~ New Music Monday ~ November 15th, 2016 ~ Dibs ~

Happy day fellow music addix!!! How is it possible that we are already to the middle of November??!!! Is it me or is time moving at the speed of light? I am working on a Christmas Mix Tape to share with you in several weeks. Until then, I need, I repeat, I NEED to share RaeLynn's new single, "Insecure". RaeLynn recently signed with Warner Brothers music and so far it seems to me that they are really giving her the support a newer artist deserves. Since her signing RaeLynn has released two singles. First, "Love Triangle", which she co-wrote with Nicolle Galyon and Jimmy Robbins, touched my heart in particular. A song inspired by her parents divorce, "Love Triangle" has become a song that tells more than just her story. Many fans begun reaching out to RaeLynn in sharing their stories as children of divorce. For me, it helped in putting words to feelings I have for most of  my life not been able to express. This weekend the second single from the album was released, "Insecure". Prior to it's release RaeLynn teased it via her socials, sharing a acoustic clip of the tune. This tune leans into the truth that can be when dating someone everyone else wants. Which is the theme for today's post.

As soon as I heard the brief clip I knew I wanted to hear the entire song. I'm not disappointed!! I feel like this is a song that so many girls are gonna be able to relate to in the sense that we all know what it is like to be with someone and have that insecurity that someone else's flirting or blatent disrespect of the relationship could end it. Just for the record, I don't believe in men being "stolen". I believe in men walking away. I don't believe someone can steal your man if he really is your man. Anyway, I love this track and think it is so well done. I have pre-ordered "Wild Horse" because of these first two singles. Along with "Love Triangle" and "Insecure" you automatically get another track titled "Diamonds" as well as the title track, "Wild Horse". I am really loving all four of these songs and it makes me excited to hear the rest of the album.

I am officially a RaeLynn fan at this point. She has proven to me as a music lover that she cares not only about the stage, but the unseen, the writing, the message. I can't wait to see all that is to come in 2017 for RaeLynn. She just finished touring as the only opener for Blake Shelton. That is a heavy load and based on my virtual observations she seems to have carried it well. I am a Dolly Parton fan basically since birth. I am from East Tennessee and grew up listening to her music, watching her movies and visiting her theme park, Dollywood. My mom and I still like to go now and then just to watch the shows.....and eat at that ymmy 50's style diner. So, I do not say this lightly nor with out great consideration. At this point, and I know we are still sorda in the first quarter, I believe that RaeLynn has the possibility of being Dolly's heir apparent. I can see RaeLynn co-hosting award shows and becoming the kind of personality and artist that represents the country music community on a global platform. Much like her The Voice Coach, Blake Shelton. Give "Insecure" a listen then head over to RaeLynns socials and show her some love.

RaeLynn - "Insecure"

fr "Wild Horse"

 

Kelsea Ballerini - "Dibs"

fr "For the First Time"

 

Kelsea is what I would call a hometown girl. She is from an area that is about thirty minutes from my hometown. This weekend she started her headlining tour, "The First Time" and made a stop in her home city. I very sadly did not get to attend the show, but everything I've heard has been wonderful. With her Aussie BF, Morgan Evans as one of her opening acts and Tyler Farr jumping in here and there I think that this is going to be a well received first tour for Kelsea. She has released what she says will be the fourth and final single from, "The First Time" titled, "Yeah Boy". Ballerini has already made history with the first three singles off of her freshman album hitting number 1. There is no reason to expect anything different from this fourth track. However, today I am sharing the second track from "The First Time" titled, "Dibs". It goes with our theme and I just like it. Opening with the line, "I know everybody wants you. That ain't no secret. Tell me what's your status and if you're trying to keep it.", this tune is another confidence builder in my opinion. I am somewhat old school, traditional or maybe even harsh with my ideals of manhood and pursuit. I very sternly believe that if a guy wants to hang out with you, he will find a way. So, do not take my affection for this song to lead you in a contradictory way. As the line in "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" goes, "the man is the head of the house and the woman is the neck. She tells the head which way to look.". LOL!!!! There is no harm in letting a single guy know you are a single girl, "If ya gotta Friday night free and a shot gun seat, well I'm just sayin' I ain't got no where to be.". I think this tune is a perfect companion to RaeLynn's, "Insecure". Setting you up with a perfect, getting ready for a date night, sound track.

Next, Queen Ran of course. From her album, "Platinum" this song was never a single, but very well could've been. "Priscilla" is a track that references back to the struggles of Priscilla Presley as the wife of Elvis, who was a international sex symbol, movie star, and top selling recording artist/writer. I can not even begin to imagine the stress in her world. The constant attention. The expectations of what a wife of such a personality must be. Women disrespecting their relationship by believing that because he is a public figure ,they have a right to him. Gossip, tabloids, so on so forth all having something to say about her relationship. And all of that doesn't even include the actual work that goes with his being an artist. How? How do you keep a relationship with someone so public, private? I'm not sure it is possible and that is Miranda's plea in this track,"I couldn't think of anyone better to ask how to be the first make it last?". At the time Lambert was Mrs. Shelton and in a extremely public relationship where they both are entertainers, personalities and represent country music on a variety of platforms that go beyond just country radio. I could get sad about how things turned out. Perhaps this kind of relationship can't last. I don't know that there is a love that is that strong, if I'm being real with ya. Ignoring how things turned out for Priscilla and Miranda I choose to think of this song as a bit of a relationship battle cry or anthem. A "Stand by Your Man" of sorts. A this is the relationship I'm in and I know that whether I want to or not I'm gonna hear your opinion on it, him and me. A just because this is how folks before us dealt with it doesn't mean it's gonna be how we deal with it, tune. A song that is the verbal equation of  the acts of trying to be the first to make it last.

 



Miranda Lambert - "Priscilla"

fr "Plantinum"

 

 

I love all three of these songs. They are each co-written by the artist performing them. I didn't plan it, but they are all blonds as well, lol!!! Talk about blond ambition. I think these songs are a great start to a getting ready for date night mix tape. I see them as confidence boosters if you allow them to be. Their flirtatious, truthful, and all girl power. So, give them a listen and then head over to the socials of these ladies and give them a follow. Also, while "Priscilla" and "Dibs" are not new, "Insecure" is. So, give a call to your local radio and start requesting it now!!! 

~ Presidential Election 2016 ~

Lindsey Stirling Instagram Repost

I think it is fair to say that we have all been engrossed in this election possibly more than any other before in our life time. A female was nominated by the democratic party as their candidate. Not just any female, but one whose husband has already held the office of President. A billionaire, real-estate, reality t.v. personality, entrepreneur became the republican nominee. I don't know that any of us really truly believed it would end up as these two as our options, but none the less that is where we stood.

Yesterday/Early this morning, Donald Trump became the President Elect of the United States of America. Footage was shared all night and all day today of the devastation the democratic party felt from this loss. Today Mrs. Clinton, President Obama, and several celebrities took their opportunity of speaking to the nation from their platforms to encourage everyone to unity. I was, honestly, rather surprised by how well both Clinton and Obama's speeches went today. I didn't hear any hatefulness or slander. Instead I heard them admit the pain of this defeat, but encourage their supporters to respond in kindness and unity. Reminding everyone that nothing will get done, whomever is in office, if we do not work together.

ONE Nation, UNDER God. Believers, you either trust the Lord with EVERYTHING or you have trusted Him with NOTHING. Like it or not folks, we are a team.What wounds one of us, wounds all of us. One communities victory, is all of our victory. No matter your stance Republican or Democrat, no matter your sexual orientation, gender, race, religion or lack there of, profession, hobbies, no matter if your candidate won or lost last night, we are ALL in this together. We will all be going through the next four years, whatever they may hold, TOGETHER.

A friend and I have been texting since last night about all that we are reading on social media and online press. We both are baffled. Baffled by the energy some are putting into hate. So many folks consider Trump the hate candidate, but I have to say, in the last two days the most hate I have seen is from the opposition. People are posting their new follower counts on their socials because people are actually unfriending each other both virtually and IRL because they do not see eye to eye. PEOPLE!!!!! Where is your open mindedness now? Where is the tolerance you have been preaching for the last year, for the last decade??!!! Where is your acceptance of a community that is different than your own? Am I the only one confused here? Is it really one sided acceptance you have been preaching? Is it really as simple and ignorant as, "believe what I believe or your wrong"??!!

I realize as a Christian, Middle aged, white, female a lot of my convictions, morals, ethics, and basic rules of order are going to be quiet contrary to that of the world around me. That doesn't mean that I have the inability to understand where someone else is coming from. It doesn't mean that I am going to throw a hissy because you disagree with me. I am capable of being your friend/family and retaining my own views even when they don't align with yours. Are you?

I understand being heartbroken when you have invested so passionately into something or someone. I understand disappointment because things did not go your way. I understand the sting of the wounded pride and ego because you weren't just wrong in your guesses, you were rrrreeeeeaaaaalllllyyyyy wrong in your guesses, polling. I understand fear. Fear, anxiety and sheer uncontrollable panic have become my companions over the last few years. So, believe me when I say that I UNDERSTAND fear, anxiety and panic. What I don't understand is the mentality that all the work that has been done up to this point, popular, good bad or otherwise is going to be undone overnight. I don't know that tomorrow you will wake up to a overturned Roe vs. Wade, whom by the way, I have heard speak and regrets her decision to abort. But we never discuss that when tossing around the ol' R v W argument. You aren't going to wake up tomorrow and your marriage is over night illegal. The system is still going to work as it always has. The Senate, the House, local government, processes and systems will still work as they have before. Will they produce the same outcomes as a Democratic House? Not always. Perhaps not ever. But the rules of order will remain. They've been in place long before us and as a former Pastor of mine use to say, "Lord willin' and the creek don't rise", will be in place long after us.

We are in this together you guys. If you aren't offering solutions, positivity, hope, encouragement out into the world and people around you right now then my fear is you are only offering more problems, negativity, and despair. You are either a part of the problem or apart of the solution. If you voted, your voice was heard whether you won or lost. We have had the distinct privilege to choose the leadership of our country and no matter what side of it all you stand on it is now time to come together and make things happen. Good things!!! Now is the time for each of us to actually put into action tolerance, acceptance, patience, pursuit of truth and proper governmental order. Now is when talk, becomes actions. All those posting their little hearts out for months leading up to last night, what will you do with your time now? How will you help progress the state of our nation?!

Happy Election 2016 is Over Day!!!! May we all find some peace, rest, resolution and kindness as we head out of 2016 and into 2017.



 

~ We Either Trust Him With EVERYTHING or We Trust Him With Nothing. ~

~ Discount Diva ~ Invitation Keepsake Ornament ~ DIY ~ Christmas 2016 ~

 

Charlie and Telisha Campbell's Invite

Spring 2016

 

The Holidays are right around the corner and if you are anything like me you are already making your lists and checking them twice. Considering not all giving hearts have a bank account to match I thought that sharing some DIY's, Deals, Bargains, etc. along the way may help out a few of my on a budget buddies out there.

 

It seems like in the last year basically everyone I knew was either getting married or having a baby. Endless invitations to showers, parties and big days seemed to be in my mail box weekly. While I would love to 1. keep everyone's invites to things as a keep sake, over the years they seriously start to accumulate and 2. Buy everyone a beautiful gift from their registry. I simply can't. So, I decided to start doing something home made with the invites for the Bride and Groom. This can be applied to any invitation really, but I have mainly done them as wedding gifts.

 

I found this idea on Pinterest originally and have just adapted it over time to work for my projects. I think that a lot of couples want to have a copy of their wedding invitation as a keep sake. Something they look at as the years go by, something to show their children, something to remind them of that special day and the promises they made. Not everyone wants to frame it though or have it hanging on the wall 24-7. And if it is always setting out then it can become just another piece of décor that gets looked over and gathers dust. I think that having it in ornament form is a fun way to at Christmas time think back on your wedding day. Every year when you go to put that one ornament on it gives you a moment to reminisce and tell stories. Especially once children and other family members start becoming apart of your Christmas traditions.

 

All you will need is a clear ornament (can be found year around at Hobby Lobby or Michaels in boxes of various sizes, shapes, quantity, etc.) the invitation, scissors, glue, and ribbon or twine. I usually cut the invitation into strips so that once they are placed inside the ornament you can read when, where, what time, etc. the couple married. Depending on the material of the invitation I try to curl them a bit prior to inserting them into the ornament. Sometimes I have to use tweezers to get the paper into the ornament in a way that the wording can be seen. I also like to add a piece of any embellishment that may have come with the invitation. Lace, twine, glitter, or cut out pieces of the invitation that has any images on it and add those in.

 

Once I place those items, along with the invitation, inside the ornament I use hot glue to attach the ornament closure piece. I usually hot glue them just for the sake of them possibly going through many hands before getting to the intended. Ya know? Mail man, gift piles, the car, bridesmaids and groomsmen, etc. If I am going to hand deliver I don't always glue the top just so if they want to add something they can.

 

Now that everything is inside and it is glued shut, I then take either ribbon or twine that was apart of the invitation or find a something that compliments the invite and tie it to the hoop of the ornament closure for hanging.

 

If the ornament is being mailed or gifted at the wedding I always package it with multiple layers of bubble wrap, packing paper, etc. to protect it. If I am mailing I also write the word, "FRAGILE" in bold letters on the parcel. So far no one has reported back that they received a broken ornament. Fingers crossed for future ornaments.

 

This project and gift is Stacie Recommended and Discount Diva approved. Hope this helps to inspire you as you plan and prepare for the giving season.

 

Happy DIYing!! What have you been making lately ?

 

Todd and Jessica Olsen's Invite on

their first tree as a married couple.

(insert awwwws here)

 

For Past Posts on Christmas, Ornaments, Snacks, Tips, Tricks, DIY Ideas, etc. Just Type, "Christmas" into the Blogs Search Bar. To Be Aware of New Posts, Follow Me on Instagram, "StacieTennessee".

~ Stacie Stories ~ Getting to Know the Author of The Faith Journals ~ If I'm Being Honest !!! ~

Pinterest Pic

 

~ If I'm Being Honest ~

 

When I first read this pinterest pic I automatically went back in time. Back to a time when myself along with one of my besties worked at the same university. Opposite sides of campus, but still close enough to go grab lunch or stop by one another's office while running errands. You may find this incredibly vain or you may take it in the ways it is intended, funny and uplifting. My bestie and I would randomly meet up while walking errands around the university so that we could not only do our work, but have fun doing it. I know that's not how everyone rolls, but it is how we did. It is a true gift to get the opportunity to work with your best friends. I have had the opportunity in one way or another to work with a lot of my friends. It helps to make work not feel so much like work.

 

Well, anyway, we would meet up to walk our papers, signatures, etc. around campus and every now and then we would stop to check ourselves out in the reflection of the window doors. Not just "is my shirt on backwards" or "is there lipstick on my teeth", but full on "dang, I am hot today!!". If you could see our poses you would totally be laughing. Especially at the thought of the times that we got so focused on looking at our own reflections in the glass doors that we totally did not notice the person about to walk through it until it was too late and they had just received some unsolicited modeling visuals. AHHAHAHAHAH!!!! I'm sure the people who saw us doing these crazy things thought we were certifiable, but it never failed to end in laughter and feeling better about myself.

I don't think it is just a woman thing to always be in battle with your insecurities, how you've been made and who you wish you could be. Guys have these struggles too. However todays post may hit more with the females....ya know, because I am one so that is where my experience comes from. LOL!! I may have felt like my appearance that particular day when gazing our reflections was rough, but after goofing off with my friend and complimenting one another's reflections I always felt better. More confident. People don't see you the way you see you. Most folks are baffled by our insecurities when they hear them. It is one of the many reasons genuinely complimenting people out loud can be so important. You never know what's going on inside them. You never know what someone NEEDS to hear. I once had a Sonic worker compliment me in the drive-thru. She out of nowhere as we handed payment and receipts back and forth, stopped and said "You look really pretty.". I was taken aback. I said thank you, got my food and went on my way, but years later I still remember that random compliment. I didn't know her. I wasn't related to her and I don't know that I have ever seen her again. Yet, that random compliment from a stranger is still in my mind and heart.

 

I miss working in a space with friends. I miss being able to stop by a friends office just for a quick hell-o. I miss stopping to check myself out in the reflection of something with my equally goofy bestie. I also miss a time when my insecurities where weaker than my confidence. I truly believe that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. What one person finds beautiful another may not. That is part of the reason it is so important to decide for yourself, to find yourself beautiful before caring if anyone else does. I know, I know, easier said than done. The Lord who created you finds you beautiful. He created every star in the sky and every grain of sand and still felt the world needed you. When we find contentment in ourselves it makes those random compliments easier to believe and be encouraged by.

What's all this about? Why am I babbling on and on about such shallow things as appearances? Because we need a reminder now and then that we are beautiful in our Creators eyes, if no one else's. We have the right to feel good about how we look no matter how we look. We have the right and sometimes we even have the need to check our reflections out in a windowed door or mirrored store front and say, "Dang, I am hot today!!!". I challenge you the next time you set down to do your hair or make up, or start sifting through your outfits and accessories, to take a moment and tell yourself something that is beautiful about yourself. If you and your bestie where standing in front of a mirror what would you like to be complimented on?

I hope you know that you are beautiful. I hope you realize that every inch of you has been created for a reason. I hope you know that others find you beautiful, especially when you are distinctly you. There is a newer country artist that I have become such a fan of. Starting with her style. She hasn't hit radio big yet, but she is touring and has had some media attention. She has a big tattoo on her outer thigh, she says her nose is shaped the way it is because it was once broken, she wears a cowboy hat now and then and doesn't fear rocking a romper with cowboy boots and braids. A DJ once called her ugly and she found the strength and confidence to not care and to instead of being brought down by it, to be fueled by it. I honestly find her beautiful. Her style is so her own that it makes her beautiful. Her confidence in the face of a extremely rude person, is beautiful. It encourages me to feel beautiful and to embrace my "flaws" as my perfections. Her definition of beauty and confidence helps me to define mine. I saw a post on FB the other day about how in China when a piece of pottery is broken they fill in the cracks from the repairs with gold. They don't repair it in a way that you can never see that it was broken or flawed. They find the "flaws" from the brokenness to be what is
beautiful about that piece of pottery.


What makes you distinctly beautifully you? What have you or will you fill with gold?!

Go check yourself out doll!! You look gorgeous today.

 

~ Insta Blog ~ Motivation Monday ~ November 7th, 2016 ~ Lists, Lists, and More Lists ~

 

 

~ Happy Motivation Monday!! I Decided Today is All About Lists. I Usually Add My Weeks To~Do's into My Planner on Sunday Evenings. However After A Productive Weekend I Waited till Today. Christmas Card List, Errands, Bills, Blogs to Blog, etc. I'm A List Maker. I Enjoy Marking Things Off a List. It Helps Me to Feel Like I Haven't Been Wasteful. Keeps Me Organized & Even Accountable, if Even Just to a Piece of Paper. I Know I've Shared All This Before, but as We Approach One... of the Busiest Seasons of Our Year I Thought it was Worth Repeating. How is This a #MotoMonday Post? I Think Sharing Our Survival Tips is One of the Greatest Ways in Which We Create Community. Yes, Even Via Social Media Where the Community is Made Up of People You May Never Actually Interact W In Person. I Live Life In The Mindset that You Never Know What the Lord Might Use to 1. Point Ppl Back to Him. 2. Encourage His Children or 3. Answer A Prayer. So, Sharing, Being "Real" Whether it's A Good Day or a Bad One, is Just as Much Apart of My Worship, Obedience, & Quiet Time as Any Other Thing. What Might You Share This Week That Could be an Encouragement to Someone Else. ~

~ New Music Monday ~ November 7th, 2016 ~ Bey vs. J ~ CMA Recap & Review ~ Part 1 ~

Aubrie Sellers - "Loveless Rolling Stone"

fr "New City Blues"

I would like to note my environment and that I am sitting in a dark room that has been freshly cleaned by moa', listening to Aubrie Sellers, "New City Blues" start to finish (BTW I still think you need to buy), with only the light of my computer (Carrie Bradshaw Style) and just the company of Jack Davis. Who, by the way was almost just whooped by a cat. I panicked at first thinking it was a opossum because all I could see were glowing eyes, but once I turned the light on my phone on I was relieved to see it was a feline. You'd think I'd be super good at telling critters apart being that I'm from the country, but in a panic they all sound the same to me. For those who follow me on Facebook, I guess it was a cat in the tree, but who knew cats climbed tree's???!!! Does everyone other than me know this? Is it cause I'm a dog person? Wait, I'm off track!! Kinda feels like you are watching the CMA's, huh?! LOL!!! How was I to resist?! I nearly sat down to write this blog at 11:35 p.m. Wednesday night. That's right, immediately after the CMA's had wrapped, but I didn't. I decided to wait till the dust settled a bit. Wait until folks sent out their virtual gratitude's, snap's (which is a social media source that I still think is shady), Insta's, Tweets, wtf's, and flat out confusion or perhaps a better word would be frustration over performers, presenters, and/or winners. Fair warning: This weeks #NewMusicMonday is going to come in two parts, Part 1 - Drama , Drama, Drama and Part 2 - Why we actually watched.

Beyoncé w Dixie Chicks

CMA 2016

"Daddy Lessons"

I feel I need to start this blog off with what EVERYONE has been talking about since the airing of the show this last Wednesday. A performance that basically overshadowed all other performances and even the winners of the evening. Not because the performance was necessarily that outstanding, it was good, but it wasn't like, call someone to turn on their T.V. good. Instead it overshadowed because of the performers themselves, Beyoncé with the Dixie Chicks. Reportedly Beyoncé was invited to perform and she then invited the Chicks, who have been covering her tune, "Daddy Lessons" on their most recent tour, to collab with her for the evening. It may be worth noting that the Chicks have been absent from the CMA's for about ten years prior to this performance. Natalie Maines, front woman for the group tweeted post performance that they'd been invited to host next year with "B", but that they all are busy that day. I suppose no one is all that surprised that is how she feels about the backlash. I have been reading what feels like endless articles, press releases, social media posts, etc. from not just fans, but also entertainment news outlets, country artists and even the CMA's themselves. Everyone has a opinion. Why would #NewMusicMonday be any different?!

Kenny Chesney was virtually attacked by a viewer who said his body language and facial expressions during the performance implied his disapproval. Chesney felt so misread by this assumption he felt the need to send out a press release. I'm not gonna type the entire thing, but the basics are that he is a fan of music. He doesn't see race, sexual orientation, gender, genre, or whatever other category one would use in limiting an artist. His love is for the music as well as for the performers who leave it all on the stage, which he feels Beyoncé and the Chicks did. It was reported by multiple entertainment media outlets that the CMA's seemingly deleted any trace of the performance. They haven't, it can still be found with the rest of the evenings performances at abc.com. Chris Stapleton when speaking with media after his win for Best Male, stated that he felt honored that Beyoncé would take the time to collab and perform with the country community. Not everyone was in a tizzy, but Travis Tritt, a seasoned country artist tweeted after one of his shows in Kentucky that he was sorry they didn't play any Beyoncé tunes for the "Real" country fans. Sarcasm laced tweets followed with he and his band are gonna learn, "Single Ladies" and they look forward to see who BET invites from the Country genre to perform at their awards show. While it is dripping with attitude I somewhat agree with the point Tritt is trying to make in these tweets. It is something I saw on social media through out the evening, "Beyoncé is my favorite country singer", "I'm glad REAL country artist are getting to perform this year", "Where the H is Kip Moore, The Cadillac Three, & Kelleigh Bannen??!!!", O.K. That last one might be one of my own, but you catch my drift. I tried to find my actual post when reading the news leak, but for whatever reason I can't find it now. Freakin' technology. The jest was, "why for the love of country music, why??!!". This isn't a new question. I have observed over the last several years via social media that the majority of country music fans are asking the same questions. Where are the country artist??!! Why, at a 50th Anniversary ceremony that had been billed for MONTHS as a throw back through the decades of CMA's, with performers, presenters, special honoree's that all where going to be about the Country Music Community, get a pop princess, I mean Queen, add in??!!! I mean what else was the point of that three way of a song, "Forever Country"???!!!!!! Again, perfectly fine song, but totally false advertising!!!!! Yes, it was one performance out of a nearly 3 hour show, but it is a performer that overshadowed everything else that was intended to be in the spotlight.

Some outlets have claimed it's a race issue that needs to be addressed in the country music genre. Stating that this much hub bub wasn't raised when Justin Timberlake performed last year with Chris Stapleton. I disagree. I disagree so much that "disagree" isn't even the right word. I'll return to the comparison of these two performances later in the post. Some outlets want to blame it all on the stigma of Beyoncé choosing to perform with the formerly shunned, Dixie Chicks. I'll admit there may be an ounce of truth in that, but I do not think it is the main "issue". It is my observation and personal irritancy, that the fact that the only association we have known Beyoncé to have with the Country Music community, other than having been raised in Texas and having one of her tunes covered by Queen Reba, was when she reportedly kept local law enforcement from aiding with security at her most recent performance in Nashville. When I heard of her possibly performing on the CMA's this was the first thing I thought of. "This is an effort to smooth the ruffled feathers" of the country/Nashville community."Daddy Lessons" performed by Beyoncé and the Dixie Chicks was a solid performance. I like Beyoncé!!!! I wouldn't classify myself as apart of the "Bee Hive", but I respect her work. I even had a respect for what she was doing back when what she was doing was, "Bootylicious". I mean, what more does everyone want from me???!!!!! And I have been A Dixie Chick fan from way back in the day, like, "Cowboy Take Me Away", back in the day. So, for me it isn't all of that other "stuff" that I just listed. I know, why list it? Because not all of you will read all the things I've read and even though this post seems endless I'm considering it a brief overview on the topic for those that won't read the other stuff.

Justin Timberlake w Chris and Moran Stapleton

CMA's 2015

"Tennessee Whiskey" & "Drink You Away"

Beyoncé fans where mad that the performance was a solid hour and some minutes into the show. Meaning that they "had" to watch an hour something of country music just to see the performance from Queen B. Well, Bee Hive, you aren't the only irritated ones when it comes to having to watch one thing in order to get to the reason you are actually watching to begin with. Which is how a lot of viewers qualified the performance. The day began with a media news leak that "B" would be performing at that nights CMA ceremony. Personally, I feel that this leak was possibly done not just for the sake of amping ratings, causing discussion, or for setting the trend online, but also to hide the fact that Taylor Swift would be returning to the CMA stage and presenting the last, most anticipated award of the evening, Entertainer of the Year.

I think that the reason there wasn't such an outcry when Timberlake performed with Stapleton is multifaceted. There had been social media posts prior to the performance implying that he was taking part in Little Big Town's next project. Meaning, prior to his performance he had some sort of a relationship with popular country artists and was even aiding in the production of new country tunes. As far as had been popularly reported concerning Beyoncé, there was no scuff between Justin and any Nash law enforcement. I'm not even sure the last date JT played Nashville prior to the 2015 CMA's. JT is from Memphis. Nashvill-ians and Memphis Citizens have a kinship that is founded in music. JT might as well be from Nashville in the eyes of the industry and probably even the community. Lastly, he collaborated with Chris Stapleton. This was a night that Chris was mutli-nominated and won nearly every category he was in for that year. Chris is friends with seemingly every single artist and or band that was in the room that night, as well as industry folk. His wife Morgan use to work for a music publishing company. Chris and Morgan had been around the genre for YEARS prior to this shot at the main stage. To say their ties run deep is an understatement when it comes to the relational part of the industry and the relational part of country music is what makes it country music. JT was introduced by hanging out with the most popular guy in the room. Queen B was introduced to everyone by the Goth chicks that folks can't decide if they totally have the most respect for and want to be just like or are completely afraid of because they follow no one's rules. For me it is a bit of both when it comes to my love of the Dixie Chicks. Back to topic, plus, the song meshed into Timberlakes', "Drink You Away" performance, was George Jones', "Tennessee Whiskey". There is a chance, had these performances been switched out, had Beyoncé and the Dixie Chicks played last year and JT and Chris performed this year, we wouldn't be having this discussion.

To make this epically long post even longer, I think the heart of it is what it's always been, why pretend to be something you aren't?! The CMA's and ACM's have seemed to be the kid trying to act cool by following the trend instead of being who they actually are and just being cool. Last ACM we seem to have traded Nick Jonas and Brad Paisley at the iHeart festival. Let's ask Kelsea Ballerini how that worked out. Do I understand the need for ratings? Yes. Do I understand the responsibility owed to advertisers of those time slots? Yes. Do I understand the desire to collaborate cross genre in the simple efforts of making good music/performances? Yes. I repeat, had this performance happened last year I truly don't believe it would have caused such an uproar. When Charlie Daniels only sings one line of his ICONIC country song, but a out of genre performer is given an entire 4 minute slot at a show that is advertised as country through the years, there is gonna be upset by the "real" fans. As in Kenny's comments, it has nothing to do with race, gender, sexual orientation, nationality, etc. it has to do with the music. I don't think folks would've even minded all that much had it just been the Dixie Chicks. Again, nothing to do with anything that is Beyoncé other than her genre and iconic musical style. Had it been another show, had it been another year, had it been a different collaboration. I'm just gonna end this with a "Sex and the City" quote cause I'm sitting here all Carrie Bradshaw style, "Could, Woulda, Shoulda".


Gonna leave ya with two of my FAVORITE tunes from DC and B, respectively.

Dixie Chicks - "Travellin' Solider"

 

 

Beyoncé - "If I Were a Boy"

~ New Music Monday ~ November 7th, 2016 ~ CMA Recap - Why We Actually Tuned In ~ Part 2 ~

I have divided this weeks New Music Monday posts needs to come in two parts. Part 1, Beyoncé with The Dixie Chicks getting mainly outcry and backlash vs. Timberlake with Stapleton receiving love and acceptance. Part 2 of this weeks #NMM is about why the "real" country fans actually tuned in, the winners, performers, and presenters. Two awards were handed out pre-show. Musical Event of the Year went to Dierks Bentley and Elle King for "Different for Girls" from Dierks "Black" album, this was my pick for the category so I was amped to hear of their win. The second award was for Video of the Year and it went to Chris Stapleton for "Fire Away" off of his "Traveler" album. I had picked this video as well for the win. It is a deep vid that requires tissues. If you aren't ready to cry a little then you aren't ready to watch it yet. I applaud Chris and the video's director Tim Mattia for choosing to spotlight such a sensitive subject as mental illness. It really is a beautiful video even with the darkness it covers.

The actual show opened with a multi-artist, multi-song collaboration that lasted about 8 minutes. It included Vince Gill, Merle Haggards son, Ben on guitar, Charlie Daniels, Ricky Scaggs, Brad Paisley, Carrie Underwood and the tear jerker section of the performance was from Randy Travis who had suffered a stroke. This was his first few words shared on the CMA stage in quiet a while. I do not know that anyone who watched it, didn't have a tear in their eye....or rolling down their perfectly done make-up. It was a beautiful and perfect opening for a show that had been advertised as a bit of a walk down memory lane and that it was the 50th Anniversary of this ceremony.

The Making of "Fire Away" the Video

 

Dierks & Elle at The Opry

"Different for Girls"

 



Usually I sit with my fists clinched and my eyes rolling out of my head over the majority of winners at these shows. It seems to come in waves. One year it is legit and another couple it is all about the trends. I get erked by the trendy years. Mainly because these artists will more than likely never be heard of again or will attempt to transplant into another genre. This year was a legit year in my country music lovin' hearts opinion. New Artist of the Year went to a surprised and emotional Maren Morris. Morris had JUST finished performing and returned to her seat in time to hear her category. An emotional Morris shared how last year she watched that award show from a bar across the street and this year here she was winning. I won't lie, I cried. I cry watching these things. I can't even help it!!!!!! All I kept thinking as Maren gave her thank you's and wiped the tears from her eyes was that dreams do actually come true!!!!! Cheesey, but its how I feel about her win. I love those kinds of stories. The last year I was across the street and this year I'm in the front five rows. She also later posted to her Instagram a video of her parents, who had been sitting elsewhere in the arena that night, when her name was called. I cried again. It was so beautiful and such a special moment for her to have shared with her fans and followers. I had originally picked Kelsea to take this category just because it has seemed to be her year, but I was glad to see Maren win. I love "Hero" and think it's a spectacular freshman release from an artist. Add to this win the fact that Maren had just threw down an UHHHMAAAYYYYZZZZINNNGGGG performance of "My Church". It was truly a soulful and powerful performance especially considering it was her first on the CMA stage. Nerves alone would have me missing a note or two, but girl held it down.

Next surprise was in the Vocal Duo of the Year category where Brothers Osborne FINALLY took FGL out of the winner seats. The brothers said in their acceptance speech that they had so expected to be losing to FGL that they had already been drinking and weren't even all that sure it was really happening. LOL!!! I loved it. Their acceptance speech was one of the very best of the evening. Genuine, real, unrehearsed and a well deserved moment of acknowledgement for the duo. Brothers Osborne was on my personal list of hopeful winners in this category. While I probably would have been stoked to see any duo dethrone FGL, I was especially stoked that it was Brothers Osborne.

Brothers Osborne - "21 Summer"

Single of the Year was no surprise and Thomas Rett's, "Die a Happy Man" won. It has basically won at all shows it's been nominated at so it was kind of expected here as well. Vocal Group of the year went to Little Big Town, which I also don't see as too big of a surprise given the popularity of  "Girl Crush", "Day Drinking", Etc. Song of the year went to Lori McKenna for Tim McGraws, "Humble and Kind". The Song of the year is awarded to the writer of the song if it is different than the performer of the song. I did expect Rett to win this category as well, but had hoped a newbie like Cam or Maren would win. Even though I was totally wrong in my prediction and hope I am glad to see it go to Lori McKenna for "Humble and Kind". "Humble and Kind" is another song that I can't listen to with out tissues. As I write this I'm starting to realize I may be a cry baby??!!!! McGraw performed, "Humble and Kind" with the help of Ben Ellis's students from Christ Presbyterian Academy. The students entered the stage in all black with a white candle. It paid homage to the style of the video as well as to the heart of the song.

Male Vocalist, Female Vocalist, Album of the Year and Entertainer of the Year are ALWAYS fairly stacked categories with nominee's that truly deserve to be there. Making my predictions in these categories was difficult because I know what is on trend, but I also knew what I would've liked to see happen if I happen to be in charge. It also adds to the pressure when it comes to performances. We generally expect a lot from the nominee's in these categories if they are also performers that night. One of the standouts is, as always, Miranda Lambert. Keeping her style very subdue she performed her latest single, "Vice", in a black pant suit with a bit of lace peaking out at the top. She played her acoustic guitar with her band and Gwen Sebastian on bgv's. Through no fault of Gwens, I think her mic was bit hot considering she was bgv's. Her ooh's and ahh's almost over powered Miranada's lead vocals. "Vice" is the first single off of Miranda's upcoming, double disc set, "The Weight of These Wings". She has been teasing other singles online, but so far "Vice" is the only "official" single, or video.

Male Vocalist, for the second year in a row, went to Chris Stapleton. No surprise here. What is a baffling thing to me is that this is his second Male Vocalist of the year award and radio still doesn't play him as often as they should. If I hear "T-Shirt" one more time I am gonna throw myself from my moving car. Stapleton was joined by Dwight Yokum for his performance this year and it was a wonderful throw back as well as current collaboration. I've also always been a fan of Dwight. He has signature moves and style that just can't be copied. He is his own kind of artist and I love that about him. I think Stapleton can probably relate.

Carrie Underwood w/ Runaway June, Lindsey Ell,

Natalie Stovall, & Orianthi - "Dirty Laundry"

2016 CMA's Performance

Female Vocalist, breaking Miranda's multi-year win in this category, went to Carrie Underwood. And in my opinion, deservingly so as Carrie last won Best Female in 2008. All of her albums have reached platinum if not multi-platinum status. She is a personality that represents the country music community in a variety of genre settings. She is known by the fashion industry and is someone that they clammier to dress. She is spokesperson for Almay cosmetics, Callia by Carrie Underwood active wear, and so many other things that the list would take up this entire post. Also, let us not just cruise by the fact that she assembled a all girl chick band to rock the faces off of the audience for her performance of her current single, "Dirty Laundry". Joined by electric guitarist Lindsey Ell & Orianthi, BGV's by Runaway June, and Natalie Stovall on fiddle, this girl gang could not be stopped. It was a seriously good performance in my opinion. Especially considering Carrie juggled it while also co-hosting the show. I truly think Carrie deserved this award, which leads me to Entertainer of the Year. Again, I really wanted to see Carrie when ETOY this year. The Storyteller tour has been monstrous and so successful that dates had to be added. Carrie performed on the last episode of American Idol with Keith Urban, all of her singles off of "Storytellers" have hit number one, and again, the list is endless. However, Garth Brooks took the trophy this year. I have been a Garth fan for actual decades. I LOVE GARTH!!!! or as Brad Paisley calls him, Mr. Yearwood. LOL!!! "Shameless"........is m'jam. Garth can do no wrong in my eyes. I am choosing to pretend he didn't release that one album as Chris Gaines. We all have our youthful mishaps. Garth was reported as saying that this is a category for the younger generation of artists and that he was surprised to hear his name. I disagree with Garth on this topic as in recent years it has not only gone to him, but George Strait, Blake Shelton and Luke Bryan have all won multiple times, on multiple shows and have been in the genre for a looooooooooonnnnnnnngggggggggggg time. I mean, do I need to bring up Blake's, "Ol' Red"?? I'm not even making fun. I know that's one of his number one's, I'm just saying, I don't think of it as a young performers category.

Lastly we approach Album of the Year which went to Eric Church's, "Mr. Misunderstood". I think this is a iconic win on several levels. One being that Church dropped "Mr. Misunderstood" exclusively to his fan base, the "Church Choir", during last year's CMA show. It was later released for public consumption. He performed two sold out shows at Red Rocks which he has turned into an unplugged-esq album that is now out for the fans who couldn't make the shows. He also announced that he will be hitting the road in 2017 with no openers. That's right, no one to break the ice, no one to kinda ease ya into the evening. It's just gonna be him playing his tunes, playing by his rules. This is so epically Eric Church that I don't know how people read it and don't get amped just thinking about it. I have a friend who is already planning to get tickets and I will have her do a full report back. You hear that Amber?! Take notes and pictures!!! My pick for this category was Dierks', "Black" album. I just love the way it was delivered and the visuals we have been given to go along with it. I also feel like it could be an album that as we move forward in the genre, we look back on as one of the best in Dierks career. Dierks hasn't been afraid to take some chances and do some things other folks find dangerous, hell-o, "Up on the Ridge"??!!! But that is what makes him so very Dierks. I love "Black" and I love "Mr. Misunderstood". So, I am happy with this category even though it didn't go as I had predicted. Church performed earlier in the evening and I am fairly certain, for the first time probably ever, if not maybe only at his wedding, wore a tuxedo. Yes, I think that Eric wearing a Tuxedo is bloggable information. He of course kept his aviators on the entire show, but still, a TUXEDO!!!!

Eric Church - "Mr. Misunderstood"

fr "Mr. Misunderstood"

The show went about a half hour over and robbed Dolly Parton of her acceptance speech for her Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement award. It did however allow for a performance where when Reba saw Dolly as the curtain went up, she got so excited she forgot the words. I LOVE THAT!!!! See, even artists are fans. They geek out too!!! This was our only lyrical dose of Kacey Musgraves for the evening and I take great issue with that. Kacey was up for Female Vocalist and was apart of the Dolly tribute that the ACM's did with Katy Perry. I feel she should've been given her own spot at this years CMA's. Her addition to the Dolly tribute however was flawless, as expected. And while Dolly didn't get to give her full speech as she had prepared it she did get at least one funny in stating that receiving the Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement award was a "high honor". bahahahahahahahah!!!!! Like it or not, there is NO ONE like Dolly!!!! If you think country music and you don't think Dolly, there is something wrong with you.

Dolly Parton - Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement

Award Winner  

Well, we could cuss and discuss the CMA's till none of us even like music any more, but let's not. I'm unsure how I would cope without music. It's far cheaper than booze or pills, usually. LOL!!! J/K!!! Everyone calm down. Until out next awards show, keep requesting your favorite tunes and artists with local radio and keep voting at GAC and CMT websites for your fave videos!!! See ya next time!!!


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