babybloomr

I’m just tired. And a little achey.

Shut up, I’M NOT SICK.

OK, you can add “a little cranky” to the list.

In lieu of a *real* blog post, I will leave you with this video (I totally relate to these puppies)–

OK, let’s see… In no particular order:

**I’ve announced the winner in the Newman’s Own Giveaway on the Review page– go check it out!

(Click on  “Reviews” on the top right of this page right by my smiling  face.)

**I taped some more Homecoming Radio shows last week, which once again were so much fun! I think I’m kind of getting the hang of it, but I’m still a little bit uncharacteristically restrained… I mean, I’m not a demure little shrinking violet in headphones or anything, it’s just that in real life I am usually a bit more boisterous. And I interrupt more. And I snorty-laugh a lot.  And sometimes my language is colorful. But sitting in that recording studio next to Mark, gazing across the room at Kevin, Phil and Bill, I am (for me) just a perfect little lady– at least while the mic is live. When we break for lunch, I go back to interrupting and snorty-laughing.

We taped a LOT of shows in the two days we were in the studio. We’re all very relaxed and comfortable with each other, and I think that comes across– and dang, those guys are FUNNY!! They are all such pros, especially Kevin who is really impressive; he just never gets ruffled and is so fast on his feet with one-liners and comedy bits. Mark’s right up there with him, and can deliver a beautifully phrased, off-the-top-of-his-head spiritual moment like no other. Phil is kind of the glue that holds it all together, smooth and professional. And Bill is Bill– he loves listening to the music more than anything, and he gets all enthusiastic and happy  about the playlist, especially when they put the spotlight on one of those old convention songs!  Sometimes he even starts doing that weird little directing thing– you know, when he starts enthusiastically pumping his arm up and down to the music with a big ‘ol possum-eating grin on his face? Yeah, that! Gets me every time.

This will give you an idea of  why they might want to reconsider placing Mark and I next to each other.. (he took these on his phone):

**I’ll leave you with a fun little piece of video… Last month, Russ was honored to be asked by his dear friend, singer/songwriter Regie Hamm to perform at the 3rd Annual Bella Bash at the Loveless Barn. Here’s a little bit about Regie:

Hit singer/songwriter/producer and Foundation for Angelman Syndrome Therapeutics board member Regie Hamm scored his biggest hit this year with the solo-written, 16-week No. 1 song “Time of My Life” for American Idol’s David Cook, and today he has signed a combined book and record deal with the Oklahoma-based Tate Publishing and Tate Music Group.

Regie Hamm’s new book, “Angels And Idols” recounts the compelling story of a would-be pop star who adopts a little girl from China only to find she has one of the worlds rarest and little known genetic disorders. The 24-hour care required for her, as well as the financial burden her condition placed on the family, sent Regie’s career into a tailspin and he lost practically everything he owned. After five years of abject despair and at the end of his rope, Regie entered the American Idol songwriting contest and won with the song “Time Of My Life.” The song went on to become a smash hit for David Cook and one of the longest running Billboard chart toppers of all time. It also became the theme song for a forgotten community of special needs families who share a common experience with Hamm …they all have children with the genetic disorder known as “Angelman Syndrome.” “Angelman Syndrome” is a partial deletion of the 15th maternal chromosome and is characterized by lack of speech, severe delays in motor skills, severe sleeping disorders, seizures and 24-hour care requirements.

It’s a great cause and a sold-out successful night– here’s the line-up:

Russ closed out the show, and Madi grabbed this little bit of video on her phone. Russ’ road drummer of many, many years, the incredible John Hammond was playing drums, and Tom Hemby, one of the best bass players in Nashville (who played with Russ way back in the Imperials days) was there, too. The back-up singers were amazing– Kim Fleming, Vicki Hampton and Robert Bailey– and in this clip you can see Russ enjoying them so much he almost forgot to sing! Anyway, it was a great night and Russ rocked the house, so I wanted to share it!