Loosening My Grip

I’m walking through a pretty intense part of life right now. It’s hard and it hasn’t been pretty for anyone involved. And it has also been an amazing opportunity for God to show me some HUGE truths about myself and the way I’ve done life for the last twenty-something years.

In other words, it’s a lot to chew on.

So.

I’m been on a personal retreat of sorts. A necessary break to think, pray, write {oh, how I love the written word!}, run, think and pray some more. A chance to confront and explore the parts of myself that need examining. The parts that need God’s truth, mercy and love. The parts that need to loosen their grip and give up control.

Be back soon…

Grateful…

… for a well written story and a well produced movie that entranced my students.

… for co-teachers and classroom parents who encourage and challenge me.

… for faithful and brave friends who dare to speak the truth to me passionately.

… for country music and another awards show to watch {Amy Beth, I expect a full report!}

… for a crisp autumn dusk and strong legs on which to run.

… for a good friend who will Skype and watch “Glee” with me while sharing my love of a performance of “Defying Gravity.”

… for my Grandaddy, Glenn Cruise, who served in World War II and for all the other veterans who have so bravely and unselfishly served our country through the years.

Thank you, Grandaddy, I love you!

Apparently, celebrity chasing is not a new activity for me.

Once upon a time, back in the days of the E-Ranch, we watched a little show called “Two of a Kind,” a sitcom featuring the Olsen twins. We were mildly obsessed with the actor who played their dad, Christopher Sieber.

I know, hunky dunky, right? Cut to a year later in 2002 when my dad and I headed to New York City for my Grandpa’s birthday celebration. As an early birthday present for me, Dad took me to see “Into The Woods.”

At the time, I knew it was starring Vanessa Williams as the Witch but imagine my glee when five minutes into the show I realized Hunky Dunky was performing as Rapunzel’s Prince Charming. I can’t embed the video, so go here to see one of the funniest songs in the show. Chris {oh yes, we’re on a first name basis now, you’ll see why in a moment} is the one in the purple coat.

Since this was before the days of Twitter, I had to wait to tell my fellow E-Ranchers of my stupendous luck. However, I was bound and determined that I would get a picture of Chris before the day was out. So, I planted myself by the stage door outside and waited with the eager throngs of people as the actors exited after the matinee. One by one they left, agreeably taking pictures and signing autographs. I even got a shot with the kid from “Picket Fences” {anyone remember that show? Tom Skerrit? CBS?}

But alas, no Chris. Apparently, he had slipped out another door but I was told by a stagehand that he would most likely be back in an hour or so. In no uncertain terms I made it clear to Dad that I wasn’t leaving that door until I had personally spoken with the cutest sitcom dad I had ever known. And so began a very long two hour Broadway stakeout.

At the two hour mark, I was starting to lose hope but to what should my weary eyes appear but Vanessa Williams! She was heading right towards us and her only entry back into the theatre. Score! I had my program ready and asked as she approached, “Ms. Williams, may I have your autograph?”

TOTAL BRUSHOFF.

You know how she plays that evil snotty conniving woman on “Ugly Betty”? Let’s just say she doesn’t have to go far to get into character.

But then, THEN, glory be to the Broadway gods, here came my Christopher.

And he was oh so charming and couldn’t have been sweeter or more grateful to speak with a fan. Of course, I told him all about the E-Ranch and our undying love for “Two of a Kind” and how we were so glad that he had ended up with the nanny after all.  He assured me that he wouldn’t have had it any other way.

“Oh no, Chris, it’s okay. You’re so sweet to want to give me your number but I already have plans for this evening. Maybe next visit? Thanks, Hunky Dunky.”

 Now, if I could only get Matthew Morrison to return my calls….

Neither sneezing nor migraine will keep me from this post.

Such is my commitment to sharing the last part of what I believe Traci correctly called “the best inaugural UT game experience EVER.” So, continuing on. After a photo op with a slightly larger and fuzzier version of Smokey, Sarah and I headed for our seats inside of Neyland Stadium.

As we wound our way through the ramps leading up into the stadium, the anticipation built and my grin got wider and wider. And then, there it was…

Vast and glowing, an architectural behemoth checkered in orange and white.

After my initial peek into this Tennessee landmark, Sarah asked if I wanted to head down to the Lettermen’s Club located on field level. Um, am I willing to chase a celebrity and ask him for a picture? Heck, yeah! Down we went and shamelessly worked her husband’s letterman status {thanks, Kyle!} in order to get in. And then, there it was. The checkerboard, mere yards from me…

Oh yeah, and there was this other guy there, Johnny Majors.

I heard he was a big deal or something.

After stocking up on free snacks, water and cokes {take that, overpriced concessions stands!} we headed up to our seats and the gorgeous view that spread before us. And this is where our tale takes a sad turn. I took this one last shot…

…and my camera battery died. Kaput. Done. And like a total moron, I hadn’t brought my extra battery with me. So the rest of my pics are courtesy of my cell phone. Sigh. But what better to snap me out of my camera funk than a marching band? Bring on the Pride of The Southland Marching Band! Go Vols!

{We weren’t sitting on the home side, so just flip these pics in your head, m’kay? Thanks.}

The Power T

And here they come! We settled in for the first half in which I sang “Rocky Top” at least fifty times as we rolled over the Memphis Tigers.

At halftime, the alumni band joined the current band and taunted me with the first formation for the famous Circle Drill. If you haven’t ever seen this, click on over here and watch {it starts around 2:30}. AMAZING. We didn’t get the whole deal {teasers} but it was still a pretty great show. They even had the guys who first recorded “Rocky Top”, the Osborne Brothers, out on the field to perform. Pretty sweet!

Game won and “Rocky Top” sung another fifty times, we headed down for one more shot with Smokey and one last shot with the checkerboard.

Blissfully happy and deliciously exhausted from the wind, cold and hollerin’, we headed home to Chattanooga. But not before one last stop at Waffle House for a late night snack and “Don’t Stop Believing” on the jukebox.

Trust me, someone had to redeem the terrible frat band cover we heard that afternoon.

Go Vols!

Good Ol’ Rocky Top

It’s official. I am now a full-fledged Tennessee Volunteer fan. Until yesterday, I had only heard of the wonders of Neyland Stadium, the Vol Walk, Smokey and the Pride of the Southland Marching Band. But now? Now, I have tasted and seen. And it is good, my friends, it is good.

{Now, please bear in mind that this in NO WAY violates my loyal and undying devotion to my beloved UNC Tarheels, particularly in the arena of college basketball. I’m a Tarheel born and a Tarheel bred and when I die I’m a Tarheel dead. No matter how many orange shirts I may don.}

The grateful recipients of two tickets and a much valued parking pass near the stadium, Sarah and I headed up to Knoxville for a 7 p.m. homecoming game versus the University of Memphis. Sarah twirled baton with the marching band back in her UT days and I was thrilled to have an alumnus show me around and initiate me into the ways of the Vols.

Having lived my whole life in college town, I was giddy with glee as we drove through the main streets of Knoxville and the UT campus. The fans, the bright orange everywhere, the sounds of tailgating all around- it was a happy soundtrack indeed to a gorgeous afternoon. And then, one turn and then another, and there it was…

The largest stadium I have ever seen, it towered above everything.  The tailgaters were in full effect and everywhere you looked was orange- orange shirts, orange chairs, orange coolers, orange tents, orange cars.

Sarah’s husband played football for Tennessee and so we were able to take a peek into some spots that were closed off to the general public.  I’m not going to lie, I am all about the exclusive-behind-closed-doors tour. Behold, where the magic happens…

{Blurry, I know, but I was so stinking excited about standing on the actual field where the football team has trod!}

  We found a few familiar faces hanging around as well.

{Sarah’s husband, Kyle. Hunka hunka, yes?}

Then it was on to the band room. I could not hardly believe that I was standing in the middle of all these talented musicians, the only collegiate band to have been asked to march in thirteen inaugural parades, more than any other college or university in the U.S.

I love nothing more than walking around a college town on a game day and Knoxville was no different than Chapel Hill. Tried and true fans everywhere and the happy sounds of fight songs, cheers and tailgating music from all directions.

It’s Smokey! Bless him, he was distracted and wouldn’t properly pose for us. Head in the game already, I suppose.

After the Vol Walk {when the players and coaches walk from the bus to the stadium, we were too late to get a good spot and my picture of this is more of the crowd than the team}, as the crowd dispersed, I looked to my left and spotted a familiar face. “Hey, is that Mike from ‘Desperate Housewives’?” I asked to no one in particular.

“Yeah, it is,” said a random stranger.

In my twenties, I would have gazed after him wonderingly, wishing I had gotten a picture.

And now? In my thirties?

“Are you kidding me?!?!” I hollered and promptly made a beeline for him through the crowd. There he was, James Denton, alumnus of UT and a proud southerner. I caught up to him, stepped quietly to his side and asked, “Would you mind taking a picture with us?” He was adorably gracious and obliged.

I am not going to lie. Sarah and I stood in that street after he walked away and jumped up and down like thirteen year old girls. It was awesome. And more awesome was still to come…Tomorrow, the game!

One of the Best Days

Today, I had the chance to do something I’ve never done before. It was delightful, colorful and the most fun I have had in a long time. What was it? Well, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out.

Actually. Wait.

Technically, it’s already tomorrow since I’m posting this at 2:33 a.m. BUT, since I haven’t actually gone to bed yet we’re going to pretend like it’s still yesterday.

So.

Look for the full scoop tomorrow. Or later today. Whatever works for you.

Here’s a hint…

If You Want Me To…

The pathway is broken
And the signs are unclear
And I don't know the reason why You brought me here
But just because You love me the way that You do
I'm gonna walk through the valley
If You want me to

Cause I'm not who I was
When I took my first step
And I'm clinging to the promise You're not through with me yet
So if all of these trials bring me closer to you
Then I will go through the fire
If You want me to

It may not be the way I would have chosen
When you lead me through a world that's not my home
But You never said it would be easy
You only said I'd never go alone

So when the whole world turns against me
And I'm all by myself
And I can't hear You answer my cries for help
I'll remember the suffering Your love put You through
And I will go through the valley If You want me to

{Music and lyrics by Ginny Owens…click below to listen…}

Horribly Unfair

My sister is currently “stationed” in Puerto Rico for the next two weeks with her ANG unit.

I use the term “stationed” loosely because so far all her texts and emails have only mentioned lounging on the beach and enjoying piña coladas.

Ahem.

My mother is also at the beach, enjoying a well-deserved vacation.

So while I am LOVING my first real autumn in three years {Hello changing leaves! Hello layers of clothing! Hello enjoying a Pumpkin Spice Latte when it’s actually cold in October!}, I can’t help but look back at these pictures with a certain degree of longing.

   

Enjoy, ladies. And next time? I expect one of you to take me with you.