short pause

Been a busy week. Just taking a short pause to catch my breath.
Be back in a day or so.
Hugs

My Journey Halfway Across America with Jimmy Wayne (Project Meet Me Halfway)

Hey All --

As you may or may not know already, this past weekend Jimmy Wayne completed his journey from Nashville to Phoenix(even after breaking his ankle he finished the last 5 miles!) I am soooo proud of this guy, my eyes were filled with tears of joy when he reached his destination. (No, I could not make it to Phoenix and I really, really, wanted to be there to share this with him and the other MMHers, but I did listen, watch, and cry.)

Rather than report the finale event, I am blogging about my experience during JW's walk. Please check out Jimmy Wayne’s official Project Meet Me Halfway site to read about the finale events covered by multiple media HERE.

Jimmy's intention is to bring awareness to the situation of teens aging out of the foster care system before they are equipped to be emancipated (something jw experienced himself). Once the kids reach a certain age, that chapter in their lives is ended and they are thrown out into the world-- many unable to support themselves, ending up homeless, in jail, dead, in sex slavery. So, before I start Part 2, please say a prayer for this generation of teens that are searching, that are aging out of foster care, that are without parents, that are homeless.

PART 2:
From the moment Jimmy ("JW") took his first step, I was one of hundreds of people (which eventually grew to thousands!) who was glued to the computer or attached to a cell phone waiting for a tweet, a facebook/myspace post, or a live ustream broadcast. In fact, because JW was continually broadcasting live from his droid (it's a really cool everything but the kitchen sink kinda cell phone--more popular than the iPhone), many fans purchased their own droids --and, yes I did!-- Mind you, I needed a new phone and I was seriously considering the iPhone, but thanx to JW, I went droidy :)
(so now I also broadcast from my droid on the ustream.com channel "cathyanne").

Little did Jimmy know that the winter he decided to walk across the south would be more like surviving in the frozen tundra. Just to clarify, when I say JW walked, he really walked and walked alone for the most part--sleeping outside on the side of the road! No four-star hotel or five-course dining! Jimmy took this approach to simulate the life of a homeless teen for the world. He was blessed by the kindness of strangers leaving him food or inviting him into their home for a meal or a night's sleep.

This blog is about my journey with JW--one of the people at the other end of his droid in Twitterville, but I am only one of many and I can only tell my story and share what has been shared with me by other MMHers (TGF's :)

Jimmy kept us attached to the strap on his chest--right near his heart and we literally kept him company on his journey. His humble, unassuming, genuine heart allowed him to share raw emotions with us--and they ran the gammit from loneliness, tears, happiness, laughter, or fear--and we became more invested everyday. Jimmy became a precious brother or dear friend to his followers.

So when the cell phone rings, you answer it, right? Well, for most of JW's followers, our cell phones notified us as soon as JW posted a message or was broadcasting live. Those alerts could be any time of the day--or night! But, as soon as we heard it,we knew JW would be checking in with us. If there was a lapse of time between JW checkins, there was some concern and we would begin to bombard him with messages so he would reply. (JW, Tweet Tweet Little Birdie :)

One night JW shared that heard gunshots while he was in his tent--I know I prayed extra hard that night. On another night in the midst of gusting winds and a raging storm, JW ustreamed so we could keep him company until he fell asleep...and that he did while we were right there with him. Jimmy wasn't homeless himself, but what he was going through put things into perspective as to what kids on the street have to endure--thank God Jimmy had warm clothing and a tent (courtesy of Marmot)--the reality is that many homeless kids don't even have a coat! Imagine the loneliness a child would feel in this situation because more than likely they would not have a droid and people at the other end keeping them company.


For those of us that believe in the power of prayer, prayers for protection were daily! (thanx to all my prayer partners and a special thanx to NIXACOUNTRY.COM who supported JW, kept his music in heavy rotation, and conducted scheduled prayer time! (Wow.. that really is what it is all about!) We covered Jimmy. Thank you Lord.

During the walk, Jimmy was whisked away to do several shows and dropped back in the same spot. In February, I attended a St. Jude's Benefit in Connecticut, you can read more about that in a previous post. In March, my friend Eva and I drove a total of 19 grueling hours through snow, ice, and hail storms to see Jimmy and let him know we continued to support him on his journey. Is was at this show in Georgia that Jimmy first mentioned the idea of Street Teams... Say What?....

Well, it is after midnight and I missed my daily deadline so I am going to finish this for now ---hope I'm not boring you and I haven't even begun. Here is a video I recorded of Jimmy singing Sara Smile in Hiawasse, Georgia in March HERE.

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Consider blessing a teen in need at Family Of Woodstock, Inc.

Wish List for teens in the program: Underwear (male and female teenagers), Towels, Twin size sheet sets, Twin size comforters, Books for teens, Books for small children, Baby bottles, Pacifiers, Toddler bowls, silverware, cups, Toddler toys, Play pens, Gift cards for Lowe's or Home Depot.

Send to:
Family of Woodstock, Inc.
Attn: Adolescent Services/Meet Me Halfway donations
39 John Street
Kingston, NY 12401

My Walk Halfway Across America with Jimmy Wayne (Part 1) -- Project Meet Me Halfway

So this is day two and I am back in the saddle :) – so let’s try this thing again (I still don’t have my desktop functional—I have been bouncing back and forth between my droid and my laptop and the ease is just not the same as sitting at my desk). Therefore, I am going to post this blog in several parts. So here goes…

PART 1:
For those of you who do not know who singer/songwriter Jimmy Wayne is, do your heart some good and google this guy. I previously posted a number of entries about him, but there is so much out there that I cannot do him justice.(I especially love the Faith and Fame series on Youtube--I will get the link and put it here maybe tomorrow). No matter what your preference of music, this is not about music, this is about heart and soul. Check Jimmy out please and see if God speaks to your heart.

(Photo courtesy: The Tennessean)

“JW” (as we call him) is definitely connected to technology—in fact, he single-handedly brought many fans out of the dark ages through his pinging, facebooking, tweeting, and ustreaming. (Now, if you are in the dark ages too, you probably have no idea what I am talking about—there is a whole ‘nother world out there waiting to be explored). Remember google is our friend—if you need to search some words, don’t forget to come back and finish reading :) It is because of JW's using communication technology to the fullest, that we also joined him on his journey halfway across America.

Let’s rewind a bit to January 1, 2010. On this freezing cold winter day, Jimmy Wayne took his first steps out of Nashville leaving from Monroe Harding Children’s Home to commence his Project Meet Me Halfway--he was on a mission to bring awareness to teens who age out of the foster care system and become homeless. Jimmy unknowingly was beginning a lifechanging journey and he was traveling on foot--Destination: HomeBase Youth Services in Phoenix. (January 1st--this is where MY journey across American began as well.)

Not being able to travel to Nashville to share the kickoff event with JW, many of his fans gathered online, talked to people at the venue, viewed pictures and read articles. I honestly don’t remember if there was a specific ustream on that day, but I can vow that many others like myself were there for JW in spirit—cheering him and praying for him and we had NO CLUE what to expect in the months to come.

Being obedient to the call of God in your life leads you places you never thought you would go and brings situations and people into your life that you never expected. To this I am sure Jimmy can attest.

So, in a nutshell, shortly after Jimmy's newly released CD "Sara Smile" hit the market, he basically put his music career on hold to give back for the blessings he has received in his life. (This is not something that record labels like to have happen—but trusting in God’s plan always is more rewarding).

And in the best laid plans of mice and men--what originally was calculated to be a two month trek wound up being seven months ....and the beat goes on...

(Photo courtesy: Valory Music)

(I'm hitting the pillow early tonight -- don't forget to come back for Part 2)

Hello World -- Hello Billy Dawson -- Hello Casey James

Hello world!
Ok, so where do I start… It’s actually been several months since I posted a blog…. The reason-- busy stuff, fun stuff, computer issues --you name it and let’s just roll it into a big ball and call it “LIFE!"

Side note: with respect to Life, God is good, I praise Him everyday, for every breath, for waking up in the morning and everything before—after—and in between. No matter what life brings, my God allows it to work for good. That is surely something I know and rest in. Thank you Lord!

Moving on--Interwoven among all the many factors of my not blogging was definitely enjoying music. Music that is uplifting, positive--has a beat and can dance to it …haha .. sorry, I think I was regressing to the American Bandstand criteria for rating good music for a moment. For those that don't get that comment, google is our friend...check it out :)

I want introduce you to an artist that I hope you begin to hear a lot about in the next few months and keep hearing about him for years to come!

While in Nashville, I ran into Billy Dawson -- a friend that the I "met" about a year ago. God says you will know one another by His love—I immediately knew Billy was a sweet brother the first time I read something he posted and it was confirmed the first time we spoke.

When I first heard Billy play it was apparent that he was blessed with talent, but until recently I had no clue that he was blessed with as much talent as he is! and he has been working very hard to perfect it. That being said, please keep your eyes and ears open for Billy Dawson.

(photo credit: Lacy Leigh Photography/Billy Dawson's myspace)

Billy has opened for Tim McGraw, Dierks Bentley (and a slew of other people you would recognize) and I believe it will not be long before he is opening to large crowds as the headliner. I heard several of his new songs including what I believe will be the first single on his debut CD--it is amazing. You cannot truly appreciate his guitar prowess on the song, but it does showcase his beautiful voice. (I know a guy's voice really isn't supposed to be described as beautiful, but hey, this is my blog and I call 'em as I see 'em :). I don't usually like to compare artists, but I'm putting it out there that Billy as an artist reminds me of Keith Urban in many ways. Billy though definitely is his own person, no copycat--and will make his own way following the plan God has laid out before him.

A video for the single, HOLD ON TO JULY is being shot sometime this week. I don’t know the plans regarding release of the cd, single, or video, but keep your eyes and ears open for it. Trust me here, you will love this guy! Remember the face and remember the name --Billy Dawson! Follow Billy on Twitter @billydawson1

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(photo credit: nj.com)


I am sad to say that I did not attend any of the shows during the American Idol Live Tour this year, but clearly Casey James is my favorite. His back story is inspiring and he appears to be a sweet and humble guy--the kind of artist that deserves to make it. I have enjoyed the southern rock, bluesy music since I was young. Casey has that southern, Texas, bluesy rock thing going on -- not only can sing, but he plays a mean stratocaster.

Casey's story of drive and determination to overcome adversity (the result of a motorcycle accident) reminds me so much of my old boyfriend's story, Bob Mayo (Yes--It is the same "Bob Mayo on keyboards, Bob Mayo on keyboards" of Frampton/Journey/Foreigner fame). Bobby also had a near fatal accident when he was in his teens. It crushed his face and his hand almost destroying his dreams to pursue music. Being told he would never play keyboards again, Bobby he took up guitar....and guess what, he became a master of both guitar and keyboards. Casey's mastering the strings is the true meaning of "no pain; no gain"! I believe Casey James will be around for a very long time and I am sure I will get to see him on his own tour. I pray he remains humble and God draws him closer. (p.s. I have been dubbed Goldicath -- a member of the International Goldsquad :)

A few others this Season 9 American Idol definitely are worth good listening---Sweet Mamasox (Crystal Bowersox) reminds me so much of Janis Joplin without the Southern Comfort influence (and yes, I actually do know of that which I speak -- I have a lenghthy Janis Joplin up close and personal experience)

I have not attended any Christian music concerts over the last few months, but as you know I enjoy other music as well, I will list some of the artists I have enjoyed (I know I am forgetting a few — oops):

- Bucky Covington (surprise surprise)

- Jimmy Wayne (surprise surprise)

- Jason Castro (surprise surprise)

- Jason Michael Carroll (surprise surprise)

- Michael Castro

- Joe Nichols

- Chris Young

- Camera Can’t Lie

- Rodney Atkins

- Laura Bell Bundy

- Jaron (Long Road to Love)

- Bo Bice

- Brantley Gilbert (UGA DAWG – Woof, Woof, Woof)

- Chris Janson

- Randy Houser

- Sara Evans

- Mark Chesnut

- William Riley

- Jessica Harp

- Blaine Larson

- Darius Rucker

- Rascal Flatts



Well, my pillow is calling my name....can't you hear it? Please come back tomorrow and read about MY walking halfway across America with Jimmy Wayne!