Merry Christmas to Everyone

GrandMa Got Run Over by a Reindeer.

Grand Ma Got Run Over by a Reindeer

otherwise known as

Rocky's Lullaby

How our Christmas CD gained its name.  

There are so many wonderful Christmas Stories, that brings some sort of magic into the holiday.   This story is about, how the song Grand Ma Got Run over by a Reindeer, got to be my Grand son, Rocky's Lullaby.

He happen to be born in the month of October.  Well, as we all know, really that is not too far from the Christmas season, for all of to prepare for, as we are getting by the Halloween and Thanksgiving season.

My daughter had a hard time getting him to sleep at times.  Me, lol, I didn't.   I would sing to him very softly.  He would fall asleep in my arms with no trouble.  Christmas was coming up,  I would sing "Grand Ma got Run Over by a Reindeer".  Yes, he would fall asleep in my arms.  He looked like such a little Angel too.  But, it became the main song, to putting him asleep.  Whether it was Valentine's Day, Easter, or 100 degrees out, that was the song, that would put him to sleep.  That is how and why  the song became "Rocky's Lullaby".

The Picture on the CD Cover

This picture was taken, when I was trying to get Rocky to sit up on Chris's shoulders.  He insisted on looking at Chris, and having to talk to him.  So I gave up, I was able to get Rocky to look up, then, I snapped the picture.  I loved the way it came out.  The picture says so much.  By the way, there is a picture behind Rocky, that is a picture of his Momma,, when she was a baby.

After finishing our CD, I was trying to think of something for the cover.  I remembered the picture I had taken decided to use it, and as the theme to the CD.

Well, folks, that is how the CD cover and title was born.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

from

Outlaws 'N' Lace

Happy Birthday to my Son, Chris

Chris

Karaoke Kid

Krystol Kid

Born:  December 7th

                                               

Chris is my first born.  He was born the day before my Birthday.  He was a baby I longed for and hoped for.  I had a hard time getting pregnant.  Finally, I did with the help from doctors, surgery and the fertility pill.  The day he was born,  I felt he was the greatest gift that God had given me.  Being the month of Christmas, he was the best gift I could ever have.  And the day before my birthday, was the ultimate Birthday gift.

He was the most beautiful baby boy I ever seen.  Perfect in every way.  Unfortunately, I don't have a lot of pictures of him, when he was  a baby.  My camera, no longer was working.  I had what they called at the time a One-Ten Kodak camera. The only camera we had at the time was a 35 mm.  I didn't know how to use.  Only his father knew how to operate.  He didn't take many pictures, if any at all.   Eventually, I did learn how to use the camera, but that was later on in life.  Wish I knew then.  That is another story.

There are so many things I remember Chris doing as he grew.  Like many of us, his first step.  Ha, his first step.  I have to laugh at that.  He didn't walk along furniture like most babies.  One day, I looked at him as he was trying to stand in the middle of the floor?  Couldn't figure out what this child was trying to do.  All of a sudden he sprang across the floor like a frog.  That was the beginning of his first step.

He loved balloons.  Later, I would find out why.  He learned things very quickly.  Sometimes, I didn't realize how quickly he did learn things.  He was always a happy child.  Very talkative.  I was told once, that a talkative child is a sign of a happy child.  So he must of been a very happy child.

From the time he was born, I always told him he was a special child.  And that he was.  I love to watch his curiosity.  When he had questions about something, I would say, well, lets go look it up.  He had all kinds of books for his age group.  For Example;  Dr. Seuss Dictionary.

I noticed how he seem to have a hard time seeing things.  I ask the Doctor.  "Should I be concerned about his eyes.  He seems to look at things very closely, as if he is having a hard time seeing them."  The doctor's answer was.,  "Oh no, its just a quirky thing he does."  I would ask the question many times, and get the same answer.  My sister had a specialist for her one son.  She gave me his name and phone number.  I took him an Ophthalmologist.  He didn't think Chris's eyes were that bad.  He examined them, and told me.  He was legally blind.   Oh my God, I was devastated.  The doctor told me, my reaction would reflect on Chris.  Dang, I just got slapped in the face, my child is blind.  He said one good thing out of it, he could never be drafted, or be in the military.  Main thing, his eyes needed to be taken care of.   My son had to wear, what most would call pop bottle bottom glasses.  He had lazy eye too.  He had to wear patches off and on for several years.  This entailed many doctor appointments.  I ask the doctor, if these did any good.  He said, hard telling.

Living with a blind person.  Things have to kept in certain places all the time.  Such as the bathroom being one.  He can't wear his contacts while taking a bath or shower.  The shampoo and soap, must be kept in the same place, not to be moved.

 He was able to be a normal little boy.  He went to school, like any other child.  He rode a bike, played baseball, etc.  His glasses corrected his vision to the point he could see.  But not clearly.  He had to look almost dead center of the glasses to see.  This didn't hurt his learning skills at all.  He had a vocabulary, better than a college student in the 4th grade.  Oh, yea, he was a challenge for his teachers. He had a  7th grade teacher that said, Chris gave him a reason to come to work.  He was seeing his teaching job as a routine.  Same thing day in and day out.  Then Chris came along.  And he was a challenge for him.  Chris did have some teachers that were jealous of him.  And that created problem in the elementary grades.

To deal with the ignorance of people was another thing, we had to deal with as far as his blindness went.  He would tell his teachers he couldn't see something.  Their response would be, "You have glasses on."  One that really got me, in high school, a teacher was using the over head with red marker.  Chris couldn't see it, and told the teacher so.  This teacher stood by Chris where he was sitting,  and said, "I can see it."  I had to make many trips to school to explain to these teachers, he CAN NOT SEE IT.  "He wears glasses."  Grrr!  I would say, "Yes he does.  But he doesn't see like you or I.  He is blind in one eye.  And the correction can only do so much.  What we see with our glasses is what he sees with glasses."  That was in elementary.  By the time he was in high school, the contacts were so much help.  It allowed him to drive.  But he still has vision problems.

When he started the 7th grade.  I did a new make over on him.  New hair cut,  clothing, and contact lenses.  I will never forget that day, when he had his appointment with the Ophthalmologist.  The doctor examined him.  And dropped the lenses in his eyes.  He saw things for the first time in his life.  Actual shapes, colors, distant of objects.  Tears came to my eyes that moment.  My son could see for the first time.  It was like watching my baby walking all over again.  The amazement on his face, was worth so much.  My mother-in-law, use to put down people who wore contact lenses.  I told her, I thank God, they were invented.  My son can see.  He did have to wear glasses with his contact lenses, but mostly to protect his eyes.  He wore prescription safety glasses for tennis.

Chris has always had a good heart.  He was  good big brother to his little sister.
He would read to her, and color with her.  She looked up to him.  Oh they had their moments.  Moments he did get in trouble for.  

 I would play ball with the kids. Games, teach them how to cook.  Taught them how to take care of their teeth while wearing braces.  My son remarked to me once.  "Mom,  I will always remember you, when you would come out in the drive way, play basketball with me in your high heels."   Its funny too,  I remember a neighbor saying to me. She never seen any one like me.  A mother that would play baseball, basketball, etc, with the kids as I did.

And I still have his pooh bear when he was a baby, and a teddy bear he got for Easter when he was 4.

He has grown into a good man.  I am very proud of him.  He has a job he really likes.  And people there like him too.  Just recently, his work place told him, they don't want to lose him.  Yes, he is moving up in the ranks.

He is our drummer in our band.   And one of the lead singers.   And very good.  Skip being his mentor, really, Skip has taught him a lot in life and being a performer.  Skip is his Step Dad, sort a speak.  He is very proud of him.  He has mentioned many times how he is proud of him.  Proud enough to call him son.  He said I did a good job raising him and Deirdre.  And I have nothing to hang my head about.

At the moment he doesn't have a Lady in his life.  Just hasn't come across the right one yet. 

I am proud of my son.  I love him very Much.

Happy Birthday Chris

Mom Love Ya

 

Christmas Card

This year's Christmas Card.  A lot of time went into this.  But I love making these cards every year.

  Hope everyone has happy gatherings.  Full of love and fun!
Merry Christmas to everyone.

And

God Bless Ya'll

Daughter's Week?

Well, I don't know about the rest of you.   I have to laugh at this Daughter's Week. 

Yes, I have a daughter.  She had the brightest blue eyes, and blonde hair.  She is beautiful in every way.  She is intelligent.  She is talented.  A loving daughter.  A loving wife to her husband.  A perfect mother.  And she has a great big heart.  I am so proud of her and I love her very much.  She is worth more than precious stones, or any metal that exists.  She is irreplaceable .

The day she was born, I said Thank you, to God for giving me this precious little girl.  I thank God every day for both of my children.  And both of them are.  I enjoyed every minute of her growing up.  I saw her as the perfect little girl.  In my eyes, she was, and that is all that matters.  Oh yea, we had our moments.  Hey, what parent don't with their child. 

Her Special 3, they are so funny.
I love 'em!

She didn't have to be beauty queen, or a model of any kind. Not to say she couldn't had, I do think she could have been.  That wasn't important to her.  She is Natural,  she don't feel she has to be a competitor in that area.  She competed for herself, much like her mother. (*_*)  She is beautiful to me.  I am not saying that to compete with someone else daughter.  What counts is my daughter, to me.

I think often of when she was little.  I can hear her laughter, see her smiles as fresh as it was then.

My daughter does not have to have Daughter's Week.  Because she is my Daughter, every minute, every hour, every day, and every year.  She's my daughter every breath I take.  She don't need a Daughter's Week with me.   Even in the things I do, such as, our band's Logo/Mascot, Attitude, that is modeled after her.  I love her, and I am  so proud of her.  She is so Precious.  Thank you Lord, for blessing me with her

 

And yes I have a son.  I feel so lucky to have him.  I am so proud of him.

The good Lord has blessed me with my children.  No he don't need I don't need a Son's Week either.  I feel the same way about him as I do my Daughter.

 

I really think there are a lot of you out there that might agree with me on Daughter's Week.  Why do we need that?  My Daughter is my Life.  I think she knows that too.  Can't be anymore special than that.

.

My Sister

I think of my sister quite often.  Unfortunately, I don't communicate with her like I should.  Usually, she and her hubby are usually on a bus trip, on the road enjoying their retirement.

My sister was there for me after I was born.  Always took care of me, as if she was my Mother.  Some of you are thinking right now, "Where was your Mother?"  My mother didn't like to take time for the children.  Yes, she was a housewife and mother.  She didn't like raising kids.  I was a sick baby when I was born, needed special care.  When my mother brought me home from the hospital, she shoved me into my sister's arms and told her,  "You wanted her, now take care of her".  Sad, but true.  I can always remember my sister being there.  I even referred to her as Momma Joyce when I was little.

She had a hard life, since she was born.  She was forced to take care of kids, before she was old enough to be a mother herself.  Survived cancer, alcoholic parents, alcoholic husband, several miscarriages, buried a baby, abusive life, children with ailments, the list goes on.  Some how, she survived it all.  She had the strength to keep going.  Her husband turned himself around, stop drinking, and now treats her like a Queen.  You know, What?  She is a Queen. No, she's not perfect. Has a temperament, but, we all do.

I hated it when she wasn't around.  When I was about 5 years old, I had to have surgery.  I hated the hospital, and I still do.  She came to visit me, I would cry when she leave.  So one day, when she came,  ah-ha, I escaped.   I managed to get down from my bed, get pass the nurse's desk, down the elevator, pass the lobby, out the door, down the steps, to the front side walk, dang, they caught me, before I could catch up with Sis.  She wasn't aware I was following her, till I was caught by the nurses. Say the least they sort a put me in a cage after that.

My first graduation picture,

Joyce graduated the 8th Grade.

 

Friend, Me and Joyce

Joyce and Me

She married young.  I was with her quite often.  I remember when I was about 4, she lost her first baby.  I will never forget it.  I can remember the sadness in the air.  I mourned for the baby. I cried, my mother said it was stupid.  She said, I didn't understand what was going on, I was too young.  Yes, I knew.  I knew the baby wasn't going to be with us.  He was a part of my sister.

Joyce and Hoppy Wedding Day

She was and still is a beautiful woman.  Blonde hair and blue eyes.  I always saw her as one of the most beautiful women in the world.  No one could be compared to her.   She always did things with me, for me.  I remember her and her husband had taken me out into the country.  Oh, how I loved that.  The horses were my favorite.  We went to the rodeo in Sydney, Iowa, got to see the Bonanza Group there, Hoss, Little Joe, Adam, and Pa (The Cartwritghts).  I don't remember the singer that was there, might had been Roy Clark. The clowns, and beautiful outfits different people wore, was so fascinating to me.  It was hot that day.  She bought me 2 balloons, that were the coolest.  Long and multicolored. When I got older we would go out to lunches together, do crafts together, exchange ideas.  She even got me onto line dancing.

I picked up the talent of sewing from her.  If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't  have the talent that I have in the craft.  I didn't have my own sewing machine.  So I would stay weekends with her, to use her machine, and maybe babysit  the 3 kids, as well.  She shared her craft talents with me.  

When I got married, she was there for me.  When I had my babies, she was there for me.  When my daughter was getting married,  Deirdre asked Sis, if she and her husband would like to walk down the aisle, in honor, as grandparents.  Sis was thrilled, and I was proud.  She was there for me when I was very sick.  Sis took care of the my kids when I nearly lost my life.  The kids stayed with her for a couple of weeks or so, till I got back on my feet.  She did what she could, whether it be physically or emotionally. She was there for me when my marriage started to fail.

Me and Joyce in a Photo Booth

No she's not Perfect.  She is one of the most beautiful women in the world.  She has a lot of talent, she may think she don't, she does.  She had the strength, to carry on.  She is caring and a loving person.  And most of all, she's my Sister, Joyce.

Thank you God for letting me have her in my Life.  You have blessed me.  Thank you for her and her husband Hoppy.

Hoppy and Joyce

Hope to correct a problem

Trying to get a picture changed on my Blog.  Don't know why, but the sketch of my daughter is on the last one I wrote. 

An Adventure in the Country

On a nice sunny day, Skip, Chris and I, all decided to visit some friends, Chief and Mary,  in the country.  We had no idea where they were exactly.

We headed out with the directions that Mary gave us.  Take this road, that road, till you see this huge house with a flag in front of it.  Then turn down that road go for about 3 miles.  Look for box #11449.  We stayed in contact with them, for awhile.

Okay, we did that.  It came out to be No Man's Land.  We drove and drove.  We did see the house and the flag.  We did turn down that road.  We try to call the Chief and Mary. Couldn't find box #11449. Due to us being out in No Man's Land, there were no signals.  Oh, Boy!!  So we drove and drove. Up hill, down hill, twists and curves.  Hey!  Sounds like a new dance don't it? Yea, we were dancing alright.  Really don't know how far we had gone.  Drove  far enough to run our of cement.  Now we are on a gravel road.  Oh, Boy!  Little farther, now, we are on a dirt road.  Oh, boy!  Still trying to reach out on our phones trying to call Chief and Mary.  No Luck!


Well, being out for some time trying to find these people, we decided to turn back.  As we were heading back, I said to the guys, "Now all we need to do is run across, some guys on a golf cart.  With bib overall's and no shirts, baseball caps, no teeth, and shot guns.'


Well---------------   Here's the rest of the story.  Five minutes after I said that.  Here comes an ATV with 3 guys on it.  Bib overalls, baseball caps, no shirts,  no teeth.  You got it, and SHOT GUNS.   As we drove past them they all waved at us very friendly like.  We returned the wave and the smiles, kept going.  We decided, okay, we're heading back home.  

Did we ever find the Chief and Mary. No!  We did find an Adventure though.  Oh, and, we found our way back home.  
"There's no place like home.  There's no place like home.  There's no place like home."

We did have fun on this advernture and we are still laughing about it.  (*_*)

Posting on the Internet

I really think that we can post on the internet about anything is great. It has been a way for me to get in touch with those I have lost. The Research is endless for many things, whether it be for friends or to educate yourself one way or another. Exchanging ideas with one another. The internet has even taken some control out of doctors and attorney hands. They just can't give us shut up lines. We can get on the internet and do our research. Such as myself. Doctors were telling me one out a hundred thousand women suffered with what I had. Think again, the statics are higher. I did research all over the world. Yes, we are in touch with the whole world. And I have also made many friends on the internet.

On the other hand the individuals postings have hurt other people and themselves. Of the intention to hurt some one is their goal. What they don't realize is, they can also get hurt from it, as well. Hmm, maybe we can call this Hate Internet. These individuals think they are safe by sending threatening, or stalking others by air. Think again. This is permanent, there is no taking back.

I have seen individuals calling people names on their face book, thinking they are safe. Also, have seen them publicize someone else personal life or financial status. They may think this is hurting their target, what they really don't realize, they may be hurting themselves. Think about it. The statements have been made public. Can't ask for better witness as that.

Most of all, we have to protect ourselves. Our children number one. It is so hard to protect our children on the internet. There are so many out there on the watch for them. To try to trap them, let's say in their WEB. And children are so innocent, don't understand what they are dealing with. But we have adults like that too.

We have to protect ourselves. Be careful of information you put on the internet. Don't make public about your work place. Don't say something that can't be taken back. Remember you have made it public. And agreeing with someone's comments, be careful how you do this. And also, if you do, find out about both sides before you make judgement. If you think it going to buy you popularity, you're right, maybe, just not the type of popularity you want.

Really think of what you put on the internet. It can be more damaging that what you think.

My Aidan Bear

Aidan Bear

 Now you all are probably wondering, who is Aidan Bear.  Aidan Bear is a little bear, I had bought when my Grandson Aidan was born.  The little bear brings me comfort, when I can't be with my Grandson to watch him grow up. 

Aidan is so full of energy and curiosity, any little boy should be.  Oh, yea, bumps, bruises, cuts, broken bones, etc. He has the big round, hazel colored eyes and beautiful smile.  He is such a loving child, with a big warm heart.  His eyes, his smile, and his heart are well filled with laughter.

He has a big brother he looks up to.  And a little sister that is his shadow.  Sometimes, he wants to be off alone maybe.  But that's okay, we're all like that.  He is only human.

The little bear sits next to me, on a shelf by my main computer.  He watches me every day as I work or play on the computer.  Once in awhile, I will look over at him, I can almost see Aidan's face. I pick him up, give him a hug.  I can see him running and jumping, having all kinds of fun with his friend across the street, his sister and brother.  As any child should be doing.

 
 I do know one thing, I don't have to look at anything to see his ever lasting smile.  His smile and his bright eyes,  I carry with me all the time. 

This weekend is his 5th Birthday. This is a big week for a Special 5 year old. And that's why I had to write this special piece.  To share with everyone, my Little Aidan Bear.
 

HAPPY  BIRTHDAY AIDAN

(My Aidan Bear)

GAMMA LOVES YOU VERY MUCH!!

Happy Anniversary Deirdre

This is Week, is my daughter and her husband's 10th Wedding Anniversary.

This was the year of 9/11. Finding places to rent, or to get married was not easy. So many were getting married this month, for the fear of having to leave for war. Also, October, a popular month for weddings. Ranking number 4. She had chosen the colors Royal Blue and Burgundy. These colors were chosen almost a year before the wedding. Which was great. I was able to hit great sales on burgundy and royal blue ribbon, candles, flowers, etc; for the fall wedding. Big spools for a Dollar, candles for ten cents, ha, can't laugh at that. But, some assume it to be the colors of Red, White and Blue, because of the 9/11. Most did see it was not the red, white and blue. No Burgundy and Royal Blue. The Colors were beautiful.

She had a beautiful wedding that day. There was no snow or rain. The air was crisp and very cool. The colors of fall surrounded them and the colors they had chosen for their wedding, blended so well. The leaves were blowing in their little whirl winds. Maybe the leaves were dancing for their wedding day.

So many of us worked hard to make it a perfect Day. A lot of work was put into it. For six months I worked on the bride's and all of the Ladies bouquets corsages , and the men's boutonnieres. I had to alter her dress, made her veil. I even made her tiara of Austrian crystal heart shaped stones and beads. We all got together, made out the invitations. Think there was about 6 of us there. Trying very hard not to miss anyone, which can easily be done, when you have so many to invite. Of course you always have some one complains they didn't get an invitation.

Mother of the groom, helped out with the reception. Lot of work on her part. And I am sure she was pulling her own hair at times.

I spent many hours preparing for her wedding. A wedding that I wanted to be perfect. As most mothers do for their daughters.

Seem like things kept coming up, in the preparation for the wedding. We had spoken to the minister of the church, explaining it was a candle light service, and a formal wedding. About 200 plus guests. Oh he didn't realize this, so he scheduled another wedding right after Deirdre's wedding ceremony. We were told about this a week before the Wedding. Nice! He said they wouldn't be in the way. Well. It had taken over an hour to get out of the church after the wedding was over with. Had over 200 people there. Yea, the couple he was to marry after their wedding was sitting out in the hall waiting for the wedding to be over with so they could have their wedding. Theirs was a simple wedding. The point is, he wanted to rush a big wedding out of the church for another wedding, for his profit.

Beginning of that week, I had my hair, trimmed and highlighted. Uh, came out butchered, and bleached. Didn't realize how bad it was butchered, till I went back to get the color fixed, got home trying to do something with my hair. What in the world? Oh, no, one side is much shorter than the other side in back. Ha, said, Heck with that went to another salon, and the stylist did the best she could to fix it. I didn't want my hair short. Well--------! I am thinking, if this is the worse. OK. I can deal with that. Think again.

Trying to keep the the Maid of Honor and the Bride's Maids happy, can some times be quite a task. Still have my hair, what is left.

The Bachelorette Party was a lot of fun. She asked my sister and husband; her Aunt and Uncle, to be the honoring grand parents to walk down the isle. My sister was quite honored, and so was I when she was asked. They played the part of Grandparents, in Deirdre's life, as she was growing up.

She wore the necklace from me. Something old, something borrowed.
The last minute before she walked down the isle, I ran back to her. Removed my grandmother's wedding ring from my left hand. I placed on her left hand, and said. "Today we start a new tradition, this ring will be place on your hand to wear down the isle. And you or I will do the same for your daughter, the tradition will be carried on" She agreed.

We had friends who took the pictures for us. He did a good job.

She had a white fur jacket, I had made for her, for Christmas one year. She wore it that night. One would think, it was bought special for that wedding. Nope, just was made for a special girl.

Had a DJ for the dance that night. He was pretty good. The heart wreath that was behind the couple's table, I had made, with lights lining the inside of it. It was so beautiful. Her and Rocky looked so wonderful in front of it.

The Wedding that night was truly a Story Book Wedding. She was a beautiful princess, and he was as handsome as a prince should be. The Guests were great. Funny, something, I will never forget. Most of the ones that smoked went outside to do so. Wasn't even expected. Nobody got out of hand.

Almost one year after their wedding, they had their first child. Wow, what a way to celebrate first wedding anniversary. Since they had 2 more children. Another little boy and then a little girl. The kids are full of life and laughter. Deirdre and Rocky have seen hard times. Unfortunately, I can't always be there, wish I could. But Rocky's parents are doing the best they can. I go back and help out. When she had her babies, I went back and stayed with her for a bit. Deirdre is working on an education in medicine. Her goal is to be a doctor in psychology of some kind. Taking care of 3 children right now and staying home with them. She is doing a good job on her grades. Rocky has a job, he likes doing.

They are happy, and I see that. They love each other very much. That fills my heart. She is such a good Momma. And Rocky is good father.

And their children, of whom I call my Three are the world.

The question, asked to me. "Would you do over again, if you had to, or could?" Yes I would. It was a story book wedding come true. It was such a beautiful wedding. Everyone in it was so beautiful and handsome. Very, very wonderful crowd.

From what I understand there are plans for their celebration, being done by Rocky's parents.

WHAT DO I HAVE TO SAY?

Happy Wedding Anniversary
to a Very Special Couple

Love
Mom

Blog Comments

I want to give a big Thank You to those of you have taken the time to read my blogs.   I have one follower so far, Thank you Colleen.  But I have gotten private comments as well.  Seeing the number that have checked out my blogs is a plus.   Makes me feel good.  Maybe I accomplished something. 

I hope this is a word to many of you out there.  You never know, what you may have to say, might be interesting to others, or maybe some help.  Some common ground, an understanding of others.  Or maybe a way to fill that loneliness.  You just don't know.

Thank You Everybody!!!

A Tear for a Musician

Today we had to deliver a picture to someone in a retirement community. We saw a gentlemen there walking up and down the side walk. Yes, we knew who he is. Not to give out his real name, I will call him Will Bill.

Will Bill played a guitar for a major country singer at one time. In order to have the opportunity to play for kind of entertainer. You have to have talent, a gift that god gave him. These musicians, try out with about a thousand others, in hopes they will get the job. They are picked out of that number, then have to try out with a hundred. Till it gets to the number they want to hire.

He saw the big times and all the lights. Played on stages that most of us dream about. Had meals to satisfy a King. Had clothing provided for him, along with his instrument. Traveled many places and saw many faces. Not only did they play for their employer, sometimes they would play for other entertainers, that might be appearing that night.

Many years ago, being a member of a well known entertainer, was not an easy life. A lot of long hours, days, and rides. The musicians would get on stage, play their instruments. They didn't dare miss a note, or they would be fired that night. Didn't matter if they been playing for 14 nights without a break. It was no excuse. This is why and how so many entertainers get on drugs and the drinking. Uppers to keep going and downers trying to sleep. He played for one of the greats, we'll call him Rick , in Country Music.

One night he got on stage drunk, Rick looked over at Will Bill, said; "Get off of my stage." Will Bill proceeded to do so. Then Rick said where are you going with that guitar. Will Bill put his guitar in Rick's hands and left. Will Bill's career was ended.

The musicians would get off stage, they would immediately, head for the bus, put their guitars in the racks. Did this mean they would rest? No, sometimes they would have tapes of a new song, they would have to work on. They would head towards the back of the bus that was made into a music room, that had a short set up of drums and their acoustic guitars, then work on the songs. After the practice they would pull their beds down from the wall and go to sleep. Wasn't always easy to go to sleep in a moving vehicle, but they adapted. Their life was on the bus. Sometimes they would get motel room, and this would be luxury for them. Shower, a bed, TV, and no motion while sleeping and clean clothes. The entertainers, did try to get the musicians a nice Suite most of the time. Might be time to go to the local bar and have a good time. As many of you know, sometimes they would end up in Tootsies after a show after the Opry. They did a lot partying too. Of course we all know what this could entail. One thing would lead to another, so on and so on. To keep going or get some rest, they would start doing uppers and downers. Oh yea, they would drink too, and I don't mean water.

No they didn't get to be home with their families. Which is why there are so many divorces in this particular industry. They might get to spend a total of one month out of a year with their families. Watching their children grow up was missed. Sometimes even funerals of love ones was missed.

Some think being an entertainer, is a glamorous rich life. Ha! I had a young girl say to me once. "Wow, you must have a glamorous life". I looked at her, and laugh. Glamorous? Hours of rehearsal, learning new songs, getting material together, getting bookings, putting up with petty jealousy, etc. Rich? For a few it is. I just don't know what being rich is. And its not all party.

Will Bill did live the rich life though. But he got addicted to the drinking. He didn't know where and when to stop. He let the bottle control him, instead of him controlling it. Yea, he saw it all, been there with the big dogs. One night he went on stage, and couldn't play the music. The bottle was in control of his life. He was fired right on stage that night, asked to get off the stage and leave the guitar behind. The bottle controlled in for the next 45 years.

Just recently he had a heart attack. His kidneys had stop working. But for whatever the reason, he was pulled through. Maybe God felt it wasn't time for him to go yet. He has liver damage. His left arm has some damage due to his condition. Right now he can't play the guitar. We asked him if he had given up the drinking, he said no. Due to his the pain in his left arm. He did look sober, and cleaner.

We said hi to him, asked him how he was doing. Told him bye. I watched him as he waked away, I felt sorry for him. The bottle gave him a lonely life. He had aged 10 - 15 years. I am not sure if he has anybody in his life. Last I knew he had a friend that sort watched out for him. He does live next door to a gentleman he had been in boot camp with, so that is a plus. It was sad, he loved the bottle more than his life and the love of the music. As he walked away, I think my heart had a tear for him.

So many times we sweep people away, under a rug and hope they will go away. The not so lucky are people too, and have feelings. I am not saying what they did was right. We do need to pray for these people.

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ADDED NOTE

News about Will Bill. We have seen Will Bill the past month a couple times. I am happy to say. He has cleaned up. Shaved, fixed his hair. He looks great, and he looks 10 years younger. We are happy for him. We have also ask him to join us. But due to his heart attack it took a lot out of his right arm. He is slowly getting it back. Once again, we are Happy for him.

My Art Work

For some people taking a bath, a walk, is a way to escape from everything. I have a lot things I love doing, and God has blessed me with these wonderful gifts. One of my favorite things to do is to sketch.

 I have been sketching from the age of 5. Teachers in first grade were so intrigued, with the details I put in the pictures. At the age 6 I was drawing images of people, body structures, instead of stick people as a child at the age would draw. I have won ribbons for a few of my pictures. First one was in 5th grade. It is sad, I don't have these. My mother failed in saving them for me. The only one I did manage to keep is the one I won a ribbon for in 9th grade. Unfortunately it is deteriorating, due to the type of paper the sketch was done on.  I did have it laminated, so hopefully, this has saved it from any further deterioration.

When I sit down with my pencils, crayons, etc; I am escaping into another world.  Drawing a line can take you any where.  Shading, with the hand moving so gently, filling in places that need to be filled in.  It's almost as if the hand is breathing for you lungs.  Breathing life into a piece of paper or canvas.  My sketches may not be good enough for others, but they are good enough for me. When I am drawing these pictures, I do it for me. I don't care if anyone else likes them or not, or if they aren't the perfect image. It was my world and no one else's. Like memories. No one can take memories away from you. Such as the laughter of your children.

Its funny too.  Sometimes I can be sitting in the Mall, get an inspiration to  sketch, such as the picture of the girl that is on this page.  My daughter and I was in the Mall one day, she was reading a book while we were relaxing after doing some school shopping.  I had a paper bag, a pencil and started drawing her picture.  Unfortunately, this is not the original drawing, the original was on a brown paper bag, and it is hard to see, I do still have that bag.   The sketch of the dog, is the dog I had a one time.  Tazzy,  he was laying on the floor looking up at me.  I did have the proper paper that time.  I call these Moments.


I wanted to go to school for Art. But never did. Didn't have the encouragement. I would say ambition, but maybe I would had the ambition, if I was given the encouragement. And really I think I would had enjoyed the career in art. I have a X brother in law, who did go to a trade school for art. He is very good at what he does. I think its great he was able to accomplish what he wanted to do. And as far as I know he is happy with it too. He was given the encouragement, so he had the ambition.

Even though, I didn't get to study, and didn't have the ambition, I still have the gift to sketch when I feel like it. I can draw pictures to make me feel good. Sometimes they are pictures of animals, faces, trees, sometimes dreams, such as the dragon I drew. I do hang some of these creations in my home. Its funny, just looking at these pictures, I can escape into the world that no one else can touch. The world of peace, beauty, relaxation, a place I am welcomed at.

What will happen to my sketches when I leave  this world?  I am leaving them to my children and grand children.  They won't be worth a penny, maybe  they will mean something to them and maybe carry one the encouragement for the ambition.

If you have a child that is interested in Art. Please don't discourage them. Whether it be in dancing, singing, painting, etc. Stand behind them and give them the encouragement. Maybe they won't be able to live on it, but they have the opportunity, to learn all they can about it. It is something they can keep with them no matter what else they might do in their lives. Encourage, to give Ambition.