Time After Time... Attending “LOVE (as it turns out) is a Battlefield” benefit concert for Blood: Water Mission

While checking out the “what’s happening” collage wall at Portland Brew I saw a poster up advertising a free benefit concert “Love (as it turns out) is a Battlefield”. The only name that was familiar at first was Sarah Masen, then the cause “Blood: Water Mission”. Being an almost rabid fan of Jars of Clay, I had heard about it many times through the magical world of Myspace bulletins. If Sarah Masen is playing then I’ll probably like the other artists I thought. Later at Ugly Mugs, I saw the same poster and was reminded I shouldn’t miss it. FYI, I didn’t have coffee at both places…I do have a Mocha addiction but it’s under control. =)

In my house growing up, my parents “preferred” that I listen to music I could buy at the local Christian book store. I’d spend a lot of time at the listening stations searching for something that moved me and not in a vomiting from too much cheese kind of way. While my friends were listening to the likes of Beastie Boys, Pearl Jam, and Beck…I had Sixpence None the Richer, Hoi Polloi, Amy Grant and Jars of Clay.

Sarah Masen was a fav. Her first album I adored. She was only 4 years older than me and I gravitated towards singer songwriters that seem to do it all. And when I was nineteen I cut my hair like her….it turned out to be a hideous mistake. Being petite, you’d think I could pull off a Pixie…but you’d be wrong. So very very wrong. I remember my boss at the mall store I worked at saying I looked very “butch”. Umm, that wasn’t the look I was going for.

I’m in the process of purchasing a motor vehicle and so the ride situation I had not thought through. Thankfully after airing a distress call in the form of a Facebook status, one of my friends from the Art Fair circuit, that wanted to go too, offered to pick me up. Horray for Facebook!


My friend L, turns out, lives about a second away from me in East Nash. She drove us to the Downtown Prepaterian Church, a historical landmark and still functioning church, where the concert was being held. The structure has actually been rebuilt 3 times after two fires. The last fire burning it to the ground in 1848…but you can’t stop the church! Ha, take that fire, we’ll just rebuild!

Not being aptly prepared, I only had my MACRO lens with me so here is a picture from the Church’s website.

Interesting enough, when the inside was being designed, America was going through an Egyptian Revival Style period. L and I couldn’t figure out if it had been designed then added too or if someone actually thought it all through…but apparently they did…or thought they did. That Keith Green song “So you wanna go back to Egypt” kept playing in my head. =P

Sarah Masen’s husband, author David Dark was the Host for the evening. He described the meaning of the title of the concert and how the 80’s were very relevant. In keeping with the theme, a lot of the artists would be covering their favorite 80’s songs as well as some originals.

I can’t seem to escape 80’s music.


Sarah was first. She played the guitar and sang the REM song “Fall on Me” with her daughter on backup vocals. Familiar with the song, I don’t think I’d ever listened to the lyrics. What a beautiful song. Sarah sang two other covers before the next artist Justin Caldwell came up.

Justin Caldwell, I had never heard before but he had a great voice. It was very earthy, slightly jazzy voice with great melodies to his originals. I should have kept track on the 80’s titles people were playing. Perhaps someone will chime in on what he sang.

Between the mini sets, they played 80’s commercials on the movie screen next to the stage. Everything from the boom box cassette player that will change your life to car commercials to Arcade Games. It was quite enjoyable.

Up next was Sandra McCracken. She covered “Time after Time” which had much audience participation. I forgot to mention that the church was full to the brim and L and I were sitting in the second row on the right. =)







Sandra McCraken also played some originals and I knew immediately I would be visiting her CD table after the show. Her husband came to play the guitar with her, who was none other than Derek Webb, formally of Caedmon’s Call…another favorite of mine. The night just keeps getting better! I heart Nashville.








The final musician was Matthew Perryman Jones. He covered a few 80’s songs…one was a favorite and I can’t for the life of me remember which one it was…lol. I just remembered a Sting song but it could have been Justin who’d sung it.


Sarah Masen came up and sang backup.

The speaker for the night was “Blue Like Jazz” author Donald Miller. He and David talked about Blood: Water Mission and how the public viewed global consciousness and awareness in the 80’s and how they do now. Donald was saying that we’ve gotten very good with the awareness part…it’s the doing that we need to work on. As in, everyone likes to wear the T-shirt…but who is going to Africa and getting dirty?


Speaking of T-shirts, I bought one and I love it. I guess I have to go to Africa now so I’m not a hypocrite. =) The art is blood and water tricking down and turning into birds that fly. It super soft cotton too…I’m very impressed with whoever choose the design and fabric choice. I’d like to give at shout out to that person…it’s like totally awesome.


A little info about Blood: water mission from their website:
Blood:Water Mission (founded by the band “Jars of Clay”) is a grassroots organization that empowers communities to work together against the HIV/AIDS and water crisis. They exist to promote clean blood and clean water efforts in Africa, tangibly reducing the impact of the HIV/AIDS pandemic while addressing the underlying issues of poverty, injustice and oppression. Blood:Water Mission is building clean water wells, supporting medical facilities, and focusing on community and worldview transformation, both here in America and in Africa.

Everyone came up at the end to sing an Elvis Costello song.

As L and I wandered out of our pews, I stopped to tell Sarah Masen the last time I saw her in concert I was about 15 and she replied, “I probably was too!”. =P I treated myself to a Sandra McCraken cd “Red Balloon” on my way out. It’s very good! I think you need to order it on my recommendation. If you don’t trust my taste…fine…check out her Myspace first than wussies.

L dropped me by “Decades” on Broadway after the show as “Bob” was playing in a 80’s cover band there, so the 80’s night continued and it Shook Me All Night Long.

http://www.bloodwatermission.com/
http://www.sarahmasen.com/
http://www.sandramccracken.com/

Radnor Lake Hike just outside of Nashville

It’s been a long time coming but I finally got to explore a little bit of Nature in Nashville.
Located a mere 8 miles from the downtown area is a oasis in the lush Overton Hills (when I think of hills, I think of something you ride a bike down…these are small mountains) sits 85 acre Radnor Lake. Once we got off the highway we headed down Harding Place which led to the incredible Forrest Hills area. Forrest Hills is so beautiful it could be a life goal to own a home there. A girl needs a goal!!

Otter Road leads to the parking (one of two ways to get there) for Radnor Lake.
The trail map boasts of different trails you can take from easy to moderate to difficult. We decided to take the Lake Trail (easy) which goes around the lake then switch to the South Lake Trail (moderate) that goes up the mountain a little then back down to the Lake Trail to get back around the lake. There is also Ganier Ridge Trail and South Cove Trail that are labeled difficult. Both are a little over a mile and look to go across the top of the “hill”.


Not even ¼ of a mile into the hike we saw dear. They were very close to the trail and the 3 adults had a fawn with them. I of course was not prepared for wildlife so quickly and was fumbling with getting my camera out and missed them. Luckily just around the bend I heard the rustling of leaves.



The lake itself was a tad bit algaefied. It was bright green and with the bright blue sky was actually quite beautiful but I’d never want to swim in it. Besides, I’m sure its full of snakes or leaches…or shrieking eels.


The trail along side the lake was wonderful and clean with occasional walker mommies with their strollers going by. Besides a few spots where the sun beamed between branches, the trail was almost completely shaded. At one point I looked out at the algae that looked to be a lime jello mould across part of the lake, and I saw a small pink Croc sitting on the algae. It looked to be walking across the lake. How it got there…my guess would be an older brother threw it…just a guess. In my opinion it was a fashion choice and he did the world a favor.



The trail leading up the “hill” was lovely and serene. For most of the trail it was just us.


Just us and the squirrels, the turtles, the dear, the lizards, the chipmunks and the birds.










Anytime I heard the leaves I’d look for creatures. For the most part it was squirrels or Robins but a couple of times it was very fast moving chipmunks or another dear. The trees reached high above us and shaded our footsteps.


Half way into our trip around the lake we noticed this sign. They really are serious about it being a “walking” trail only. There is no mention of skipping however. And how exactly did they come up with the fine amount? I've never seen one with cents before. 

We stopped at a small deck with benches to snack on strawberries and cherries from “Trader Joe’s”. They were sweet, large and awesome by the way.

While sitting in this amazing setting and watching the lake, we saw a dear swimming across. How weird…I guess he is taking the shortcut. Watch out for snakes buddy!!


Another dear sighting a little closer this time.

It was a perfect day for a great walk. In all it was about a 3.5 mile trip. We took our time, walking, talking, looking for animals and of course stopping for pictures. =)

Marche Artisan Foods in East Nashville

For brunch today we decided to try Marche Artisan Foods in East Nashville. I only drive past this restaurant everyday and say to myself, “I should eat there”. It’s modern/Martha Stewart Country meets a place I normally can’t afford. We walked in for Saturday brunch around 1pm to a full restaurant. We only waited for about 5 minutes for a table. I felt special as the group a few minutes behind us was told 40 minutes. I wanted to say “na na na na” but I kept it inaudible.


As we waited we peeked (gawked and drooled) at the homemade breads and desserts. Mental note: I will be having one of each. The menu is a changing menu which for the safe orderer you are forced to try something new. Don’t be scared, its good for you.

The alcoholic choices were tempting but I decided on the Pomegranate Lemonade ($2.50) (fresh squeezed lemons).

It didn’t have a strong flavor but more on the light and refreshing side.

After perusing the menu I decided on the Quiche, the apple smoked bacon, roasted corn and goat cheese quiche. Oh my, you had me at apple bacon! Alas, it was sold out so with a suggestion from the waitress I decided on the Potato and Parmesan Frisco with Fried egg and Arugula Salad.





I died a little inside as I let the flavor of roasted corn and goat cheese leave my taste buds, but how can you go wrong with potato and parmesan. My friend ordered the Vegetable Curry with Green Tomatoes, Potato, Chickpeas and Basmati Rice. Our Entrees were $8 and $9.

The restaurant was full and quite loud. At times I could barely hear the conversation I was having but clearly could hear the table next to me. A group of 20 somethings overly excited to shout to the whole restaurant their experience at the Bonnaroo Festival. You sweated a lot, partied alot…got it. When their food arrived I noticed they each ordered something different and between our table and theirs was all the entrees on the menu. Briefly I wished I’d ordered the Croissant French Toast but I shook it away realizing why I didn’t order it in the first place.
1. I wanted dessert
2. It’s too “Me”.
I need to travel the flavor highway and explore the new.

I could smell my food arriving before it got to my table…I love that! The portions were “appropriate”. Though I’m not on board with America stuffing themselves into oblivion, I do like a full plate. True, I normally finish it no matter what the size and always have room for dessert, but sometimes I like a little take home portion option. It makes me feel like I got my money’s worth, even if it was well worth the price to begin with. Let’s be honest people…would you hunt for and buy all the ingredients and work in the kitchen for an hour when you can be served perfection and pay $10.

My food was delish, home cooking fused with fresh crunchy amazing. I would have never normally gone for something with a fried egg. Honestly I thought maybe it would have fried egg in it like they do with fried rice at a Chinese Restaurant but no…it was in fact a whole fried egg underneath the potato concoction. My Arugula salad looked to be an array of spinach with a sheen, but it tasted fantastic with a whole lot of flavor going on. I kept wondering where the flavor was coming from. It was an easter egg hunt, as if a leaf of spinach was hiding a chunk of cheese or bacon surprise and eventually I’d find it. I gobbled it up like a fat chicken. I stuck my forth in my friends food for the sake of the blog and it was delish as well. It was very Thai and the taste was very familiar, perhaps a soup I once had. Since both our plates were licked clean we opted for dessert as well.

I ordered the Cornmeal Blueberry Bunt Cake with Lemon icing ($4) and my friend the Flourless Pistachio Lime Meringue double cookie with a White Chocolate center ($1.75).

Both could be on my “I’ll eat that everyday, thank you” list. The Bunt cake was really moist. The ‘cake’ part was sweet like a good honey cornbread but the blueberries and lemon icing made it sweet like a cake.



The pistachio cookie could almost force me to cheat on my main sweety, the chocolate chip cookie. In a way it reminded me of a super moist oatmeal cookie. It took me to very high highs with it’s flavor of perfection. My mouth is watering just reliving the moment.

I left the restaurant full but not in an uncomfortable way. I was wearing a dress though and not pants. I will be back to try more on the menu.

I guess I had a Flea Collar on...

As I’m still keeping an eye out for a fulltime job…or at least an almost fulltime job…or any job really, I still continue to show up at Art Fairs with my big recyclable grocery bags in hand. They are the perfect size to carry around my jewelry and displays with room for snacks.
Last weekend my new jewelry buddy and I split a booth at the Nashville Flea Market. Boasting thousands of visitors a month, we were stoked and also a bit nervous we wouldn’t have enough inventory. We spit the $110 fee which included 2, 8ft tables so I left my little 4 footer at home and my fellow crafter refrained from bringing her 6 foot folding table with the lumps in the middle from the Prehistoric Era.

We set up our tables at 6:45 AM on Friday amidst no one else in the building. I was beginning to think that the 7am start time was just a goal not a rule. They had just installed a new ac unit in our building after it went out last month and cooked all the vendors inside. I guess they were trying to freeze out the vendors this month as I could have stored all my refrigerated food under my table. My hot coffee seemed to turn to iced coffee almost instantly.
Here I am…you can’t see my cute outfit as I had to wear my emergency not cute velour jacket to keep the frost bite at bay.



Across from our table was the concession stand…not open of course. The hot dogs and pretzels were a great deal but the beer seemed a tad high.




It became an ungoing joke with me and the other vendors about the $27 beer. Later when the concession stand did open they realized someone had played a little joke and got a ladder to fix the numbers. The .50 cent hot dog became $4.00 and the beer came down to $7 and I became a non customer. =P

The Flea Market boasts 2,000 vendors…what they don’t mention is 1,995 of those vendors are selling the same crap. I saw the same Zebra print bag with a peace sign on it wherever I went. I thought it might be following me…like the ghost of bad fashion. It was a slew of Antique dealers and people with embroidery machines. It was actually a great place for antiques and I may go back when I have a house to furnish…the salt and pepper shaker selection alone….but as a vendor…never again. I counted about 3 booths were people sold hand made jewelry even though the organizer rolled her eyes when we told her our product and said, “oh gawd, everyone has jewelry”. Really? Everyone? The guy selling old mouthwash and Midol didn’t seem to have any.

The booths surrounding us were as follows: guys selling computers….also newbies and in the wrong venue, a man selling baby clothes and toys featuring Winnie the Pooh, and a man refinishing bathtubs. I became friends with all these guys. If it weren’t for these guys and their constant jokes and stories, I would have lost my mind. That and the big ass coffee I drank.

My new “Bee Love” bobby pin sets!! I made new packaging for the weekend that I thought was mighty cute, alas I only sold two. It wasn’t a “hair jewelry’ kind of clientele unless they were of the “scrunchy” variety.



My partner in over supplying the world in jewelry had to work on Friday so I was all by my lonesome. By Saturday, she had gotten really sick and had to come in late. I was fine, I had my constant joke factory around me. It was like hanging out with all my Uncles. I talked the computers guys into stacking their boxes like a Fort…they had nothing else to do. Oh….I didn’t take a picture of that. Rich came up for part of the day but was soon bored out of his mind and had to leave. When my jewelry Comrad arrived I walked around the Market…for research. I ended up buying a desk and matching chair for $25.



The guy was from Kentucky (or as my friend calls it “Kensucky”) and even loaded it up in my car for me, making me rethink my negative prior comments about the Flea Market. The Flea Market ROCKS!! I’ll be back when I’m I need of monogrammed baseball caps and dog clothes. ..which is often.

Rolling Dogs and Billups Art Fair

It's gorgeous today in Nashville! The sun is out with bright blue skies and its about 75 degrees...you can’t beat that..unless maybe you have a big pool and a large floatable you can lay in while drinking iced tea. I took the dogs outside and clipped them to the old laundry line in the backyard. It's really perfect for that, like an instant zip line. I bought dog tie outs with clips on each end at the dollar store…score! While the dogs rolled around in the grass in perfect sync with each other, I imagined they were having the times of their lives and I tried not to think that maybe they’d found something dead or perhaps cat poo. I choose to go with ignorance as I photographed them play.





A friend and I shared a booth at the Billups Art Fair this last Saturday. She had a booth next to me at the Walden Art show and we thought…”our tables are small, why don’t we share!” We’ve decided to pair up whenever possible. It just makes things easier when you have two people. You can do cool things like…go to the bathroom.



“Rose Loves Bobby, But Who Doesn’t” Bobby pins in new colors!!!



This is Laura Amstutz awesome artwork…I wanted several paintings, alas I don’t have large or “frequent” income. =P





The organizer of the event had live music too which was brilliant…I have no photos of that because I stayed up until 3am the night before at a concert and had very little brain cells left. I even forgot chairs! My boyfriend was nice enough to drop by my house and pick some up…what a good boyfriend. I didn’t take nearly as many pictures as I normally do, although while I was there clicking away I felt a little annoyingly click happy. Perhaps that was the Bonjo Java Peppermint Patty.

Websites where you can buy the jewelry and art in this post:

http://www.mflorita.etsy.com
http://www.wandergirl.etsy.com
http://www.CreativeSpillage.com

A day at a Florida Theme park...

Our impromto vaca to Florida had a very important theme park decision to be made…Disney or Universal??? I’d been to Universal once nearly 10 years ago with my family and remember my sister and I wanting to live there. Even though I’d not yet visited the Magic Kingdom, I really wanted to relive the fun of 10 years ago.

To enjoy the fun is now the handsome price of $75 per person. The Magic of the Magic kingdom was even more fairy dust. Being an AAA member my comrade in the fun got $10 off our tickets. Woohoo…which turns out will buy you a hotdog inside the gates…so bring your own snacks!

We choose the 2 parks for one day ticket. I recommend at least 2 days though if you see both Universal and Islands of Adventure.

Even if you get there when the parks open you will only be able to ride about half the rides at one and maybe ¼ at the other. And that was going in April after spring break and Easter. Keep in mind you will spend a minimum of 15 minutes in line per ride and most of the popular rides have a 45 minute wait. For an additional fee you can take the “express” line which some rides offer. Of course there is a way for them to charge you again but if you can spare the cash you’d have time to ride a lot more rides.

We arrived at the park about an hour after opening and waited in the line at the entrance to the parking lot. They charge you $12 to park…which is “universally” lame. I think they would charge you to sh** in their facilities if at all possible. I tried to think of ways to avoid this…I actually saw some people walking in but its not a short jaunt by any means. There’s a shuttle from some of the hotels so that would be something to consider if you stay in the area. I will say though once you get past the Toll window they are highly organized with getting you to a parking space and down the escalator to the Gates. Remember to look at which character you parked at…it’s a huge parking garage.

When we got to the gates we had to provide a fingerprint to enter. Ummm yeah…..

Terminator..

Our first ride was an oldie but a goody and not knowing how much longer it would be there I had to ride it again. It’s part live action and part 3D and all awesome. I wish they’d get bigger actors to play Arnold though. It shouldn’t be too hard to find a bodybuilder in Florida. You can’t throw a croc on the beach without hitting one. Hey, perhaps there will be a upgrade to the ride when the new movie comes out. (I can’t wait to see the new movie, even more so that Batman is in it!!)

Next we sat through a little live performance of Horror makeup techniques and audience participation…sawing a old ladies hand off while her husband still sitting in the audience fumbles with his camera. I don’t think he ever actually took a picture….I should have helped him. It was entertaining but the show was highly passable if you are short on time.

Next I visited the “Facilities” where I learned I had received a gift from Mother Nature. Oh joy!! I love being a woman and perfect timing as always. The only way it could have been more perfect would be had I been wearing white shorts and perhaps in the middle of a 45 minute line.

The Simpsons….. (did you say it in your head like the start of the show?)

New this year was the Simpson’s 3D ride. There had to be something to replace the very dated Back to the Future ride. Awww…rest in peace Doc. The Simpson’s ride being new had the LONGEST line. They had Simpson’s entertainment throughout the line on
flat screens and cold fans blowing on high. Had it been the heat of summer I would have appreciated this line comfort however it was about 70 degrees…so it was more uncomfortable than comfortable in my tank top and shorts.

The ride made you feel like you were on a animated rollercoaster without moving much…but someone who HATES rollercoasters, I did pretty good, although I did get a little nauseous when I felt the free fall feeling. I liked the ride very very much.

Jaws….

Oh Jaws…you were somewhat cool 10 years ago but I think your retirement has come. And the poor boat captain actors reliving the same 5 minutes over and over and still missing cues…a little embarrassing.

He’s great for a photo opt though. =)

Disaster… was also new to me and I had no idea what to expect. I think it used to be Earthquake as they used some of the set. After being herded in like cattle to a holding area they began to pick out people to participate in the “movie” they were making. They grabbed a few token people…the body builder, the grandmother, the kid, the mad scientists. When we were taken into another room to meet the director it was in fact a Hologram of Christopher Walken…an amazingly cool hologram that you spend the whole time trying to figure out how they are mixing him with live action. The ride continues with audience participation then unto the old earthquake subway.

Thinking we should probably head out to Islands of Adventure soon we picked one more ride…the new Mummy ride. Going inside the building I had no idea it was an indoors rollercoaster until we are at the start of the load in line. I wanted to take the exit but I got on. Then they stopped the ride and had people get off…technical difficulties on a new rollercoaster ride is not a comforting experience. Several people said, no way man, that’s a sign and left. We waited and got on when the problem was fixed a few minutes later. There were mummies jumping in a lame, unrealistic way and there was fire and such…kind of boring…then the ride takes a nose dive and I get sick to my stomach. I close my eyes but it only gets worse. Its violent and jerky and I start to feel sick…I can’t handle the stomach flops. I get so scared at one point that tears appear in my eyes. When I excited the ride I almost passed out.

Upon leaving the park we passed the new Shrek in 4D ride and wanting to see what 4D was, I jumped in line. It’s a theater like atmosphere where you wear the glasses and watch a short Shrek movie in 3D with live effects. I enjoyed it though I would have enjoyed it more if I was a bigger fan of Shrek or a little kid.

Before Islands of adventure we stopped to eat. It’s really just a choice of what you want to be over changed for. We choice Bubba Gumps..yummm overly priced fish and chips and Raspberry Margarita….glorious.

Islands of Adventure is more of a rollercoaster park but there are still rides I can ride. =P My favorite ride of both parks is here…Spiderman. Before we got to Spiderman though we wasted too much time in Dr. Seuss land. It’s cool and full of atmosphere but definitely built for kids and boring as hell for anyone over the age of 6. =P

The Amazing Spiderman is aptly named. It is amazing..its perfect really. Just enough live action and just enough 3D and just enough of a ride but not enough to make me cry and pass out. Even after waiting in line for 45 minutes we would have stood in line again if we had more time before night fall and the closing of the park for the day.

We stayed until the closing which always end with a short fireworks display and walked around city walk where we listened to a cover band which drew us in with a great song and drove us away with the next one.

Exhausted and thirsty we headed for the car which in all the excitement of running to the gates at the beginning of the day we’d forgotten to check which character we’d parked under. I remembered the way but my partner in crime insisted I was incorrect so I followed him around all over the upper deck until he agreed to go where I said the car was and low and behold there it sat. =P Always follow a woman’s intuition.

Next time I go to Florida I will try out Disney…of course then there’s the decision of which Disney…Ebcot, World or Wild Kingdom. I suppose if I can go around my birthday then I would get in free to Disney World then pay for Epcot. Good plan.

Moving away from isolation...

Hawaii is the most isolated human habitat on Earth, 2300 miles from the closest place, the US mainland. Being so far away from other people is why some people might move there, that and the delusion that its a tropical paradise where the women wear coconut bras and frolic on the beach for buff local surfers who manage to support themselves singing and playing the ukulele.
When you live anywhere...even tropical islands, you accumulate a lot of shit. We call them earthly belongings or possessions, but really its all shit that weighs you down and prevents you from freedom.

 

My "things" were neatly stored in drawers and closets unaware to anyone just how much "stuff" I could fit in a studio apartment. When I had my yard sale the sewage was revealed to the world. Once I place something on a table and attach a $1 brightly colored sticker to it, it becomes dead to me. I wouldn't take it back if it was brand new and on sale marked down from a very high price....and a name brand. Forget it, its garbage!!

It was frightening how much clothing I owned. It spanned 3 tables and a hanging wire rack. Hiding back in my apartment was the large "keep" stacks that looked like a Ross stock room. I took pictures but they are too shocking to post.

I sold a lot. I underestimated the amount of people who are in love with the trends of the 1990's and early 2000's. When I got back inside my cubby hole I was in shock to find a tiny tornado had gone through it in my absence and left a horrible mess. I guess I'd hoped the little packing fairies would immerse and have a packing party. No such party had been held. I spent the next couple of days sitting and staring at it.

I have two dogs, Zoë who is a huge chihuahua mix and Patrick who is a Toy Fox Terrier/Jack Russell. The dogs hated the chaos. They didn't know where to lay around or chew on a bone and lay around. My sister came over to sit with me and motivate me to get packing. I had bought my tickets and time was ticking. Moving off an Island entails flying off it. Packing up a moving van would have been HEAVEN. Instead everything was packed in small boxes to be kicked 2300 miles.

The destination was Nashville, Music City. 

Was it my hometown? 

Was I trying to make it big as a country singer?

Did a angel come to me in a dream and say "ya'll better move to Nashville".

Nope.

I'd never been there. It was the perfect place to start over.

 
It took me 3 days to organize my dogs tickets. There was only one airline that would let me take both and that was United. Unfortunately, it was also the most expensive but beggars can't be choosers. 

Patrick would ride on board with me as my carry on and Zoe would ride with the luggage. Zoe came to Hawaii with me so she'd been through this before, Patrick was completely unaware.
But Patrick is normally completely unaware.

 
He was a good dog, so much in fact no one was aware of him until i told someone. Jenna, my best friend who is a Naturopath Doctor, had made a rescue remedy for the dogs to drink to naturally calm them since you aren't allowed to give them anything sedative.

It took 3 planes to get me and the puppies to Nashville, each one progressively smaller than the next. The last plane was in fact a coffin with wings. At the start of each flight a flight attendant would find me and hand me a note stating that Zoe was safely aboard. This was reassuring since I couldn't see her between flights.

When I arrived in Nashville the wind was blowing 50 miles an hour. Patrick had not peed in 12 hours. I waited at the luggage rotation for Zoe to appear. She was crazy excited to see I had not shipped her off.

Move complete, my puppies and I are now ready to start a new life.