ROCK ME MAMA LIKE A WAGON WHEEL

"Rock me Mama like the wind and the rain

Rock me Mama like a southbound train

Hey, Mama rock me"

If you get a chance, check out Jeremy McComb's website. You'll be especially glad you did if you like country music.

Jeremy is an Austin boy (by way of Spokane, WA) and grew up in a musical family. It's in his blood!

A couple of years ago (through Marshall Tucker Band connections), Jeremy ended up here in town to record a demo. David and I were called in to sing back-up after everything else had been cut. In most regards, it was "just another studio session." At the time, Jeremy was on tour as Larry the Cable Guy's road manager. (No. I didn't make that up. Does sound kind of random though, doesn't it?!)

Jeremy then got an actual record deal and came back to Spartanburg to record his full album! We do have an unbelievable pool of musicians in this one-horse town. David and I (and our good friend Mike) were called in to do the back-ups on all of those songs. Jeremy was actually in the studio that time and we had a blast!!!! This kid is a hoot. He has piles of energy and loves to makes people laugh. We hadn't had that much fun in the studio in ages.

Jeremy came back several months later and cut a few more songs. Once again, we hung out, cut up, goofed off and laughed with him in the studio. Oh. And sang. Yeah. We did some of that too.

The wait is finally over and his first single has hit country radio (call and request if you get a chance). "Wagon Wheel" is the first song they've released. It was a blast to record. Pretty much just a rare-back-and-belt-it kinda tune.

L, Jeremy and David

L and Jeremy in the studio

PHYSICIAN, HEAL THYSELF!

Most of you know that I make my living as an editor. I love it! However, if I'm in a real hurry, I don't really sweat proofreading average things in everyday life. I can turn "that" gene on and off.

When David's traveling, we tend to text rather than call. It's convenient and also allows us to send pictures and video as well. However, the "intuitive" texting feature of a cell phone isn't always so intuitive. I honestly feel like it should KNOW what I'm tryin' to say. David gets a kick out of the crazy messages he receives from me (I never proof before I hit "send").

I have the fastest thumbs in the southeast!

Tonight, he sent me a beautiful camera phone picture of the St. Louis arch as he drove past. Having recalled something I heard on the news just this week, I quickly replied.

Below is the exchange that followed (complete with translations).

DAVID: *sends pretty pic of arch*

ME: Cool! Some people got stuck go it this week.
(translation: Some people got stuck in it this week.)

DAVID: What do you mean? Did I miss something? Got stuck? Got what?

ME: Go the elevator up giggin the arch. Can you imagine?!
(translation: In the elevator high in the arch. Can you imagine?!)

What?!!!!! Half the time I can't get it to recognize "normal" words yet it can come up with GIGGIN on its own?

Odd.

THE PASSING OF THE TORCH...OR THE STILETTOS, AS IT WERE

"If you love something...let it go..."

Warning for any of my male readers: Please know that you're welcome to go ahead & skip this blog. So as not to force you to roll your eyes in disgust at yet ANOTHER shoe post, I'll spare you.

My friend Julia and I share a love for pretty foot coverings! ;-) We recently went shoe shopping together in Philadelphia and did much damage. When I got back to my hotel room I lined up all EIGHT new pairs and stared at them lovingly. Julia purchased ALMOST as many as I did...don't know what she did with hers (but I suspect she may have piled them in her bed and slept with them).

She has had her eye on a particular pair of my shoes for a couple of years now. She calls them "her" shoes.

They're cute but they just don't agree with my feet. No matter what I've tried they just refuse to stay on! I feel like Daisy Duck, flapping down the halls of my office. I even stuffed toilet paper in the toes this morning!!! (Class. Puuuuuuuuure class!)

Well, this afternoon I had had eeeeeeenough! I marched down to her office and proceeded with the ceremonial handing over of the high heels. She squealed with glee and clapped like a little girl.

I'm happy they're going to a good home. She promised me visitation rights.

I appreciate the thoughtful picture (above) that she took the time to take for me.

OH, THE IRONY...

To be honest, I'll splurge on many things but a professional manicure is usually not on my list of luxuries. I've always had decent nails that are strong and low maintenance. It's like they have their own internal supply of fertilizer or something.

That is...until recently. :-(

For some reason, I've been having a tough time with breaking, peeling and chipping nails. In the big scheme of things (and considering there are larger issues...like world hunger!) it's not really been that big of a deal. Just a little annoying.

I decided to take matters into my own hands (*har-har*) so today I purchased a kit to strengthen nails that are brittle and chipping. The side of the package promised nails that were, uh, "tough as nails" in NO time.

Perfect!

When I got home tonight, I excitedly tore into the kit. I was ready to slather on the various coats of armor.

However, some packaging designer who works for a nail company that shall remain NAMELESS (but it rhymes with Hally Sansen!) was a bit of an overachiever. Why must it BEEEEE so difficult to get into that crazy packaging?! The products are RIGHT THERE...safely ensconced in their hard, plastic prison. I seeeeee them. So why can't I get to them? WHY?! Oh why?!!!

You guessed it. As I impatiently ripped into the package...I broke a nail.

Perfect.

SURELY CHARLESTON'S NOT HOT IN THE SUMMER

I'm proud of the boys!

They're in Charleston for a solid week, on a missions trip. They're working on home repair, painting homes, etc. Their church youth band will also have the chance to play.

I'm grateful they're experiencing the various emotions that the week will bring. I have GREAT memories of similar trips. They were life changing for me!

The group is sleeping on a gym floor in sleeping bags. Aaaaaah. Nothing solidifies the authentic mission trip experience like a sore back! ;-]

I can not WAIT to hear all about it when they get back.

THERE'S PLENTY LEFT OVER! WHEN CAN YA GET HERE?

Tonight's menu:

* Sun Dried Tomato Salmon with Avocados

* Lemon Basil Tomato Bow Tie Pasta

*Sauteed Squash and Zucchini


Yum.