Hillbilly Christmas

I have been all in the holiday spirit today!!! James and I had breakfast with friends this morning, I went Christmas shopping all afternoon, I went to see my best friend, Miss Sarah Valley Rose perform at the Christmas show she is doing with Hillbilly Casino at the Opryland Hotel, and then I wrapped presents all night! WHEW!

The show was so cute at Opryland! Sarah and I performed int he Opryland Kid's Club show together ( you know, just a couple of years ago), and have been performing together ever since!!! It was so fun to see her do a show again. She is one big ball of energy!!! And she's an incredibly talented Christian Music Artist.

Tonight she told me that they are about to tear down the last standing building from the Opryland days. The administration building with the rehearsal halls and offices (along with the guard shack we always entered through) has continued to be an active part of Gaylord Entertainment... even though the theme park closed years ago. But alas, they are about to tear it down. I know it's just buildings... but it is hard to hear that. We spent SO much of our time there. We auditioned there, rehearsed for over 10 different shows there, I got ready for my senior prom there! I got ready for my Grand Ole Opry Performance there, my first fan letter EVER was sent there, and I even rehearsed there with my current band just a little over a year ago.

I still get teary eyed when I think about the Opryland Theme park being closed. It was home for years. I just can't believe I can't ever take my kids to ride the Wabash Cannonball or the Rocking Roller Coaster or the Grizzly River Rampage. I know I will always have the memories. And that is the most important part. But I sure do miss Opryland - just like so many do. It's where I did so much of my growing up. And it feels like they are tearing down a part of my home. (Big sigh)

But I sure am thankful for everything that Opryland gave me while I was there. It was a life changer. And who knew I would figure out at 10 what I wanted to do with the rest of my life. :)

Here's to wonderful memories.

Peace. Love. Fiddle.
~natalie

Salmon. It's What's For Dinner.

What kind of food do you expect when you go to an outdoor concert? Burgers, hot dogs, chips... you know... the usual...

Ummm... at Brenau University? Nope. Gourmet. Some of the best Salmon I have EVER had (other than my Daddy's Jack Daniel's Salmon), Sweet potatoes, baked ziti, yummy rolls, red velvet cake... They live it up in Gainesville, GA!

We played at their outdoor amphitheater, and the students in charge said that the seniors have NEVER been able to have an outdoor show. Every year when they've tried, the weather has caused them to have to move indoors. But our recent weather luck did not follow us, and we actually got to play outside!

Brenau is an all-girl campus except for 5 guys that take night courses :)



Tonight we are getting to stay in one of our favorite hotels - Hilton Garden... mmmm... best beds.

Tomorrow? Show 9 of our 15 shows-in-a-row stretch!

Peace. Love. Fiddle.
~natalie