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Happy Birthday Deena

It's been three years. That darkness is still there and is so deep. I try to focus on the light, the beauty, the color; on all the ways the world is better because you were here. There are many. You’re still inspiring me to try to be better, too. Thanks, big sis. Happy birthday.

Musical Forces -- And Respect

The Secret Sisters join emcee John Paul White to perform two of Hall of Fame inductee Hank Locklin's songs. 

The Alabama Music Hall of Fame Induction Banquet last week was an incredible melding of old and new, of traditional and contemporary. There was a common thread, though. That thread was respect. It was easy to see the respect young artists like John Paul White and the Secret Sisters have for the inductees. 

Inductee Candi Staton takes in the moment as she completes her performance
after  being inducted into the Alabama Music Hall of Fame.

The inductees, all so very gracious, showed a true appreciation for being honored, for each other and for the many professionals, performers and friends with whom they have shared the good times and the bad of the music business. Many of of the folks they counted as friends were on the stage too, that night, in the all-star band that made everyone sound good!

Special recognition was given to the producers of Muscle Shoals, the documentary about the region’s rich music history that’s gained international acclaim. If you haven’t seen it, see it now! It is an amazing compilation of photos, videos and stories. They show the major influence the area and its people have had on the entire music industry; and the respect that industry has for both.

Inductee "Spooner" Oldham
rehearses with the band.

   

Famous "Swamper" and the hardest working musician I know,
David Hood was part of the all-star band for the event.

Songwriter Dan Penn is interviewed by a local reporter
(and admitted fan) before the banquet begins.

Alone

Soaring with the Eagles

They weren't exactly soaring this morning, but watching these eagles definitely makes my spirit soar.

Dad was hanging out on a branch while mom kept the nest warm.

Day 261: Priorities

My brother would not be happy that I didn't take and post a picture yesterday. For the last time, I will say to him, "You're not the boss of me!" He was a fan of my daily pictures, so I feel a bit like I'm letting him down. But I need to take a break. He taught me so much throughout my life, but he's never taught me more than he did during the last few weeks of his life. He was an amazing inspiration. I'm so proud of how he and his children faced his illness. This is not at all what I imagined "Seeing 50" would include and it's made me want to take some time out and re-evaluate priorities.

George, I miss you already.

I'll be back.

Day 259: Holes

Day 258: Blue

Day 257: Revisited

I happened upon this little barn during my first 365-day project and haven't been back to it until today. There's just something about it .  .  .

Day 256: Heart

A big heart for Pam and Mary Beth. Congratulations.

Day 255: Hiding Place

This little hiding place is just one of the gems inside the farmhouse at Magee Farm. The house was built in 1848 and was site of the surrender of the last Confederate troops East of the Mississippi River. These are props, but there are so many amazing pieces of history in this house. Here's a caption from one of the website photos: The table and chairs in the center of the room are where Generals Taylor and Camby discussed and signed the surrender of the confederate troops. It's such a shame there is no public support for Magee Farm. It's closed to the public and the owner has it up for sale. If you have any ideas of how to find funding to preserve this extremely rare piece of Civil War history, please contact the owner.

Day 254: Just Passing Through

This guy jumped through the tree limbs while I was standing at the window with my camera.

Day 253: Ground Level

Day 252: The Crossing

There were a harrowing few minutes just beyond my driveway this morning. Yes, I was prepared to help if needed, but my first impulse was to grab my camera. I think we both breathed a sigh of relief when this guy reached the "finish line."

Day 251: Let's Do This

Day 250: Super Moon

I was up with the early birds this morning. Here's my "Super Moon" from 5:14 a.m. I was hoping to get it with some reflections on the water for some perspective as it set, but with clouds all around that wasn't in the cards. It was definitely worth getting out of bed early and, as always, a challenge to try and do it justice.

Day 249: Delightful Desserts

My brother is on a baking spree! This is his coffee cake. I also got to test his blueberry crisp. I can happily report that both of these were delicious! I can't comment on the cheesecake. He wouldn't share.

Day 248: Lines

Day 247: At Its Core

Day 246: New Growth

With the help of my friend Phillip I planted two trees a little over two years ago. They were symbols of hope then. It's nice to see new growth now.