High Hopes for my future in music- except not really

Something you should know about me is that I LOVE- LOVE- LOVE music- it speaks to my heart on a profoundly deep level, like other things don’t have the ability to. I am constantly listening to music whether I am at home cleaning, getting ready for the day, writing, working out, or driving in my car. My mood will always determine what I kind of music I listen to, but I literally like almost every genre. At an early age, the love of a of music was instilled in me, you could have heard a variety of tunes coming from our house, such as, rock, jazz, classical, pop, alternative, blues, folk, reggae, oldies, country, and even hip-hop!

One might think, that being surrounded by so much music, that I might be able to play an instrument or at least carry a tune. I regret however, to inform everyone I cannot do either. Yep- true story- sad story. In college I went to a music store, sold my Dad’s old classical guitar to buy a shiny, new, black Epiphone. With determination, I started teaching myself chords, but could never really play a real song. I’ve tried hammering away on Pete’s drums, but who was I kidding, my hands were unable to keep two separate rhythms, and trying to add my feet was a whole different story. Heck, I even tried the ole’ harmonica- again it is fair to say I was unsuccessful in my attempts. Although, I could play a mean version of “When the Saints Go Marching in.”

So now…. I’ve had this crazy hair to learn the piano. Yes- you’d think I would have given up on my dream to play an instrument, but call me stubborn, or just plain unrealistic, because I will try yet again.

I came home from my trip to CA to find a new keyboard in my living room. Pete’s Dad had an extra and knew I was interested in torturing myself again, so he gave it to us. Of course, my musically inclined husband, has already learned 2 songs by just listening and watching someone else play. And no, he didn’t start with the classics like “Twinkle- Twinkle little star” no, no he went straight to Journey, and a song from the movie Once.

What on earth? Some just have the skillz, while others simply try to pretend. I’ll keep ya posted on my progress, but don’t get too excited, I’m keeping my expectations low this time.

California Dreamin'

One week ago, my friend Allyson and I began to make our way westward toward one of the most beautiful places ever- San Diego California. With our car packed to the rim carrying Allyson’s belongings for the next three months, we spent two solid days in the car, talking, laughing, dancing, praying, and seeing the countryside in five different states! My goal was to update my blog at the end of each day, but clearly that didn’t happen. However, I want to share my experiences with you now. I couldn’t help myself, but I took hundreds of pictures throughout the course of the week, mostly because I was surrounded by amazing people- like my family and friends, but also because of California’s unsurpassed beauty. Unfortunately, I only get to share a few with you here.

Growing up, I spent every free moment I possibly could in California, and always dreamed of living there. Although that has never happened for me, I am glad I was able to support one of my closest friends as she moved out there to take on a travel nursing position. Even though, I feel like a part of me is missing now that she is gone, I couldn’t be more thrilled for her, and for me, since I can visit her often.

It is so clear, from the moment we left, that the Lord was in every detail. And throughout the week, time and again the Lord showed up in big ways! We had a safe trip, beautiful sunrises and sunsets, free hotel rooms (thank you Uncle Eddy), inspiring talks, times of profound intercession, great food, amazing company among family and friends, the gorgeous sights (especially the beach), and a remarkable new apartment in an ideal location!

Talk about a memorable trip!

California- Here we come


Aaah… life on the road

We couldn’t resist- It’s the Rock Shop people- I mean seriously

Flagstaff, Arizona at Sunset- brilliant!

We don’t see things like this in Oklahoma

Let the dance party begin

At long last- the OCEAN!

My first ever in-store experience at IKEA

Livin la vida loca in Hollywood





And that would be my cousin- Cub the Bounty Hunter

Beautiful people unite




I just love my Family!!!







The End

My Turn

Until last Friday I had been lucky enough to elude the ever so nasty bug that has been making it’s rounds for months now, viciously take down anyone in its path. I have done everything possible to avoid getting it myself, from popping Airborne, to staying away from all people who could potentially have the bug. Friday, however, there would be no more running or hiding- it all caught up with me. From the moment I woke up, I knew that something was a little off. Most mornings when I wake to tackle another tough workout at bootcamp, I always think to myself, “I should stay in bed!” But on Friday, I am glad I listened to myself, because it was game over. My stomach decided not to be a stomach and revolt against itself- then my body temperature decided to change repeatedly from hot to cold. I became so uncomfortable in my own skin that I wished I could literally crawl right out of it. Because I felt so weak, all I could do was lay in bed and try to catch some zzzz’s. I didn’t know if this was going to last 24 hours or 2 weeks- but I had many people praying for me, and honestly I believe the Lord brought a quick recovery from the severe symptoms.

I thought I was feeling better by Saturday morning, so I went about my day as if I was never sick. Unfortunately, by days end, I was feeling crummy once again. It is currently Sunday night, and I have spent all day in my pj’s with an incessant pound in my head and ache in my stomach. Now, don’t get me wrong I love spending days in my pj’s, watching movies, but it can get old quickly, when you are sick. All I know, is that it is time to get better, because I have a two day road-trip to San Diego with my friend Allyson comin up on Tuesday. I will hope for the best!


On a lighter note….I got a fun new hair cut last week! For about the last year and a half, I have been growing my hair long. It grew to the middle of my back, and most days I enjoyed life with long locks. However, I was ready for a change! With Spring only three days away, I knew it was time to go short again- which used to be the norm for me. I love the new hair cut, and it is so easy to do!

Every blog has a beginning

Well… Most people begin a blog because they have a lot going on in their lives and want to share it. For me, however, this blog comes at a quiet and uneventful time in my life, a time when I am unsure of what is in store next for me. This blog, is a creative outlet of sorts; a place to share my random thoughts and dreams.

If I would have started a blog years ago, it would regale you with tales of adventure and excitement, tales of interesting people I’ve met in airplanes or while waiting for hours on end in every airport imaginable across this country and abroad. In these blogs, I would have shared interesting anecdotes about staying with complete strangers, in strange cities with strange food surrounded by be a set of strange circumstances. I would tell of my voyages into far off lands- lands where I found life, found pieces of myself along with a deeper understanding of the world in which I am a part. I would recount numerous stories about traveling the nation on a tour bus with a group of incredibly talented musicians and dear friends. Certainly I would report on countless speaking engagements I have had around the world- and my gratitude for my career as a speaker.

I wish I could remember some of my experiences with more clarity, but they flew by so quickly that I didn’t have time to stop and take note, to write them down or savor the moment. So many names have been forgotten and stories have slipped my mind. Although, some of those busy adventures of my past have been put on hold for the time being, I now have a brief moment to stop and reflect and maybe even share some of my most treasured snapshots of life with you. All experiences in my life until now, has shaped much of who I am, even though my story is one met with a mixture of pain and joy, tragedy and triumph, brokenness and life- one thing remains true- hope always prevails. My story is defined by hope- a hope that is found solely in Jesus Christ and His unfailing love and faithlessness. Although, personally life seems to be at a standstill while others around me get to live out their dreams and experience new adventures. Yet, I remain confident that this is only the beginning for me- there are so many new experiences and new stories yet to unfold.

I begin this blog without any specified goal or purpose, but perhaps author, Anne Lamott says it best, “The act of writing turns out to be its own reward.” Besides being a reward Lamott also says, “Writing can be a pretty desperate endeavor, because it is about some of our deepest needs; our need to be visible, to be heard, our need to make sense of our lives, to wake up and grow and belong.” Therefore, I write, because I know it will become a guide- a guide on this journey into the deeper places of my heart and it will reveal, who I am and who I am becoming. It may not always come out right or with the most graceful or articulate words. In many ways, I am still learning what kind of writer I am, but this is a small taste of all that is me- the good, the bad and the ugly.