The Week in Review

From last weekend to this weekend, my heart has been quite warmed because of all the people I have been able to spend time with -- I love them dearly. I went to Lexington last weekend for auditions and while I was there, I stayed with the Mays -- my second family. I hadn't seen them since this summer so it was a great reunion. As always, we packed as much fun as possible into the two days I had with them. Friday night we ate at the Outback and then saw Alice in Wonderland. Afterward, V and Tessa (her friend and one of my JWT friends) played their songs for me, and I played mine for them. They are really talented and witty girls. I hope the songs continue.

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The next day we had an early rise for the boat show in Louisville. Yep, they are considering a new houseboat and since I've lived in the present houseboat quite a bit, I had some say-so in the new pick. All, I have to say is I vote against the boat with the kid room. Everyone grows up literally and figuratively. On the ride home, we heard a huge thud followed by lots of loud noise. The tire had gone flat, quite flat.

Frank was not happy.

And Cheryl was sad because she was hosting her Uncle Keith's party, and we wouldn't be back in time. No cornbread pudding for the party this year.

Although the visit was brief, I was so glad to see them! I promise to make another trip soon. That Saturday night, I rushed home because three of my favorite people in the world were in WV -- Maggie, Owen, and Josie. Meg had a huge water problem so mom had to come to the rescue and take the kids for the weekend while Meg and Joe took care of the problem. Again, it was a short visit, but I always love any amount of time I get with them. Here are Mag and Owen on the car ride back which they convinced me to join. Josie was not participating in the photo session thus no pic of her. I was informed on this trip that "Aunt Amanda never says no" to anything they ask me to do. The joys of being an aunt.

This weekend my friends Michael and Miriam had a preview showing of their short films in Charleston. Yaaay! another dress-up event. Mom, dad, Suzi, and Fred even went. It was cool to watch their stuff on the big screen. Hopefully, this is the beginning of the road to blockbusters!

Miriam and I. She is lots of fun and a curly-haired girl. No wonder we click so well!

James, me, and Michael at the after party. Love these boys.

The three directors and I -- Hopefully, we will all "make it" someday, and this pic will be worth a lot!

Michael and I posing. Everyone at the bluegrass night said we look like brother and sister. I can see it here.

Balls and Bluegrass

Believe it or not, since I have been home life has been pretty hectic. I met a great group of artists here in Charleston so I actually have a social life. Last weekend my friend Michael called and asked if I wanted to attend a ball. A client he had shot a commercial for was managing the event so they gave him some tickets. Of course, I accepted the invitation! Although we arrived rather late, we definitely closed the dance floor down. We also networked and ended up meeting some great people by the end of the night. Hopefully, there will be some more tickets in the near future. :)

I have also been frequenting quite a few music events here in Charleston. Mountain Stage to be one mentioned, as well as some jazz nights featuring my guitar teacher Ryan Kennedy. But I must say that the one I attended tonight may well be my favorite thus far. A man at my parents church plays quite a few string instruments and filled me in on a neat weekly gathering -- Bluegrass Night at Hardees in Big Chimney. Yep, that's right, I said Hardees. I was determined to get there tonight, and Michael was totally in since he plays quite a few instruments. We had no clue what to expect, but we turned out staying the entire time and playing about every instrument they had there. It was so cool. People brought instruments and just jammed. It was great practice for me. You are free to mess up because no one can hear you. I fooled around on the mandolin a bit and played the guitar. Michael played every instrument there, except the bass. We sat with Lewis, the man I know, and he called out chords, and we played along. I sang too and got invited to sing at some churches. Mike Parker, if you read this, I may start that "love offering" circuit. Haha.

Tonight is what I love about West Virginia. The people were great, along with the music. Where else can you find a weekly "pickin' and grinnin'" meeting at a fast food joint. Hopefully, I will be there again next week, along with my mom. (hint)

Lewis and I getting ready to pick a little

The mandolin was lots of fun. Thanks, Lewis.

Michael and I fit right in. Notice him w/ the fiddle. After my Smoke on Mt. attempt, I decided to let that one rest.

We really were having as much fun as we appear to be.