with none of the above, I had to get rid of a lot of stuff. I sorted through, item by item, letting go of things I kept with me for years for no real reason. One of the more difficult things to say farewell to was over half of my record collection. All of my music is now on my computer and ipod and I realized that I scarcely, if ever, listened to records anymore. Furthermore, many of them were scratched or broken and they take up a lot of room. While doing housework yesterday, I decided to dig out and listen to the records that “made the cut.” I soon found it very interesting that those who know me the best could probably guess every single album I kept. Because they’re my influences, they’ve become part of who I am, and each one holds a memory that is to me, as clear and vivid as a color photograph. First I listened to my favorite record, autographed by the m

Magical Moment 46, "How I Got a Free 8 x 10"

I loved my wedding day. It was filled with beautiful details that represented Eddie and I from the flowers to the guests to the location. I’ve held off writing about my wedding day because although it’s clearly a huge part of who I am, I don’t want it to come off sounding cliché or cheesy. So rather than writing about the moment we “became husband and wife,” or said our vows, or had our first dance as a married couple, I’ll tell you the story of how we got a free 8 x 10 wedding photo. Let me start by explaining some of the wedding planning. We had 4 months to plan the whole thing. It would take place in July while I was on mid-tour leave from the Army Soldier Show. Eddie would take leave as well from Fort Bragg, although he still had to be kind of sneaky about it (Read the Frog and the Owl Valentines Day, Moment 10). In short, the Army has a policy against fraternization and we were breaking it by getting married. It was a bit of a juggling act. Eddie was in North Carolina, I was all

Magical Moment 45, "Pearls from Joanna"

How is it that I know so many things in my head, but when it comes to applying them in life, I suddenly forget them, don’t believe them, or just ignore them? It isn’t until someone or something completely unexpected comes along and puts them in a different perspective – a way I can relate to – that the light bulb comes on. Two plus two equals four. Yesterday, I went to a musical theatre workshop taught by Joanna Gleason , an accomplished TV, movie, and theatre actress. I had no idea what to expect and suddenly became very nervous when I arrived and the other students were buzzing about how star struck they would be when she entered. Because, to be totally honest, I wasn’t exactly sure who she was. I’m from Nebraska, okay? Sometimes it’s like living under a rock. In addition, I had never heard most of the songs that the other students brought to work on. The criteria said to bring two Broadway standards. To me, that means Cats, Evita, or Chicago. Again people, Nebraska…rock…you unders

Magical Moment 44, "A Turn of Events"

Last night, I expected to perform a song in a crowded banquet hall for a video taped tribute to Haiti to be later aired on PBS. It didn ’t quite turn out that way. In preparation for the evening, I practiced for 2 days singing and playing the song, “Imagine” by John Lennon. I wanted the beauty of the original song, but with a unique flare to the arrangement. I tried on every dress and skirt ensemble in my closet trying to match the definition of the attire for the evening – Elegant, Comfortable. (???!!!?) I finally decided on a simple, but sophisticated chocolate brown dress, a chunky necklace, and Ninewest strappy heels (which later tried to kill me that night as I got lost in Time Square heading back to Port Authority). However, when I arrived at the show , the woman in charge met me with some bad news. The host backed out at the last second and the show would be canceled, but dinner would be served to whoever chose to stay. Although disappointed, I volunteered to play while peo

Magical Moment 43, "Harry Will Be Home"

She gently knocked on the door, unsure of what to expect on her first day of work. It was only for a few hours, but the responsibility was great and she hoped to get along well and make a good first impression. “Come in,” she heard an older lady’s shaky voice call. Slowly she opened the door, first poking in her head then cautiously entering. She smiled warmly at the old lady and in her happiest, most energetic voice she said, “Hello! It’s nice to meet you. You have a lovely home.” Suddenly, she was terribly relieved that the first encounter had gone well. What a sweet old lady, talkative and active. They found plenty to keep them busy that afternoon. First they walked down the block to a garage sale. Then the old lady explained her collection of thimbles – one from every place she and Harry visited in their 63 years of marriage. They even played a hand of cards at the kitchen table. “Well ma’am,” she began, “Why don’t you take your medication and I’ll make us some supper?” The old l

Magical Moment 42, "An Air Defense Coincidence"

Things like grocery shopping, laundry, and eating are big disruptions of my day. I complete them in as little time possible so that I can get back to finishing whatever outlandish goal I’ve set for myself that day. They’re all distractions until I can get back to my real life of music. It’s like my last year in the Army when I really began to set my sights on a music career. Instead of eating at lunch, I would run to my car and speed all the way home. Once I was home, I would spend 20 minutes or so frantically recording one of my songs, then get in the car and speed all the way back to work. Later I would grab some chips and a soda out of the vending machine. Since I’ve moved here, I’ve basically had a one-track mind. Everything that’s not music related is a distraction, even a hindrance. I tore through the grocery store the other day, stalking up on bare essentials (Lean Cuisines, cereal, and eggs) so I wouldn’t have to come back to that awful place for as long as possible. At the

Magical Moment 41, "Spring, is that you?"

I don’t remember what the ground hog said in February. There's one in Punxsutawney and one on Long Island and they often disagree. I know there are branches, even entire trees still laid across the sidewalk and residents without power from the storm last weekend. But, I think spring might be here today. Today is the first day I’ve ever taken my dog, Joy, outside without my big, heavy black coat. It’s the first day since I’ve moved here that I feel like the sky is blue, the sun is shining, and the birds are chirping. It’s difficult moving to a brand new area, especially New York City, in the freezing cold. I’ve only known the city covered in snow or in bitterly cold temperatures. I’ve only walked its’ streets while shivering uncontrollably. I’ve only worn my “night-out-best” outfits covered with a bulky coat and hair-flattening hat. I’m eager to visit the city and see it the way it’s meant to be seen; festivals, Central Park, the Zoo, and I’m really excited to go on a running tou

Magical Moment 40, "Another Train"

Last summer, I was in my hometown of Lincoln, NE eating lunch with my mother and grandma at the Lincoln Foundation Garden – a cozy downtown garden square where during the summer, local artist perform at lunch hour. Employees pack a brown bag lunch and emerge from their offices in suits and skirts to enjoy the music and scenery. It’s also where my mom used to take my older sister and I after swimming lessons at the YWCA and the library to buy us rainbow popcorn when we were little girls. That particular day, we were in for a treat. A charming acapella group called the B aby Needs Shoes Trio was performing energetic renditions of the Andrew Sisters songs as well as some quirky, comedic songs about the ups and downs of womanhood, making the audience smile and keeping us happily entertained. They began a slower, more serious song and it soon caught my attention. In fact, I suddenly hung on every word and could not take my eyes off them. They were slightly older ladies, one even made sev

Magical Moment 39, "Belt It"

I've started the process to complete a lifelong dream. I know it will be a long time before it's finished, as well as challenging and expensive. I am recording an album. I have dozens of my songs recorded on my Mac with me playing the part of every instrument on my midi keyboard, but I know that if I want this album to be a true success, it must be the highest level of professional. Because the average cost of recording a full length album at the industry standard is on average about $30,000, my first step is obviously to raise funds. Thankfully, I was introduced to a website ( http://www.sellaband.com/ ) where people from all over the world can search artists who they believe have true potential and can support them financially. I have no romantic ideas about how this will work. I know years may pass before I reach my financial goal and even after it is reached, I know that a CD release is a gamble. But I’m optimistic. So many doors have been opened to lead me to this point a

Magical Moment 38, "One Rose"

"One Rose" is a song I wrote about my grandma and grandpa after my grandpa passed away. This is a true story that my grandma told me. Sorry, there is no recording available on line to listen to, but I hope you enjoy the lyrics.  One Rose by Elizabeth Grimes Copyright 2009 I know a man, quiet as can be. Rake and a rambler once was he. I know a girl so patient and smart, beautiful and sweet, she softened his stone heart. After working one long day, she greeted him. And he said to her, his bride through thick and thin, He began softly for he seldom spoke. Then from behind his back, he handed her a rose. “One rose means one true love. And Shirley, you’re mine.” Was all he said with love in his eyes. The church bells rang one fall Sunday. And the man fought hard, but he slipped away. She wept in her garden for her man, Then kissed his cheek and placed a rose in his hand. “One rose means one true love. And surely, you’re mine.” Was all she said with tears in her eyes.

Magical Moment 37, "Randy Forever and Ever Amen"

Last night was surreal. One of the few times in my life where I was in the presence of someone who to me, is larger than life. Randy Travis – one of 2 voices on the planet that can melt me into a puddle by singing one note, one word, it doesn’t even have to be a real song. He could hum and I would be smitten (the other one is Bing Crosby if you’re wondering). Last night I was happy to hear that he sounded just as wonderful as he ever did. I first stalked Randy – I mean, met Randy several years ago in Lincoln, NE when he did a radio interview on a local station. I waited for hours in a parking lot across the street from the building where I had a view of all the exits. In hand was my “Storms of Life” record, a sharpie, and a disposable camera. I knew he would have to come out eventually and when he did, I got an autograph and a picture. Yesterday I bought a poster board, blew up that old picture of the 2 of us, and wrote in huge block letters, “Randy, I’ll love you forever and ever am

Magical Moment 36, "Goose"

She plays piano, sings, and taught herself how to strum chords on the guitar. Not me, my cousin-in-law, Sarah. We call her Goose. I still have no idea why. She, her sister, and her parents were the nearest family to Eddie and I for three years. On weekends, we drove up to stay with them and many holidays were spent together as well. It was nice having such wonderful people so close, able to just hop in the car and be there in a few short hours. Over the years, Goose and I have discovered we are super-naturally alike. We haven’t quite figured out the cause yet, but we think it has something to do with the star's alignment when we were born. She and I were strangers only 3 short years ago, yet continue to discover that we have the same unique taste in music, movies, clothes, food, and pretty much anything else you can think of. Our favorite song is Sentimental Journey . First of all, who under the age of 50 even knows that song? We have the same in depth discussion about the movie

Magical Moment 35, "The Line Between Dedicated and Crazy"

I’m running like a mad woman down a mountainside in sweatpants, t-shirt, slippers, and wet hair in 40-degree weather, through mud puddles, gravel, and overgrown brush. Why, you ask? Let me tell you. About once a month, I drive down to the North Carolina Smoky Mountains to visit my husband as he finishes up school. While I’m here, I do much of my correspondence with the New York City music scene by e-mail and phone. I send out resumes, headshots, musical recordings, and videos to possible employers and all but beg them to hire me for an advertised gig that I’ve found online. It’s a taxing life, with little stability, but one that I am willing to give up job security, our four-bedroom house with a yard and a pool, and any sense of a normal life for. Dedicated, or crazy? I applied for an internship several weeks ago with a large New York City record company. I thought, Here is my chance to learn all the ins and outs of the business, make some contacts, and maybe get some discounted stu