Thank you Jimmy Wayne -- Meet Me Halfway

First off.... Hello World... I know I have been giving you the same excuse now for the last year it seems, but honestly--it's the truth so I'm sorry I have not had time to blog. I hope to get back online again..I trust that WILL happen.

Have you been keeping up with singer Jimmy Wayne's Project Meet Me Halfway?
If you haven't, please check out MEET ME HALFWAY.

Jimmy will also be on the CBS Christmas Special "Home for the Holidays" on December 22nd along with other artists you may know. Check your listings for your area -- Don't miss it!!

I want to thank Jimmy Wayne because he has brought the plight of kids aging out of foster care and becoming homeless into the light--and into my awarenes.

This week it has been super freezing all along the East Coast-- even Florida! Some states have been crippled with snow and it's only December. I love a white Christmas but it's a little early yet. This morning the weatherman described today as freezing, blustery, and biting .. ouch! I felt it as I was cleaning the snow off of my car and my fingers began to get numb. I hurried into the house to warm up. Thank you Lord that I have that option.

I started to remember last year when I watched Jimmy live on Ustream huddling in his tent on the side of the road in a blustery winter snow storm. It made me think of the kids and people that are homeless and living on the street today. I know for a fact that there are many that take cover in Central Park in NYC at night because I have done some Midnight Runs to that area.
(I also see a few people in my area that I believe live on the street)

I know I am just one person, but one is better than none, so I looked for something that I could find that would be a blessing even if just in a small way. Thank you Lord that I found something in so simple and easy yet wonderful. For only 86cents, I can buy a pair of handwarmers that keep hands warm for 10 hours! (and I am sure they could work in shoes too).

I am really excited to find these and so I am sharing them with you. Yes, they are in our store, but I am more excited to share them because of the blessing they will give to someone this winter. The few pennies we will receive if you purchase any warmers will go right back into my buying more to hand out as well. I'm not twisting anyone's arm so please don't look at it that way. If you do, you do -- If you don't, you don't. I am ...

If you do think this is something that might be helpful for yourself or others, click here for the HAND WARMERS.

You only need register as a preferred customer to be able to purchase from our store (all information is safe).

Be blessed and have a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!
HUGS
Cathy Anne

ADDENDUM: MAY 2, 2011 -- I AM SORRY I DID NOT FINISH THIS POST OR STREAM. PLEASE VISIT JIMMY'S OFFICIAL SITE FOR PROJECT MMH.

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)

Opening Eyes, Ears, and Hearts -- Jimmy Wayne, Meet Me Halfway

(Jimmy in CT --enjoying a ROOT BEER)

As you know, my blog is called Heart-throscopy -- my word for taking a little peek into my heart. Actually, I don't share a lot of personal stuff in my blogs and mostly write about music or certain artists. I write about music because I love it, but please don't misunderstand --I love music because it is a vehicle in which God can work on people's hearts. This is one reason I prefer artists that are humble and are sensitive to God because they put out a positive message which can benefit others.

Sometimes music uplifts your spirits and can help you heal or give you joy. Other times, music can make you remember, reflect, and appreciate certain things in your life. I guess that is one of the meanings of the old saying means "Music soothes the savage beast." (I always forget if the period goes before or after the parenthesis.. oh well)

Many people are unaware that it is because of the hand of God that I was able to write for a music magazine, meet many artists, share with them about God's love, and keep them in my prayers that God will draw them and use them. I don't like "celebrity" per se, but celebrity can be used for good if that person realizes they are in that position because God has put them there for a purpose.

Soooo, all this rambling is for a reason. This past Monday I attended a Concert for Kids to benefit St. Jude' Hospital which was held in Connecticut. A few of my favorite guys played --Bucky Covington and Jimmy Wayne (who took a quick detour from his trek for the benefit). But instead of writing about that concert, I want to use this post for Jimmy Wayne's project. (Thank you Bucky Covington for also supporting Jimmy Wayne's project)

God's hand is all over singer/songwriter Jimmy Wayne. I have been so touched and moved by Jimmy's Campaign "Meet Me Halfway." If you read my previous blog about this, you may already know that Jimmy is putting himself out there in a big way for children in the foster care system who "age out" and are sent out into the world without resources and, therefore, unprepared and homeless. Jimmy was one of those children and wants to use his experience to help others in the same situation. (Thank you Jimmy for using your "Gift of Experience")

Following Jimmy daily on his trek from Nashville to Phoenix, amidst intolerable weather conditions, has been an extremely heart-tugging experience for those of us who are situated in Jimmy's blackberry. (Connected by technology and ready to support him and respond to his contact in an instant) (Opps, I forgot that Jimmy moved us from his Blackberry to his Android)

Jimmy started his journey on January 1, 2010 and has spent most of each day walking, thinking, and talking to his viewers. The reality of simulating a homeless teen has brought back memories of his life on the streets which is becoming "rocket-fuel" for his cause. He is reflective, he is thankful, he is inquisitive, and he is determined.

From my own experiences of working with adolescents -- in detention centers, in hospitals, in churches, and on the streets,I can tell you that the problem of homeless teenagers is one that not given much media coverage or thought of for that matter by the mainstream. Hopefully, with Jimmy's and your help, that will change.

Please examine your hearts, see what role God would like you to take in sharing his love and helping the next generation of our country to become self-supporting and productive citizens. There are so many ways we each can help both actively and passively.

Jimmy Wayne would also like you to get the word out about this quiet epidemic. Please tell others about his MMH campaign and if you can donate even just $1.00 to it, you can do so on his website. MEET ME HALFWAY

Follow Jimmy Wayne on twitter jimmywayne
(No you do not have to sign up to twitter to read his page)

And watch Jimmy's live Ustream broadcasts daily -- But make sure you keep a big box of tissues with you ...just in case. LIVE AND ARCHIVED USTREAMS

You might like to start with this Ustream where Jimmy gets real and will make you truly examine your own heart.
REFLECTING

Please also check out Dreamainky's blog regarding Meet Me Halfway HERE.

Jimmy Wayne is opening eyes, ears, hearts, and hopefully also wallets.


(picture of JW's MMH card courtesy of julietcat67)

Please support Jimmy Wayne's sponsors: HisCall (telecommunications), Marmot (outwear and equipment), and a special thank you Capital Hotel in Little Rock, Arkansas for the generosity and hospitality.

James 1:27 "Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world."

Jimmy Wayne to Walk HalfWay Accross America for At-Risk Kids

(photo credit: countryweekly.com)

I know that there are a lot of other artists out there that pick a charity for tax purposes without really having a personal connection to the cause, but not Jimmy Wayne -- Jimmy "talks the talk" and "walks the walk" for a cause I know he is truly passionate about.

Jimmy intends to brave the frigid winter climate and walk halfway across America to raise funds for at-risk youth. He knows from his own experience what it is like to be an at-risk child and to be a homeless child. He credits his success in life to his foster parents who met him halfway by taking a chance on him, helping him to turn his life around.

If you ever met Jimmy, you know he is a passionate and compassionate guy. He is a giver, not a taker. He is now using his celebrity to give back and to bring attention to the plight of homeless children and young adults -- especially those youth who leave the system with no direction or resources and are literally turned out on the street without recourse.

On January 1, 2010, Jimmy will be venturing out on foot to trek from Nashville, TN to Phoenix, AZ hoping to raise awareness and funds for these youth. Don't expect Jimmy to be walking during the day and relaxing in a four-star hotel -- Jimmy is dedicated and driven. He will be walking in whatever weather January decides to deliver and plans to sleep on the ice-cold ground just as many of our youth do on a daily basis. (This is actually a dangerous venture, with susceptibility for illness and complications such as frostbite and on another note--street crime).

Jimmy asks that you "Meet Me Halfway" (as his trek is called)(in conjunction with HomeBase Youth Services) and calls each of us to action:
"Because I was helped when I needed it, I want to try and help now. If the bit of celebrity I have can help me raise awareness of this situation --that there are kids and young people out there who need our help, then I feel like I have accomplished my goal. I'm not asking people to come out and walk with me, but I am asking them to meet me halfway by getting involved-- donate money, adopt a kid, learn more about the foster child/foster parent program in your local community. There's so much one person can do, and so many ways they can make a difference. It just takes one person to help someone to a better life."

Please go visit Jimmy's official website and read more about his walk and how you can meet him halfway.

I personally ask that if you are reading my blog that you also support Jimmy in prayer while he is on his journey for both his protection and the success of this charity event. Also, say a prayer for these children as well and that God speaks to hearts concerning each child individually.

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Matthew 25:34-35 "Then the King will say to those at His right, 'Come, my Father's blessed ones, receive your inheritance of the Kingdom which has been divinely intended for you ever since the creation of the world. For when I was hungry, you gave me food; when I was thirsty, you gave me drink; when I was homeless, you gave me a welcome.'"

Serious Ponderings and Rantings about Guys I Like - Bucky Covington, Jimmy Wayne, Jason Michael Carroll etc.

(graphic courtesy of shapingyouth.org)
















Things that make you go HMMMMMMMMMM........(credit to Arsenio Hall for that)

Sooooooooooo I have "friends" here and there as we all do and we chitchat about this and that such as music we love etc. It just so happens that some of my "friends" are also involved in the music business so discussions can sometimes go beyond the "music" and into the "business" matters. I also have lots of friends that are fans and pick up on some of the "business" aspect of promoting their favorite artists. (You would not believe the things the fans do in the trenches to get their favorite artists pushed up the ladder to success -- no wonder some artists thank the fans).

There is a rumble in the trenches of fandom -- so I'll share some of the stuff I am hearing in different places. Besides my hearing this, these are my thoughts as well.

It seems to me that if a record label has a solid crowd-drawing, moneymaking, act on its roster, the label focuses mainly on that act -- the act gets most of the attention and promotion. (I do understand that is where the label's 'bread is buttered' so they invest for a big return).

Many (of course, including me) wonder why a record label would not use the opportunity to schedule some of their newer artists as the opening act for the Gigundo artist(s) on a tour. But looking around, that isn't happening very often.

In other words, hypothetically (hmmmm, hmmmm), if a label has -- let's just say...ummm Rascal Flatts or say Reba McIntrye, why aren't the opening acts on the Rascal Flatts' or Reba's tour from the same stable as the headliner? (I mean it could be a win/win situation here) Is it an unspoken rule or deal in N'ville that you have to have artists from different record labels on the tour?

Let's reflect on Motown. I remember little unknown label "Motown" and its shows with artists all on its label. The artists toured together and made a name for the label and reaped a bucklet-load of Benjamins (that's $100 bills for those that might not know). In other words, the label had different "profit centers" so to say, in each artist. Different artists have different fans, but if they are on tour together, they draw them all.

In fact, thinking of the American Idol Live tour, that is the hottest ticket around as far as concerts go. It is always sold out and the artists are all on the same "label" so to say. That concept sure has made a lot of Benjamins for 19 Entertainment.

Rascal Flatts has been a major draw for years and years. Why haven't their labelmates opened for them on tour? Thus, letting the label save money in promotion (because they promote several artists in the same ad blitz) and they are introducing their newer artists to a large audience (thereby increasing their fanbase and profits).

So, I just don't get it (and trust me, I am not alone here). We all know it is about the bottom line (again, the Benjamins), but if they allow several of their artists to tour together, it should be a winning combination. Do I make sense here? (I know this is a rumble among the fans - as well as how the labels seem to only be promoting the big guys and leaving the little guys in the dust). In some cases, if it weren't for the artists promoting themselves or the fans working on the street level, some artists would fall by the wayside quickly.

And -- another question -- why is it that when a CD contains several really good songs, that only two or so singles are released off that album? (There is lag time between production of artist's albums anyway) Why not release more than the two or so songs as singles? Is that also some unwritten rule?

Lastly, I have seen and I am sure that you have seen where on sites such as youtube.com, that a record label will pull a song off the internet due to copyright infringement. HELLO????? IS ANYBODY THINKING ABOUT THIS AT THE LABEL??? Why do you do that? People are promoting the songs, if you feel it is copyright infringement, use it to your advantage! Contact the poster and add a link for those that visit/listen to be able to download the song from that post. Fans are promoting for free, if you want to profit from it, use your brain!

And, (I know I said lastly, but this thought is related), when people attend concerts and are told by security NO PICTURES OR VIDEOS allowed. Again, IS ANYBODY INTELLIGENTLY THINKING ABOUT THIS?? The artist is losing valuable promotion that is being offered for free!! For every music video post on the internet, fans are drawn and new fans are made. Especially in the case of American Idol artists who would truly benefit by free fan promotion. (I personally have been asked to 'cease recording' at an American Idol concert).

So, with the music industry complaining of their loss of revenues etc, is anybody actually thinking outside the box? I hear the fans rumbling so maybe the fans should starts making some noise at the labels themselves. Just saying... (fyi.. I don't yell and I don't necessarily rant.. I'm just thinking out loud kinda)