For most of the last year, I have been a performing Artist with Marta for their Artbound Live Series. Marta is Metro-Atlanta's public transportation system, and the Artbound Live program is a new effort to bring all kinds of art to the public. (It's pretty awesome and you can read more about it  here  if you want.) The experience is inspiring, educational, and has pushed me out of my comfort zone, both musically and personally. There have been so many great moments, I decided I should be documenting and sharing them! Through this program, I've seen parts of Atlanta I might not otherwise see, had conversations with people I might not otherwise cross paths with, and I get to use my voice as an Artist to make a statement in my community. I receive smiles, nods, and I  get to see commuters unconsciously mouth a lyric and dance when they recognize a song, or nudge the person next to them and say, "Look, that's neat!"  One of the first station's where I p...

I want to clarify something. This is mostly for myself to reflect on my own beliefs, passions, and goals because writing has been the best way for me to sort that out in the past. But, it’s also for friends, family, acquaintances, or anyone else who might think I’ve gone nuts or backslid, or have become a snowflake, or whatever. I’m not a liberal. I’m not a Democrat. I’m not a conservative Republican either. It’s difficult when people can’t be put into a defined category, as we’ve seen time and time again throughout history. And as much as I would like to fit into one of these boxes, or even create a brand new box that fits me and maybe others could see themselves in, I just can’t. I used to call myself a Christian. A republican. An American. Now, each of those words make me cringe. I’ll explain everything. It will make sense. Don’t worry. I became a Christian at a very, very young age (5 or 6 maybe). The reason that I recited the “sinner’s prayer,” is because I was terrified. I wa...

There is a problem. In 44 days, there has been 18 school shootings in the U.S. With each new shooting that has happened over the recent years, I have thought about this from many different angles. Logical, emotional, political, statistical, etc. Thousands of other people have as well. And yet, we as a nation, have not taken 1 step or course of action to prevent these horrible incidences. So, we have a problem. And I am going to look at this problem from a new angle today. Do you know who are excellent problem-solvers? Entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs, as a whole, are amazing. They are creative and think way outside of the box. They come up with solutions that are geniusly simple. They find ways to thrive, despite difficult, seemingly insurmountable barriers. They work around beaurocratic policies.  As a small business owner, and a freelancer for the majority of my life, I decided to put my entrepreneurial skills to work to solve this problem: What can be done to decrease school...

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! I don't know how many of my fellow blogger friends still see or read or view my little blog, but I want you all to know that I still think of you and wish you the best!  Our family has had a busy year, full of highs and lows. The most impactful event has been the sudden and unexpected loss of my father-in-law, less than one month ago on November 27th. Eddie and I were devastated to hear this news and we got to Texas as soon as we could to be with family. We are still coping with this loss, but are so thankful for family and faith that has helped give us hope and strength.  Alan Keith Grimes Feb 14, 1955-Nov 27, 2017 Eddie and his dad, circa 2001.  Our boys did well with the traveling and have been thriving this year! Ricky is 3 and will be 4 this February. Elan turned 2 in July. They're awesome, busy, curious, and healthy. Elan loves cats, the color blue, and climbing. He's sweet, bashful, and independent. Ricky is into s...

Hello my blogosphere friends! I would like to wish you all a very happy New Year! I would also like to share with you a video that I made over the Holidays so that you can catch up with my sweet Sprout and happy Jay Bird. Sprout will turn 3 in February and Jay Bird just passed 18 months! We are very happy in Atlanta and have recently settled into a new home. I'm truly wishing you all happiness, peace, and joy. This may be difficult to do at times, but it is certainly made easier surrounded by loved ones. Peace my friends! Love, Beth, Eddie, Sprout, and Jay Bird (Ricky and Elan)

Lately, I've been learning about compassion and kindness. I've always tried to be "nice." I use my manners and I'm polite. I can get along with pretty much anyone. But that's not enough in this world. Politeness is not enough to fight the hate and fear that is running rampant all around us. Kindness is not only a reaction or a response to someone or something, I believe it should be proactive. Pro ACTIVE. Meaning, seek out ways to show kindness that require some kind of giving of yourself. Anyway, I've been learning this. Eddie has been a great teacher. I've never seen anyone deal with other people with such patience and eagerness to help like he does. He is a law enforcement officer, and while many of his past and present colleagues get into scuffles, arguments, and pull their weapon or taser, Eddie has an unbelievable track record or DE-escalating situations, simply by talking, trying to understand what the problem is, and putting himself in anothe...

Hello Strangers and Merry Christmas! The Grimes Family has been very busy since last we met. Busy with our sweet Baby Boy, Sprout (Ricky Ray, now 22 months), and as of July 17th, with our Baby Boy, Jay Bird (Elan Jacob -- pronounced Ee-lin). Our family of 4 lives in Atlanta where Eddie is still with the National Park Service at MLK Jr. National Historical Site, and I am playing piano for The Atlanta Ballet and for another charming Ballet school nearby in Lilburn. Both Eddie and I have gone back to school. I will earn my MBA with a concentration in Entrepreneurship this February. Eddie is earning a second Bachelor's degree in Mathematics. Enough with all that boring biz. Now for the real cuteness... I will TRY not to completely overload you with pictures. I make no promises...                   ...