Perhaps It Is Time To Advertise......

Today was an interesting day. I stopped at a store to get a birthday card for a friend, and somebody approached me, asking me “How’s that author?” But, they weren’t asking about me, they were asking about my ex-wife. I thought about the response, because the person is someone I have a lot of respect for – and had no way of knowing. I just smiled and said ‘Well, I don’t know, but we’ve actually been divorced for about two years.’ And, so the conversation moved on from there.

In thinking about it since then, I sincerely hope I handled things the right way. I have really tried to make a concentrated effort to move on from the past. Life moves on, and you do the best you can to go along with it. Both of us have picked up the pieces of what was – and have moved on with life. But, the strangest thing about this is there is really no bitterness about things anymore. Sometimes things just don’t work out. Kristofferson – whom I identify with a lot of lyrics more now than I did a decade ago – wrote a song once called “Two Stories Wide.” While that’s true, I am not going to get into the the rehash business. There’s no need to. But, I had to share this other thought that happened last week.

I had driven down to Huntingdon to see TG Sheppard and Kelly Lang in concert. I had gotten into town early, and had some work to do – you know, Have computer, will travel! So, I stopped at one of the local restaurants that had Wi-Fi. As I was pulling in, I had the radio on one of the local stations in West Tennessee, and this song came on. But, it wasn’t any other song....it was “The Song.” I haven’t heard it in years......and there was no pain, no sadness, or melancholy. To be honest with you, I even smiled. Some of my friends have said that there would come a day when all the feelings you once felt – the pain, etc, would go away. It took a while, but I went back in time and it wasn’t a bad memory. It wasn’t meant to be...but there were some good times. It felt amazing to get to that point. I truthfully wish nothing but the best for everyone. Took a while, but that’s where I am.

Now, that being said. Being asked that question made me realize that I probably need to advertise a little more. Meeting someone is not easy for me. I’m not going to go up to someone in a club – or Walmart, and say in my best “Joey” voice - “How you doin?” I wish I had that confidence. And, to be honest, the idea that someone could be attracted to me is a little foreign. There’s been a few chances the past few years, but the moment something doesn’t feel right, I get spooked – and maybe that’s a good thing. If I get a vibe that someone thinks I am a little weird or work too much, that’s usually a red flag. You might think that’s perfectionist talk....but it’s not. I am off-center. Some people hate what they do, and try to get away from it. I am - as proven by my writing this at 11:09pm, a glutton. Most people wouldn’t describe themselves like that, but heck, I am being honest. I just don’t like feeling like I am being judged for it. I used to think that people wore white hats or black hats. Those lines have gotten blurred with life. My hat color is a little gray. I am a Christian, and proud to have seen my walk with God grow, but there are flaws and quirks I have – and not all of them are bad. That being said, I would love to meet someone again. it’s time, I think. But, my timeline has really worked well to this point. I’m leaving it to the man upstairs, but.....as I said, it might be time to take out a radio ad......Not everyone knows! They say that radio gets results....LOL!

A Life Well Lived

I have been blessed the be in the music business for close to twenty-five years (I wrote that, and I have to admit that it kind of jolted me just a little) now. Even so, I can't say that I have been to many memorial services of people in the industry. I have known a lot of people who have passed on, but unless I know them well - I don't usually go. That being said, I made an exception this morning and went to remember David Haley.

Unless you worked in the business, you probably had no idea of the heart and passion this man had for his career and his friends in the industry. For close to three decades, he was one of the top record promoters in town, carving out a legendary run with MCA Nashville - where he was responsible for promoting well over 150 records to the top of the charts. He was class personified - and one of the sharpest dressers in the business. 

I don't want to give the wrong impression, and make you think we were the closest of friends. But, I do have to share with you a story that shows what a gentleman he was. Back in 1994, I had just became Music Director at WDKN in Dickson. I had no training to know what a MD actually did. But, I knew I was tired of playing music from my own cassettes on the afternoon show. So, i called record company after record company. it was a different world than today. WDKN wasn't a Music Row chart reporting station as it became in 2002, so there wasn't anyone in Nashville waiting to hear from one Chuck Dauphin. Heck, the person at RCA even told me unless I was a Billboard station, I needed to buy them. 

But, I kept calling. And, finally got to MCA Nashville. This wasn't going to go well. MCA was the home of names like Reba, George, Vince, Wynonna, and so on and so forth. But, I called  - and wound up getting a voice on the other end of the line - David Haley. I told him - probably in my highest pitch I could register - who I was and what I was calling about. He said, 'Have you put in a product request?' Nope, didn't know what that was. So, over the next ten minutes, David Haley - in the midst of promoting who knows what classic record at the time walked me through what to do. He didn't have to take the time to be nice to a novice. Few others did at that time. 

I would develop a good working relationship with him over the years. My name wasn't Coyote or Moon, so I didn't bug him too much, but if I requested CD's I got them. Over the years, he watched my career, and would always greet me at CRS, Fan Fair, etc, like I mattered. I appreciate that to this day. In fact, in 2011, when I was hired by Billboard , one of the first people I emailed was David Haley.

David passed away last month, and today many of his friends and co-workers turned out to remember him at a Memorial Service. There were tears flowing freely, but they were mixed with so many funny memories of a man who touched so many lives. To survive radio, records, journalism, you have to develop a sense of humor - bordering on the strange, perhaps. And, listening to these stories was proof that Good Guys sometimes finish first. Anyone should be so honored to have the send-off that he did today. Whether it was his love of family, friends, or work, one more time David Haley taught us to laugh, to smile, and to just be nice.  After all, Marty Stuart and Vince Gill don't just perform at anyone's memorial, do they? "Big Daddy," keep working on that VIP list up there. Hope to see you again....and by the way, you were great as "King" David on the Marty Stuart Radio Show......

And, the 2014 Class of the Country Music Hall of Fame should be.....?

Coming up on April 22, the Country Music Hall of Fame will be making an announcement – a “really big” announcement, as Barney Fife might say. That’s when the “Class of 2014” will be named for this year’s inductions. This is something that many of you are very passionate about – and I am too. There is simply no way that everyone is going to be pleased.....but I will say that I would not want to have the job of the committee that makes the selections. I would like to see the Hall induct a huge class this year – similar to the twelve they enshrined in 2001, when the new Hall of Fame opened. With all the renovations that have taken place, it would be a great time to do that again. But, I don’t see that happening this year, so here’s my view on who should get in.......

VETERANS CATEGORY

• Dottie West / This is been one of the most passionate of all campaigns that have been mounted for anyone in the business. But, simply said, it’s time. Past time. There is no other female vocalist that deserves this anymore than Dorothy Marie Marsh. Whether it was the gingham of the “Country Sunshine” era or the spandex of “Lesson In Leavin,” West set a standard of talent and style that so many have taken a page from....
• Jerry Reed / The only person I might put in ahead of Dottie West would be Jerry Reed. Whether it be for his records, songwriting, or acting, Jerry Reed influenced so many acts in the business. And, of course, there’s his instrumental skills. One of the best ever to pick up a guitar. One of the “A-Team” at Studio B. Again, a no-brainer
• Hank Williams, Jr. / “Bocephus” could actually be placed in this category or the “Modern” category. His success transcends both eras. Nobody – with the exception of Garth – revolutionized the live concert experience like “Rockin’ Randall Hank.” Like him or hate him. Agree with him or disagree. No matter, he deserves to be right there in the rotunda with those other Williams boys!
• Jim Ed Brown / While there are others that have had more hit records, from the 1960s on, Jim Ed Brown became one of the faces of the format through his extensive television work on “Country Place” or “Nashville On The Road” and his commercials for Dollar General. His records were timeless, as well, with “Morning” and “Pop A Top” being classics – as well as the great duets he cut with Helen Cornelius. Should he be in as a solo act or with sisters Maxine or Bonnie? I don’t know the answer. You can argue both ways, but he deserves to be in.
• Archie Campbell / In 2014, the “Mayor of Bulls’ Gap” would be 100 years old. He’s been deceased since 1987, so among many of the younger voters on the committee, Campbell might not be as well known as he should be. However, he helped to redefine country comedy with his 1950s / 1960s work on RCA, being the first country comedian to walk out on the Opry stage in a suit and tie....though he did don a pair of overalls for the most successful phase of his career – as a writer and star of “Hee Haw.” It may never come to be, but I would love to see this one at some point!
  MODERN CATEGORY
• The Oak Ridge Boys / Along with my second pick in this category, I feel as passionate about the Oaks being in the Hall as I do anyone. Other than a log jam of people who deserve it, there’s no reason for them not to be. They created music that has endured, and still are among the class of the genre – now as well as then.
• Ronnie Milsap / 35 or 40 number one hits – depending on who you cite – they speak for themselves. He was so successful for so long on the charts. Again, along with the Oaks, I think he has been caught in a tight squeeze. I would put the Oaks in slightly ahead, but there’s no doubting the achievements of Ronnie Milsap. Incidentially, he’s not on the road on April 22....Hmmmm...
• Ricky Skaggs / In the 1980s, this hillbilly flash from Cordell, KY made Webb Pierce, Carl Butler and Flatt and Scruggs cool. And, he was pretty flashy on stage himself. I don’t know if one could have seen a better concert than a Skaggs show in the mid 1980s. He helped to educate a generation on classic country, then on bluegrass. He was an “Artist In Residence” this past year. Over the past few years, that list has included Tom T. Hall, Kenny Rogers, and Connie Smith. And, guess where you can see plaques of those artists?
• Randy Travis / If you think the word “sympathy,” think again. Remember the albums Storms of Life and Always And Forever? He helped usher in a new awareness of traditional country music, and inspired a generation. It would be emotional to see him accept an induction after his health issues from the past year....but it would also be deserved.
• Alan Jackson / It’s going to happen, as well as it should. I would rather see the above four get in first – and Alan probably would as well. But, this is a slam dunk over the next few years. Mark it down!

NON-PERFORMER (Songwriter in 2014)
• Hank Cochran / I think the tribute album that Jamey Johnson spearheaded a few years ago will put him at the top of this list, but in reality.....he should be there!
• Bob McDill / The list of hits speaks for themselves – as well as for him.
• Dea n Dillon / Again, see above.
• John D. Loudermilk / One of the greats from the 1960s, who gave us “Abliene,” among so many others.
• Don Schlitz / Cochran and McDill need in first....but “The Gambler,” “On The Other Hand,” etc, etc...Need I say more?

I think this list is pretty concise....but I know there’s some of you out there who are thinking ‘How could you leave _____ off?’ On April 22, we will know. In any case, let’s all remember that the Hall is reserved for the best of the best, and anyone who is represented there deserves to be. It upsets me when people will say “So and so doesn’t deserve to be there.” Last I checked, I can’t really say there is any such artist who has been voted in that didn’t earn it.....But, again, it is a passionate debate.....

A Few Wishes....

Last week, I began reading Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret. I am three chapters in, and trying to approach it with an open mind. Some that I have told about the book have said “Just put your faith in God.” The crazy thing is, I haven’t read anything that would suggest that the book downplays your beliefs in a higher power. Rather, what I have gathered about The Secret is that it tries to show you the power of changing your thought process about yourself and your life.

I have always tended to view life through a half empty glass. The sky is going to fall, and when it does, it’s going to bite me on the backside. If success is going to happen – and not just career success, I’ve got to try to fix that part of my life.

For the past three years, I have been blessed to work at a job that I love. I cherish each article I get to write, and each interview I do. Seeing the title “Chuck Dauphin, Billboard” is something I am grateful for each day of my life. But, that being said...there are still struggles. How I look at them is something that needs to change. One of the things I have read in the book is about The Secret of Attraction.

This isn’t exactly about finding love or the prettiest woman. But, then again, it could be, But, whatever it is, you have to convince yourself that you deserve it. With that said, here are a few things I would like to accomplish before my life is over. Call them goals or dreams, or simply call them silly. Some are a little more important to me than others, but writing these down give me something to look at......and the key – according to the book – is not coming up with reasons why you shouldn’t have them......but rather why you should.

LOVE – This has been my albatross over the years. I can live without it----but I don’t want to. Marriage did not work for me, at least the first time around. There’s a lot of reasons for that, and it’s water under the bridge. But, I feel that I do have something that I can offer someone. I’m a good listener and have a good heart. I would love to find someone a little more wise, maybe a little older than me. I was never “cool” even when I was younger, so to think that I would be compatible for someone ten years or so younger would be crazy. A “Cougar” might be more my speed. Regardless, I want to feel that rush, that spark...and you know what, I do deserve that.

MONEY – My problem with books like “The Secret” or Joel Osteen is I don’t believe it’s that simple as saying I should be financially secure and BOOM! You are. Being “rich” isn’t a goal. I would just like to have enough to live on without having to worry. I don’t want to be borrowing from Peter to pay Paul for the rest of my life. Right now, that’s what I have to do. I would also like to be in position to help people – and animals. It breaks my heart to see a pet that I couldn’t help or take in because I have a quota – and then some. Living in a twenty room mansion isn’t a goal....but laying down on a couch watching TV late at night, and having peace of mind? I would definitely love to be there.

SPIRITUAL LIFE – I grew up in the Church. I am glad I did. But, I will tell you that while the basis for that faith was sewn when I was much younger, it took being knocked around and tested by life to truly feel God’s love. I got away from that for a while – when things were really starting to hit the fan. I don’t want that to allow to happen to myself again. God has been there through so many struggles and challenges in my life. I want to grow stronger in him.

CAREER – Simply put, I want to continue on the road I am on. The past few years, I have always felt that ‘It can’t get any better.’ And, somehow, it does. I don’t know that I have any concrete goals on this end – just go where I am led. I love the interviews, I love the traveling. I love it all. I want to continue to grow in this. I have the talent to do so. So, where I am led, I will follow.

HEALTH – Without this one, the rest of the above kind of don’t matter. But, maintaining one’s physical, mental, and spiritual health is a day-to-day process. I have to take it one day at a time, and don’t allow myself to get down if I hit a snag in either one of those areas. For years, I could have cared less. Life wasn’t that important to me. I didn’t feel I deserved it. I made myself (or in some cases, was told – but it was mostly me) feel that I wasn’t as good, as smart, or as handsome as this person or the other. There are many people smarter or more handsome. But, I am special. I am good enough. I think there is something a lot better on the other side of life, but I want to live long enough to see some of these hopes come true. I deserve that.

Again, some of this might sound haughty. Unlike a lot of my blogs, I am not sending out links to these. And, I know that a lot of you will read these anyway over time. My life is good. I just want it to be better. I want to wake up in the morning next to someone I care about – that makes my heart beat like never before. I want to sleep at night without wondering how I am going to put gas in my car each trip to Nashville – which that all has all somehow worked out in the past. I want to be at Church on Sundays and Wednesdays as much as I possibly can, but also live my beliefs when I am out of the building the other five days a week. I want to continue to interview as many as I can. Who knows? Maybe one day, George Strait! I want to travel to to the other eighteen states I have never been in for work, as well as those I have. And, I want to be well enough to enjoy it all. I deserve it. (I figure if I keep saying that, I will believe it!)

Well, it’s onto another chapter. I’ll keep you posted.....

Vegas....One Year Later....

I was just looking back at my blog from one year ago today. I was in the same place - maybe even the same seat that I am now. Waiting on an airplane at Las Vegas to go back home. Whew! What a past few days out here covering the ACM Awards. 

Traveling is something that I love to do. Heck, I even love the airport experience. Even though, there's something to be said about eating a $ 4 Subway for dinner. I have tried to cut down meals to two a day over the past few days - because it's tough to afford $15-20 every time you get hungry. Alas, that is a minor quibble.

From a career level, this has been the most fun past few days of my life. I don't know how good I am or am not at my job, but let me say that nobody enjoys it more. Getting to go places I wouldn't normally get to go or interview people I wouldn't normally interview makes me realize how blessed I am. It might sound a little strange, but I love my work. It - along with spending time with my son from time to time in Kentucky - is my release, my muse if you will. I can't sing or play, but I need music almost as much as I need air.

The most amazing part of the trip this year is the fact that many of the artists that I have gotten to interview over the years kind of know who I am. As someone who spent may a $10 allowance on music as a kid, that just blows my mind. In the press room following the ACM Awards, I got to ask George Strait and Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones questions. Pretty cool stuff! (In fact, Jerry Jones looked right at me while answering as if he was trying to sell me. That was a bucket list moment!) I don't take it for granted what I get to do. I know I say that a lot, but keep in mind that five years ago - I didn't even know if I would still be doing anything in the music / radio field. My job of almost two decades had came to a sudden end - which also set off a domino effect in my life of a lot of other things. 

However, I'm still here. The difference between now and ten years ago is that I know it's not me. God has put me in place for so many things in my life that I simply offer him the praise and the credit. He did bless me with the talent, but it's all him. Maybe struggling a little bit made me work harder, take a few more chances, but God has led me here. Trust me, I'm not smart enough to imagine all this. He also protects me. There's been so many times where I have been absolutely worried about losing my shirt, and those smarter decisions I write about making haven't taken place nearly as often as I would like, but when I think the sky is falling....he steps in and calms the storm. Praise God for that!

So, it's time to go wait on the plane!....One year from now at this time, I hope to give you an update again - Lord willing, I will be flying back from Dallas, where the ACM's will be in 2015. Looking forward to seeing Cowboys Stadium - as well as that white ranch house just outside of Plano that you know and I hope to make a quick trip to!

Blessed from Las Vegas........C

Changing My Frequency

This is different from my usual approach with this blog, because I am not going to advertise this one as much as I usually would. It's not because I don't stand behind what I am writing - I do - maybe more than ever....but I am putting this up for one person more than anyone else...me!

This week has been a difficult one for me. Were it not for a 2am phone call last night, I would have very likely gone crazy. I don't tell many people when the bad stuff happens because I don't want to bother anyone. We all have our problems - and sometimes, we bring some of it on ourselves.

Without going into detail about the "What," my friend who I kept from sleep suggested that I look into a book called The Secret. It wasn't the first time that had been suggested. My feelings concerning books like those are that it's probably going to help someone like Joel Osteen a lot more than me. And, I think the answers to a lot of the questions we have about life can be found within the pages of the Bible. But, I found a copy of the book for $2.50, and with a trip to Vegas around the corner, I knew I would need something to read. So I bought it. I had a few minutes to kill before going on the air today, so I started to read. One thing I found very interesting is an early portion of the book about "Changing The Frequency," where it says that if there's something you don't like on television - you change the channel. The author compared this to life - a very good point. So, this is my first attempt to learn some of the lessons inside the book.

I realized that while life has dealt me a few curve balls the past few years, the magic is how you handle it. My grade? Yikes. We don't want to go there. I've made more than my share of mistakes - some I could help, and others I don't see a way around. That being said, what the book brought to my attention is how I have always thought about life. That's something that I have to change - or my life is never going to get any better.

I have always told myself that good things weren't going to happen to me. Whether that stemmed from being picked on in school by people for being a little off center - or a general lack of confidence, I've done that all my life. 'The sky is going to fall.' There's no stopping it. In a way, I am writing this as a note to myself to look at the positive things in my life that God has blessed me with. The wheels haven't fallen off the wagon. Though, to be honest, I am finding out that I have something to do with to that fact myself. I have never thought I was worthy of success - not claiming to be better than I am, but you are what you think. That's got to change. From a career standpoint, it has gotten better. Financially, it's tough. Career and finances don't always go together. But, I am to blame for some of it for poor decision making - and poor self-opinion. But, I am realizing this week that if you want to have different results in life, you need to go down different roads. I pray - and ask for your prayers that I can do this. Whether that be believing in myself to the point of a new outlook on life and the possibilities in life or in love, God has not let me down any along my path - though I haven't made it easy. So, lesson one from The Secret - Believe in yourself and your life. Believe it can happen to you - rather than someone else. Writing this isn't going to make it an automatic thought process for me, but it gives me something to look at. And, if it's on the Internet, it has to be true, right?

A Few 'Great Debates' For You!

I have been rather heavy and philosophical as of late. LOL, I am sure my next blog will be. But, I thought I would lighten things up just a little bit. I joked a couple of weeks ago that my posts here were becoming too life and death-related, and I was going to write about people I wanted to go out with. Well, I don’t know if the Internet has that much room – but it did get me thinking about celebrity crushes, and some of those great debates that people have gotten into from time to time. Television has been the medium where most of us developed our first crush. I am no different. To this day, I still can’t make up my mind if it was Linda Gray from ‘Dallas’ or Valerie Bertinelli from ‘One Day At A Time.’ (Incidentally, I watched an old episode of ‘Family Feud’ on YouTube the other night that featured the cast of both shows in an all-star celebrity square-off. All I will say is I would have loved to have been Richard Dawson!)

But, it occurred to me that there have been some great debates about beauty and attraction over the years.....Take, for instance.....

Ginger vs. Mary Ann / Maybe the ultimate debate among television viewers concerns itself with the classic 1960s series ‘Gilligan’s Island,’ in which Bob Denver was stranded with both Tina Louise and Dawn Wells on a desert island. Well, there were four others...but seriously! People were either charmed by the small-town innocence of Wells’ Mary Ann Summers or the movie star sizzle of Louis. e’s Ginger Grant. It has been the debate for the ages! But, most people I have talked to seem to lean toward Mary Ann, proving good always wins. While both were stunning, there was a sweetness about Mary Ann that Dawn Wells brought out beautifully. But, there were other debates...

The “Supernatural” Women / In 1964, ABC delivered one of its’ first major sitcom hits with “Bewitched.” The show starred Elizabeth Montgomery as newlywed Samantha Stephens, who was also....a witch. It’s interesting to note that most people’s thoughts of witches seemed to deal with The Wizard Of Oz before the show debuted. With a twitch of that nose, Montgomery charmed the world. The next year, NBC premiered “I Dream Of Jeannie,” which was the story of Larry Hagman’s Tony Nelson – who struck gold when he found a beautiful genie on the beach. A witch with a twinkle of her nose or a genie...without a navel? Ah, the debate has endured for five decades. This one is tough, as Barbara Eden was, and is , one of the most beautiful women to ever grace the TV screen. But, there was something about that witches’ dress. All I am saying.....

Those are two of the biggest debates, but there are others. In 1978, viewers got a taste of what happens in the world of radio with the debut of ‘WKRP In Cincinnati’ The show was more true than most might think. If you have ever worked in radio, you probably worked around a Les Nessman, Johnny Fever, Venus Flytrap, or a Mr. Carlson. And, you just might have worked around a Jennifer, played by the voluptuous Loni Anderson. But, as much of a sex symbol as she became, there was something about Jan Smithers, wasn’t there? Her character of Bailey wasn’t as in-your-face gorgeous as Anderson, but I know of many radio guys who admitted to a crush on Smithers over Anderson.

And, there were others.....Which ‘Hee Haw’ Honey was your favorite? (Gunilla), Favorite ‘Friend’ (I run the gamut here, sometimes Jennifer Aniston, sometimes Lisa Kudrow, but always Courtney Cox)....or which ‘Waltons’ sister did you like? (Torn between Erin and Mary Ellen, but have to go with Erin)..........

And, for fans of the male gender.....there are some interesting debates to be had.......Bo or Luke? Magnum, PI or Michael Knight of ‘Knight Rider?’ or going back to the 70s, were you a David Cassidy, aka ‘Keith Partridge’ fan, or did your heart skip a beat for the oldest of the boys named ‘Brady,’ Greg?

The cool thing is there are no right or wrong answers. And, at the end of the day, it’s a lot more entertaining of a debate than a political one, don’t you think? If nothing else, hopefully, I’ve made you smile a little bit this week....and brought back a cool memory of a poster you might have had on your wall!

A Facebook Explanation

Wow. What a week. It’s all good, but it’s a lot. That’s the story of the past few weeks. I feel compelled to explain a recent Facebook post where I asked for prayers. I will be the first to admit that I do this a lot. I tend to hit the panic button when things get a little uncertain, and I also tend to wear my heart on my sleeve – perhaps a little too much from time to time. But, that being said...that’s who I am – for better or worse. If things are bad, or I get upset...you’re going to know about it. I apologize if I talk too much...but again, that's just me.

That being said, I had a lot of people ask me about this particular post. It was actually the far extreme. Over the past few months, my career has really kind of kicked into a higher gear. That’s a good thing, for a lot of reasons. After driving my Jeep almost to the end of the line, I took the plunge and got a Nissan Versa Note. The difference in mileage is astounding, and it’s good to be able to drive something that has no memories of a past life. I thank God that I was able to do that. But, there is the paying for it. Sometimes, you have take a leap of faith. So, there. I did. Folly or Wise? Time will tell.

Have you ever felt like you were standing in the middle of a freeway – hoping you didn’t get your butt ran over? LOL...That’s kind of how I am feeling now. There has been so many work opportunities that I have been presented with as of late, and I have tried taking advantage of each of them. Some are part of my job, some aren’t. But, it’s not the time to say no. I have never been the best at taking imitative. Call it a mixture of shyness or just plain scaredy-cat, I never really had the confidence in myself until the past couple of years. I always looked at others as being smarter, more talented, cuter, etc, and never took advantage of some opportunities that I might have had in the past. Might my life have been different had I done that? Maybe, in some ways, but I am convinced that I am where God wants me to be right now.

Since January, I have been working as hard as I have ever done. (Once upon a time, I said this and someone replied ‘You’re not working any harder than anyone else.’ Maybe not, but let me repeat....I am working as hard as I have ever done before. There are days and nights that I feel I am going to go to sleep with my fingers on the keyboard, where I wonder if I can do it all – but I’m getting there. I’m eating, putting gas in the car, feeding the pets I have, and taking care of what I need to....and I’ve had a lot of help. Not naming names, but there are three houses that I am very blessed and fortunate to be able to stay at if I need to in Nashville if the schedule gets crazy. They know who they are, and believe me...I do.

So, when I ask for prayers about all this, just know I am a little scared of messing it all up. But, it’s without a doubt the most exciting time of my career. I want to be the absolute best at what I do – writing, interviewing, etc. With a little help from above, I’ve got this.

There are still others who are smarter or more talented than I am. But, I am trying not to sell myself as short as I once did. That’s a process I am trying to learn. As far as those who are cuter? Well, one thing at a time. I still hope that person is out there, because I never intended to be in my 40s still looking, but telling myself I am worth that is still a little tough. However, I am trying.

So, just know that I am blessed, fortunate, busy, and a little scared....but I wouldn’t have it any other way.... I don’t guess it would mean anything if I wasn’t right?

Mattie

Feeling kind of melancholy tonight. I just got off the phone with my father, and Mattie Bandy – my second cousin – passed away tonight.

Death has affected me on a lot of different levels over the past few years – and months. I have written about the passing of my pet dog Brownie, as well as Warren Medley just a few weeks ago. But, this one hits just as hard.

Mattie was the first cousin of my mother. Some of my favorite memories as a child were of trips to Mattie’s house in Centerville. It seemed that unless we went to see my father’s side of the family in Illinois, we went to Mattie’s for Thanksgiving and Christmas. I rememeber the smell of a turkey dinner combined with the heat of her old electric heater while laying on the couch watching the Cowboys on turkey day. Sweet person as she was, Mattie had a (semi) smart-aleck sense of humor. But, she was a Clymer, after all....and If anything else, my mother said what she thought, so they did fit together. (I just realized that I am doubly cursed on the smart-aleck side of things. I have Clymer and Dauphin blood flowing through my veins. Wow....)

Mattie had two husbands and two children pass away before she did. I wasn’t alive when her first husband passed away in the mid 60s. But, she married after him to a fine man named RG. They had a daughter named Connie, in 1966. Again, I was yet to have been born at this time, but I have seen pictures of her. Just a beautiful little girl. Blonde hair and Blue eyes. I wasn’t there, but I bet she was spoiled by her parents – as well as just about everyone she came into contact with. I know my parents were crazy about her, as she charmed my father as well. Before she was three, she passed away in January of 1969.

I’ve written a lot about some of the struggles I have had in my life – particularly the past few years. But, how one survives burying your own child – who never had the chance to grow up, I don’t know if there is any greater pain than that. But, she persevered. She and her husband became parents once again, to Caren. She was a great mother, and I’m sure she was grateful for that second chance at that. Caren graduated from high school in 1987, and RG passed away from cancer a couple of years later. Then, in 1995, Caren died. I remember Mattie’s grief at the funeral home just like it was yesterday.

I always considered Mattie almost like an angel. I would go down to Centerville and visit her every now and then from that point on. Then, in 2005, Mama died. I remember those visits picking up with greater frequency. If anyone knew how it felt to lose someone you love, it was Mattie. I wanted to learn from her how you got past those feelings. One day that winter, I was at her house, and we were talking about death when I got the answer. You don’t. Though it had been close to forty years since little Connie had died, her tears flowed and her voice broke just like it was only yesterday. You adjust. To some extent, you maybe even heal. But, you never forget.

Whenever people want to attack Christianity, it amazes me that some think that Christians live in somewhat of a bubble and just accept anything that happens in their life in the name of faith. Trust me when I tell you that being a Christian is not easy. Faith is something that is learned, and doesn’t happen overnight. But, the life of Mattie Bandy was one that taught me a great deal about patience. I don’t know that I have applied it as well as I need to, but her life was a lesson in it everyday. Though it’s a sad night in the ‘Ville, somewhere there’s a pretty big reunion going on tonight – and two women might be talking about a shopping trip up yonder. Also, there are probably a few dogs that will be happy to see an old friend! And, that is not a bad thing at all!

A Reflective Week...

The past has been on my mind quite a bit over the past couple of days. With the passing of Warren Medley, I have talked to quite a few of my former co-workers at WDKN Radio. Many great memories were brought up over the past few days – some I had forgotten about, and some I never will. To be honest, it’s the most that I have gone down memory lane concerning that time period of my life in a long time. I guess you could say I have tried to distance myself from that era. The closing of the station in 2009 knocked me for a loop in a lot of ways, but I have written – and talked about that extensively over the years. Common knowledge, you might say. But, over the past couple of years, I have become friends with many of the staff there, including Freeman, Kenneth, and have known people like Dale Turner and Richie G for a few years. They are doing a good job for the community. Life goes on, and I know I wouldn’t be who I am today for those letters not being a part of my life.

I had forgotten how much fun that job was to me. I had no idea that when I walked into Jackie Rhodes’ office for the first time in 1991, that I would be blessed to have the career that I have enjoyed so much. Whether it be the morning show, ball games, Old Timers’ Day broadcasts, or Swap and Shop, it was some of the best times of my career – and life. I learned everything on the fly – which is pretty rare. Hank Walker trained me on the board, Gordon Rhodes taught me not to sweat the small stuff – and it’s all small stuff in radio, and Ken Loggains showed me how to “Act like I’ve been there before,” but most of my radio career was an on-the-job education.

In reminiscing about the past over the last few days, it’s occurred to me how many of my best friendships or relationships I have made because of working at WDKN, and later WNKX and WQSE. I was joking with Kristy Owings the other night that some of the stuff that went on behind the scenes needs to be in a book. And, some doesn’t. If you’ve ever worked radio, you know that you find humor in some very strange things. Hey, when you read funeral notices four times during the first two hours of every day you need any lift you can get! But, I am so mindful of people that made an impact on my life.....names like Joe Webster, Dot & Dusty Rhodes, Earl McCollom, Bill McCullough – whom we lost recently, Kip Reynolds, and others like them. I will leave some out, so I am not going to list everybody I think of. And, the listeners, names like Sidney Pullum, George Hall, Polly Brown, and for years, my Thanksgiving Day didn’t start right unless I had breakfast at the home of Mary Baker in Vanleer.

I am humbled at what God has allowed me to do in my career. To be honest, music is about the only thing I think I could do. Fix a car? I can screw up putting air in a tire. Woodworking? If you ever run into George Dufty, my Shop teacher – ask him about my expertise with a saw. Get ready, because he’s going to laugh! I am very blessed to be able to do a little radio still, and a lot of writing. I don’t take it lightly. I’ve found over the past couple of years, that I have become very competitive about it. I don’t like it when another writer beats me on a story. I want to be in the mix on every media day I can. Last summer, when I was in the hospital, I turned in about ten stories that week. I am still trying to earn that Billboard byline – but you won’t find anyone else with a stronger fire than mine.

I do wonder if that focus has cost me a little. I had dinner with one of my longtime co-workers and his family the other night following visitation for Mr. Medley. He and his wife were talking about knowing all the lines of a Disney movie that their children have watched over a hundred times. At that moment, I started to have a different definition of what success meant than I had before. I have been blessed to have been a father for the past seven years. Again, I learned on the fly, and there are a lot of regrets I have about how some of that has turned out. But, I haven’t done too bad. There are some decisions I wish I had back, but you live and you learn. In that moment, the interviews and the pictures I post on Facebook didn’t seem to matter too much. Success was a lot different than I thought.

But, on the way home, I did something rare- I cut myself some slack. I realized that success is a relative term – to each person. I have been blessed with so many great relationships – including a soon-to-be 16 year old that calls me “Dad” that doesn’t have to, families – blood, surrogate, and church, than I could ever imagine, and a career that I absolutely love and cherish. No, it hasn’t turned out like I thought so far, but that’s not to say it won’t. Maybe that special someone is right around the corner. I hope so. I want to write many more stories in my life, but I hope there’s a little bit more to my story than that. Maybe it will work out a little differently next time! But, in spite of those feelings of doubt and fear, I look back on my life so far – and see a person who is most richly blessed, and that qualifies as a success, I think. If you’ve been a listener, a reader, or have listened to me through some of those worries and fears, I thank you for being a part of my story. Here’s to the best being yet to come!

The Week Is Almost Over.....

When I was much younger, there was a famous commercial that featured a beautiful woman getting into a hot tun uttering the immortal phrase “Calgon, Take Me Away.” Well, I don’t know if I need the bath, the Calgon...or the beautiful blonde, but I need to escape this week. It has been a very emotional past few days.

First of all, like a lot of people here in Hickman County, I was saddened to learn of the passing of Marshall Leathers on Monday. Since I moved back to Hickman County a couple of years ago, I had gotten to know him and his wife Louise at Church. He and I had several conversations about old-time music, particularly folk artists like Pete Seeger and Bradley Kincaid. He was fine at Church Sunday night, and gone twenty-four hours later. You never know.

Wednesday, I received word that one of my family members was ill in the hospital. Not going into the details right now, but things don’t look good. So, I went to the hospital to see them. It was an emotional night, to say the least. Say a prayer for God’s will for this person. They are very special to me, and represent a lot of who I am and where I come from. So, if the week had ended at 7:15pm on Wednesday night with me somewhere between Waverly and McEwen, that would have been fine with me. But, the phone rang once more. It was Donnie Craig, one of my best friends in the world – who happens to be a Baptist preacher. The reason I qualified his profession is that you don’t expect to hear from preachers at 7:15 on Bible Study night. And, just like longtime DCHS coach Jerry Pearson told me about hearing the phone ring at 1am, when you do, the news isn’t usually good.

And, it wasn’t. He had called to inform me of the passing of Warren Medley. If you’re not from Middle Tennessee, you might not know the name. But, from 1956 until just a few months ago, Warren could be heard each week on the airwaves of WDKN in Dickson. I had the privilege of working with Warren from 1991-2009, and kept in close contact with him since then. He personified all that WDKN was to me, but more important, he was a good friend and influence on how to live your life. In his 91 years and 50 weeks, the impact that he had on Dickson County and the surrounding area can’t be underestimated. His radio career stretched from the days of AM only to broadcasting on the Internet, and from Eisenhower to Obama. That’s a pretty impressive feat, but more impressive was the man himself. Saturday mornings in Dickson County won’t be the same.

So, it has been an emotional week. Work has been as busy as it always is, and I’m grateful. Though sometimes the work load is heavy, it gets my mind off of things, and I needed that a lot – especially this week. More coming up this weekend, including the definition of success - it might surprise you!

Six Days Till 40....

Well....Six Days Till' 40.

This week has been one of those soul-searching weeks. Next Monday will be the big 4-0. What is known as mid-life. It’s funny. Even though time stands still for nobody, we still think of ourselves as young and vibrant – even in the face of aches and pains we didn’t have at 20 years old.

But, time does go by. I told myself that I wasn’t going to let it get to me too much. And, I have done pretty good with that line of thinking. Being 40 doesn’t represent the beginning of the end for me. That being said, it does make you think.

I write a lot about some of the struggles I go through sometimes. Some of those are financial, some are emotional, and some – well, they are a little bit of my own doing. But, over the past few weeks, I have been reminded that they are nothing compared what several in the community I am living in are going through. And, as I have gotten older, faith has kicked in a bit. God leads you and provides when you don’t see it coming – if you believe. He is good. I believe in him, so it’s going to be ok.

This week was a great example of life in my world. Monday was an incredible day. I had a chance to visit with Paul Martin, who plays in the Fabulous Superlatives band of Marty Stuart. It was a great interview, and was a reminder of why I love what I do. I will never say I am the best writer, radio person, or anything else I do, but nobody appreciates it any more than me. I was literally on cloud nine when I left. Then, I met a couple friends of mine for a few minutes in Hendersonville before I started home. I am not naming names, other than to say that if you would have told me I would have an afternoon like that ten or fifteen years ago, I would have laughed. Whether it be a recording artist, or an 80 year old farmer in Burns with a big nose and overalls that goes by the name of “Haystack,” I am blessed to have the relationships I do. But, I was on a high. And, then....I looked at the phone. There was nobody to tell about it. I mean, sure, I could have called quite a few friends. But, that special someone who knows what the day meant...isn’t there. That’s not to say that she won’t ever be. Again, it’s faith. LOL...I have a little bit more faith that my money needs will be met than finding love again, but I haven’t given up – totally. I hope that I am in a phase right now of totally realizing that you can be whole without someone. I’m closer than I was a year ago, which is a good sign.

That’s not to say that there haven’t been chances the past few years. It’s just that I don’t want to date just to date for show, or to prove to myself I can date someone. To quote the title of one of Jo Dee Messina’s biggest hits, I want to “Burn,” and I’ve only felt that way three times. The first time, I didn’t know what it was and it spooked me. The second time, well...just wasn’t meant to be, and the third time, I was a little scared, and there were a few obstacles – like about ten hours. But, it felt great to feel that spark again – even if it never caught a total fire. It taught me that it is possible.

But, I am not looking for anyone to feel sorry for me. I have a lot of friends – male and female – who aren’t with their Romeo or Juliet – and I don’t think any less of them, so I’m ok. More than anything else, I just wanted someone to know that this week has been a great one. From a 25 minute interview that turned into a three hour conversation to an interview today with one of rock music’s legends to discovering a new talent for the very first time, it’s all a reminder of why I love what I am so blessed to do. Granted, I may have my days of moodiness about life – Valentines’ Day is coming up, after all...but life at 40 isn’t bad at all. And, since I really didn’t start living until I was in my late 20s, who knows what’s around the corner?

Just a few deep thoughts from a shallow (at times!) mind. Good night from here!

Clearing The Air!

Well, Championship Sunday is one week away. In about 168 hours from the writing of this, we will know which teams will make it to the Super Bowl. Before I say anything further about that, I feel I need to clarify some recent posts I have made on Facebook concerning the favorite college team of several of you - the Tennessee Vols.

For the record, I am not a fan of the school - save for Pat Summitt and the Lady Basketball team. They have always been the epitome of class and sportsmanship, and Summitt might very well be the best coach to ever do it in the college ranks. But, Vols fans can get a little crazy sometimes.

In the days when they were great, their fans weren't satisfied with beating Coble State Community Basketweaving Tech  - or any other team besides Florida they played in September - 45-10. It had to be worse. Then, on the post-game of the radio broadcast, their fans would always - after a rare loss - say 'We just ought to fire Phil Fulmer.' Hmm...how did that work out?

And, Fulmer was a part of it too. He's a class individual. Don't get me wrong. He represented the school well as a player and a coach. But, remember he got the job when Johnny Majors was out sick. Fulmer stepped in and delivered some big wins during the 1992 season, and replaced Majors the next season - as it should have been. It was Fulmer's time, and history bore that out. But, I would always get lectured at Church by people who were Vols fans about how my favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys, did Tom Landry wrong in 1989. 

That was when Jerry Jones bought the team, and his first act was firing Landry and bringing in Jimmy Johnson. Was the move ill-timed? Yes, and twenty-five years later, Jones would likely tell you that was his greatest regret - the way it was handled. It was Johnson's time, just like it was Fulmer's. However, I have never heard one Vols fan talk about Majors being done wrong. So, there I said it. Again, both moves were the right ones, but could have been handled different. 

More importantly, I love to pick at UT fans because it's fun....(Smile, Candi!) There's really no ill will meant, as much as I am just a smart aleck. So, what does this have to do with the NFL?

Really, not much - in my mind. But, Denver - one of the four teams left standing - has a QB named Peyton Manning. Simply put, when his career has been written, there may not be a better QB in the history of the game. But, because of his Vols pedigree, there are more Colts and Broncos fans in Tennessee than you can shake a stick at. But, (yes, I am saying this!) Manning is class. He never beat Spurrier...but he's class. I hope he's able to get a Lombardi trophy for the Broncos, because the Colts had made the decision that he was old news. (For a lot of reasons, stories like Manning as a Bronco and Favre playing well as a Vikings QB really make me smile. Sometimes, people do have more in the tank than their teams think!) 

I get the Manning-love, when it comes to Peyton. But, Eli? As in Ole Miss? As in never worn UT orange or running through the "T." He's a great QB - tough for me as some of his greatest moments have been against the Cowboys, but why a Vols fans considered his wins over the Pats as "victories," I don't understand.....But, I digress. Vols fans, don't hate me, I just love needling you. For what it's worth, I think Butch Smith will prove to be a good hire.

So, oh yeah, back to next week....Here's my early picks....

NFC Championship: Seattle 16, San Francisco 14
I really am not looking forward to this one - either way. Not because of any ill will towards either, but they are just boring. San Fran has more offensive fire, but when they play each other, it's usually a defensive game that just puts one to sleep. At the end of the day, San Francisco has the better team, but Seattle is at home....so there's my pick. You don't beat Seattle much on their turf.

AFC Championship: Patriots 38, Colts 35 - Do you remember 1992-1995 when the 49ers and the Cowboys games were better than the Super Bowl? That's the way I feel about this one. These are the two best teams in the league, with the two best QB's and a coach in Bill Belichick that might very well be the best to have ever done it. Hate them, like them, whatever, Tom Brady and Company seemingly get it done. I think that's the difference. It's going to be close, historic, epic, and likely better than the Super Bowl, but though I would like to see Manning in the big dance one more time....I think New England is the more complete team.....but it's going to be close....

OK, those are my thoughts. Who do you think goes to New York for the Super Bowl? 

 

A Few Words To Live...And Hope By

We tend to change as we get older. I know I have. Some changes have been for the better, but there are there are times that I think I have regressed as a human being over the years. I'm just being honest.  Aside from writing blogs and making an occasional post on Facebook that talks about personal stuff, I don't really talk to a lot of people when I get upset. I figure that people have heard it before, and everyone has problems - and there are people with a lot worse ones than I have. Again, I know that this week. I've talked to them!

That being said, this is my blog - and you can choose not to read it - LOL.....,so this is my place to vent. It's just been one of those weeks where you want to scream and pull your hair out - which incidentally, is a lot less of a problem for me than it is for others. (See? I am looking at the bright side!)

I am just tired of struggling as much as I do. Then again, I know we all are. But, there have been a few times this week that I have thought about crawling in a hole and staying there awhile. But, I didn't. There are at least two reasons for this. One, I'm a ______ (fill in the blanks, but I will say scaredy-cat, and it's been too cold in the dirt!) 

Secondly, there's another reason - faith. As I have written before, since moving back to Tennessee in August 2011, every time the going has gotten a little rough - God has stepped in and shown me the way. He was there before then, but I was a little too blind to see. (That sounds like an "Amazing" song idea!)....I'm not standing on a pulpit saying how great and noble I am - I'm not. I am far from a Bible scholar, and my mind isn't always focused on the things it should be. But, I do listen and observe more than I used to, and I know there's a higher power. I take comfort in some of the great lessons I have heard over the past few years - whether it be Devin Pickard, Rodney Rochelle, Matthew Hiatt, James Hinkle, Danny Turner, or Donnie Craig, and every now and then I'll hear a verse that makes me think. Case in point:

Jeremiah 29:11-14 / For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, and will bring you back from captivity.

Philippians 4:6-7 / Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And, the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. 

Again, I'm not a preacher. But, it says nothing in either of these verses about needing to worry and fret. In fact, quite the opposite. So, I'm going to try not to do that. God has always been there, and he will now. Besides, another verse in the Bible says he knows the number of the hairs on my head. (He doesn't count very high, at least in my case!) It's all going to be ok. Patience. Faith. I think I can. I know he can. 

Well, closing for the night. I am not trying to be haughty or holier than thou. I am a Christian, but my batting average isn't the best sometimes. But, if there's anyone out there who has had a week like I have - or worse, there's a few verses that show there is hope.....Food for thought!

The Titans Search Is On!

Saturday morning, there was a lot of grumbling going on in the mid-state.. The headline of the Nashville Tennessean made it appear that Mike Munchak would be back for a fourth season coaching the Tennessee Titans. Well, by 3pm that afternoon, it turned out to be quite the opposite. Since then, a lot of people have been very critical of writer Jim Wyatt. If those people bothered to READ the story, you would have seen that the story was factual. Typically at newspapers and websites, the person who wrote the story is not the one who writes the subject header. So, there. Wyatt's story was very much dead on. Munchak met with Titans brass on Friday, and from all accounts, it appeared that they wanted him to stay  - providing some changes were made to the coaching staff.

That's where things got interesting. The coach felt that to fire certain members of his staff would be detrimental to his teams' chances of building on their 7-9 record this season. The fact that some of those coaches - such as longtime Titan / Oiler Bruce Matthews are his friends had some bearing on his thought process, I'm sure, but I have to admit my respect for the coach wanting to stick to his plan - job or no job - went up a little bit.

I can't say that I was a big fan of Munchak's coaching style. But, he has always been a class act, and I hope he lands on his feet. (Of course, he will land with $ 3 million in his pocket NOT to coach the Titans next season, so it's not all bad!) I think we in the Nashville market were spoiled for years by the stability under Jeff Fisher.

OK, before you insert your comments about "Stability? You mean 8-8 every year?" I will cut you off right now. Bill Cowher, Jon Gruden, or any of the "Superstar" coaches that come up each January regarding possible openings couldn't have done much better with some of the hands that Fisher was dealt with. 

Was I a Jeff Fisher fan? Heck yes. Back in 1997, I was PD at WDKN in Dickson, and I lobbied hard for the station to become an affiliate of the then-Oilers. I will never forget how hard Fisher worked to promote the franchise. Sure, he coached the team, but he was the best PR person the Titans had. He had that unmistakable charisma that you just admired and respected. Most women over 35 thought he was the greatest thing since Tom Selleck, and just like with "Magnum," men didn't seem to mind. He worked the franchise, and possessed a degree of fire on the field that Munchak just didn't have. That's not a knock, as much as it is just a statement on his coaching style being different from Fisher, who was such a good salesman he could ALMOST make me a fan of the Philadelphia Eagles, with the key word being "Almost."

So, where do the Titans go next? The name Ken Wisenhunt has been mentioned quite a bit. Currently the OC at San Diego, he has that pizazz that I think would spur some excitement down at LP (Larry Petty) Field. He's been to a Super Bowl as head coach of the Cardinals. Then, there's James Franklin. He has done wonders with the fortunes of Vanderbilt, but has never been involved with an NFL franchise. Then again, the next coaching star has to come from somewhere? And, there would definitely be excitement if Franklin moved from West End to the River. I don't know. One name I have not heard would be Saints DC Rob Ryan. He has the fire, but have his defenses been that great until this season? He is a country music fan, which would be a plus. Maybe the Titans could lure former DC coaches Jerry Pearson and Jackie Bledsoe to co-coach the team. I can't guarantee the record, but a Mike Keith coaches show with either would definitely be entertaining! Just my two cents, which has declined to a worth of one and a half....I'd love to hear yours!

The Excitement Of A Snowfall

First of all, thanks to everyone who responded to my post regarding Brownie. Pets are a special part of all of our lives, and we were blessed to have her as a part of ours. Writing this in Hickman County tonight, as there is a little bit of excitement in the air....as IT'S SNOWING! (Not simply in Waverly, where students in Dickson would always start rumors that it was snowing - in hopes that schools would let out early!)  It's amazing. It doesn't matter if you are a child or an adult. Driving in the snow is kind of a cool experience. And, there's nothing like being out of school...I remember calling WDKN like crazy as a kid, bugging Bill McCullough to death, asking if there was schools in Dickson County. LOL - You know what they say about paybacks? I got mine, for sure! I remember one night during my first season doing DCHS Basketball back in 1995. Coach Eve Hamilton and I were discussing the snow outside during the game - and I said 'As a teacher, I bet you hate that!" I'll never forget her response - the moment where I realized teachers were human - "Heck no, we want out as much as the kids."

Tonight, pulling into the Shell to put some gas in my car after Church, my mind went back to January 1985. I was in the fifth grade at the time. I went with my Dad to Dickson to Super X. (Wow, I am old.) It started snowing while we were in town, and snowed and snowed and snowed. I don't recall how many inches, but the temperature got down to -17 that next morning. For those that might recall, we were hit with so many snows that year that we had to go to school on Saturday three straight weeks - unless you were a sudden convert to Seventh - Day Adventist - like one of my friends (who shall remain nameless!). Looking back, I don't think anyone minded too much. Heck, I wouldn't mind going back to fifth grade for a few Saturdays now - or permanently, for that matter. This adult stuff kind of reeks sometimes!

To be honest, the thrill of seeing it snow kind of wore off. The temperatures are going to be very cold over the next couple of days, and I'm not as young as I used to be. Never thought I would say this, but bring on spring! Hunker down, and stay warm!