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Squint.

Tuesday, December 2nd, 2008

Last night, Meredith and I helped Marisa put up her Christmas tree.  After a series of unfortunate events [which had there been a camera would be a blog post in itself], we finally had the tree in place, the star on top, and it was time to string the lights.

As we would finish a strand, Marisa would have us step back, squint our eyes, and look at the tree.  “It’s prettier that way,” she claimed.  So I shuffled a few feet backwards, squinted, and sure enough.  Something about it was lovely. Like, deep-in-your-core kind of lovely.

When I finally left after much chatting and some delicious cookies, I took a different route home.  I went through town instead of using the highway.  And as I pulled up to the stoplight at the intersection of 4th Avenue and Demonbreun, I was facing downtown. The big city of Nashville. All the tall buildings had scattered lights on, proof that important people were working too late or someone was cleaning up after them.  Either way, it shimmered.

Rain was dripping, not really falling.  But my windshield had little droplets that made the light from the tall buildings refract a bit. While waiting for the red light to turn green, I squinted my eyes.

The brightness of the lights mixed with the raindrops through my squinted view- it was lovely.

I don’t recall what song was on the radio.  I thought I would.  The night sky was really black and I was the only one at the intersection.  My car had warmed up, though the outside temperature read a chilly 36 degrees. I stopped squinting and just looked.

I took a deep breath and thought, “I am going to remember this moment forever.”

Because sitting in my car right there on 4th Avenue, I fell in love with Nashville.

Posted in Movin on up, Nash-livin' | 16 Responses »

Positive Post Tuesday.

Tuesday, May 13th, 2008

In which I thank a group of people who do not read my blog.

At every turn, every chance I get, I thank my Nashville friends. I try not to be creepy, or thank them so profusely that they think I:
A. have a crush on them or
B. am obviously friendless and now they know why or
C. am a kiss up.

But, see, they don’t know. They don’t know what I know. They don’t know that they are representing Jesus to me. And doing it well. They don’t know that their kind text messages (or hugs or emails or dessert sharing) breathe life into a dream that tries to choke on fear and die every single day.

And most of them don’t know I have a blog, so this is not for their benefit. [Just FYI- I'm not a kiss up.] I’m telling you, as sure as I am sitting here [and I am], God has handed me friends that make me feel like Nashville isn’t the big bully who sits in the last row on the bus, snarling in my direction, just waiting on me to be the last kid left. To devour me. Alone.

Instead, it’s a place where I kinda have a couple of friends.

There was a night in February where tears had been plentiful and these exact words had come out of my mouth- “God, I’m never going to have any friends in Nashville.”

[To say I'm dramatic may be a wee bit of an understatement. At least I do life with flair.]

On that night, I got an email. It said, “Sammy Nashville [not his real name] says you are one of his friends. Me too!” Moments before, I had cried huge Georgia shaped tears and here someone from Nashville had called me his “friend”. It was a gift.

Another friend picked me up on Friday night and drove me around Nashville just to see the area. She is a gift.

Another friend texted just to see how Saturday house hunting was going. She is a gift.

Another friend is spending his time this week trying to find me a condo. He is a gift.

Another friend spent his Sunday afternoon showing my Dad that the area around a certain house is safe. He is a gift.

I think I just needed an outlet to thank them. To thank Him. Because I am not unaware of the gifts or the Giver. When I write a book about God moving me to a new city and providing everything I need, I will include them. And I will get permission and use their names. Or you will read a lot about “Sammy Nashville” and “Cindy New City”.

They have played a part in one life, my life, being lived better for God.

So thank you.

Go to Brody’s blog to read more positive posts about people who make a difference.

Posted in Movin on up, Ze Bloggy Goodness | 2 Responses »

I love those bright lights and country music.

Sunday, May 11th, 2008

After a FAR less than successful house hunt day in Nashville, there was no better therapy than being surrounded by thousands of the highest quality rednecks, including my family, at the Grand Ole Opry.

Did you know the Grand Ole Opry held this many people? Neither did I. Did you know this many people WANTED to be at the Grand Ole Opry at the same time? Neither did I.

We saw some great performances, and some awesome fashion statements. Let’s start with the great performances.

Dierks Bentley. He was good. Real good.

And my sister Tatum? We are as genetically polar at two siblings can be, but there is this one area that we are quite similar…..

The truth of this video is that Tatum was doing that for 1-2 minutes BEFORE I stopped laughing enough to pull my camera out and video. She’s just a dancer. And a big fan of Dierks Bentley. And is always wanting to be a star on this here blog.

The highlight of the night was seeing cute Carrie Underwood get inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. She was humble and sweet and sang her little heart out. Here she is watching her highlight video that they showed before inducting her.

Then Garth Brooks came out and gave her the trophy. Which was cool as crap.

Vince Gill was absolutely blue grass spectacular. And I never expected to create that term.
Now….. drum roll please….. let us take a few moments on this Mother’s Day to celebrate Country Music fashion at it’s finest.

Marty Stuart. Country flavored ascot? Dreams do come true, people. Let this be your proof.

Mustaches as thick as a chocolate Chick-fil-A milkshake? Same shade but more beautifully groomed? Aaron Tippin, you had me at hairy lip.And the pinnacle, dare I say the most fashion forward experience of my night…..

Turquoise boots. Or as Corporate H says, TURQWUAZE. Or as I say, THE HEAVENLY SHADE OF SHOE.

Yes, these shoes made me want to live in this city MORE. Not less.

If only I could find a house to live in. Hey Grand Ole Opry, do you rent seats out by the month?

Posted in Movin on up, Ze Bloggy Goodness | 6 Responses »

615

Friday, May 9th, 2008

I don’t want to fear you.
We haven’t even really met.
I have seen you in passing.
You held my hand for a minute.

I worry about what you hold for me.
And what you can’t contain.
You are a stranger.
Hello. I’m Annie.
But you knew that already.
You called me first.

I will stand taller now than before.
He has done that in me.
But my heart is knelt in concern.
And prayer.
In a place where sadness and excitement
wrestle each other until I am tired.

So.
Please be a lot of things.

A home.
A life.
A call.
An address.
A laugh.
A book.
A start.
A finish.
A garden.
An answer.
A dream.

Just please don’t be lonely.

Posted in Movin on up, Ze Bloggy Goodness | 5 Responses »

A couple more.

Thursday, April 17th, 2008

Thanks for all your sweet comments yesterday. You win. You always do. Here are a couple more questions I got via email. Then I promise, we’re leaving the Nashville News Update behind.

Do you have any friends in Nashville?
Not really, but you do. Gracious. Everybody BUT me has a ton of friends up there. It’s been cool, though. Honestly. Because I have been introduced to lots of folks who live there. Thank you, you sweet friends, who have allowed me to invade your friendship with Nashvillians in the name of moving.

In January, I had 2 friends in Nashville.
I think I’m up to 6.

And I haven’t had to pay any of them yet. YET.

Do you have a job in Nashville?
Umm…. about that….. no. I don’t. And I won’t for a while. Living at home has many advantages and one is the “Save Every Penny” Plan. So I’m going to head up there with a little bit of moola- enough that I can chill a little bit without freaking out about dollars. But I gonna get one. Seriously. Tom Downs is my father. Enough said.

When are you moving?
I’m moving my stuff in June, but myself in late July/early August.

Do you have anyone to live with?
Yes! A girl named Jamie is moving from ATL the same time I am. A friend of a friend of a friend. Literally. We went to lunch last week and it looks like things are going to work out just fine. She doesn’t know I’m crazy yet and let’s keep it that way.

Do you believe in public service announcements?
Absolutely I do.


Tomorrow…. The Shack.

(Yes, Sarah, I finally finished it. This morning at 5 a.m. Don’t ask.)

Since when do I preview the next day’s blog? What is this? Entertainment Tonight?

Dah dah dah dah dah dahhh doe doe doe doe doe.

(Entertainment Tonight music anyone? Yeah? No? Can you hear it? Ok… you’re right. Post this blog and quit being dumb. Of course everyone knows that song.)

Posted in Movin on up | 5 Responses »

Why Nashville?

Tuesday, April 15th, 2008

(Your questions for me are in bold. My answers are in italics. You are quite the hard hitting journalist. Well done.)

So, Annie, tell us. Of all the cities in the world, why Nashville?

Because of the beautiful skyline?
Uh, yeah, I mean, it’s pretty alright. But no, that’s not why I’m moving.

Because of the insane amount of country music?
Tempting, sure. But no.

Because your favorite musicians live there?
No. Eww. That’s called “stalking” and I am completely against it in real life. And if liking someone’s music made me give up my life in Marietta, please put me in a padded room and throw away the keys.

Because you’ve always dreamed of being a musician yourself?
Nope. And we’ve already gone over this. My dream is to be a back up singer. (#9 on the random list.)

Because you hate teaching and want to get as far away from it as possible?
Actually, no. I’m really glad I’m leaving teaching when I still love it. People are always having kids and those kids always gotta get taught. So my job isn’t going anywhere.

Because you want new family and friends?
How dare you.

Because Tennessee air smells fresher that Georgia air?
It did smell lovely, I guess. But Georgia has been real good to me for 27ish years. So I have nothing unkind to say about it.

Because your husband is there?
Listen. That’s what all you jokers said about Marietta when I moved back here and we see how well THAT worked out. So no, I am not going for that. And I don’t talk about this topic in my blog, so please move on.

Ok, sorry.
Forgiven. But that’s strike 2 after the family/friends jab. Check yo’self before you wreck yo’self.

Because the Atlanta Falcons have let you down repeatedly?
Seriously. Please don’t speak of it. It hurts my soul. But no. Not enough to move. But almost.

Because God told you to?
Now we’re getting somewhere. But I talked about that yesterday.

Because you want to be a writer?
Yeah, I think that has to do with it. There are a lot of really great writing opportunities and connections in Nashville, so it is a sensible place to move to pursue this, and any other creative-like, career.

So I guess the real answer is I don’t really know why God picked Nashville.

The writing thing is the main reason I can think up. Notice the strategically placed “I”. Because in reality, I have no idea ALL or even MOST or even SOME of the reasons God is moving me. I think the bravery thing is in play, I think the sacrifice thing in in play, and the writing is hopefully in play.

But to be REALLY honest with you, I think God has WAY bigger plans that I can even come up with and in order for me to live those, I have to be there. The next step is in Nashville.

Do you have more questions? Seriously, EVERY ONE of these questions has been asked to me- some made me want to cry and some made me mad. But all are legit (sorta), which is why I repeated them to you. I have a few more to answer tomorrow, but add any in the comments that you would like to know.

Posted in Movin on up | 14 Responses »

As good a time as any.

Monday, April 14th, 2008

Last night at a concert (Dave Barnes- duh.), I talked with a new friend of mine that lives in Nashville. He said, “So, tell me why you are moving up?” I answered, “BECAUSE GOD TOLD ME TO.”

And I realized I looked like a freak. Seriously. Because there is SO MUCH back story to that and though that is the main idea, it just isn’t that black and white. I’m a details girl. I wanted to add details.

So I emailed him a brief version of the details. I’m going to give you a little more. I guess back here in March I told you, but I didn’t really tell you.

In October, I started feeling this weird unsettled feeling. Not like something bad was going to happen, but that God was talking but I wasn’t listening. [Can I get an Amen from pews on that one?] I sat down one night with my journal and began to write. Suddenly, on my page, at the bottom of the list, it said this:

“Am I supposed to move to Nashville?“

And I was stunned. Why in the WORLD would I even write that? I love my house, my job, my friends, my family- everything about Marietta. Why would I leave?

So I tossed the idea, though I felt an unearthly peace when I read that in my journal, and I told the Lord, “Ok, if this is YOU, bring it back. But if it’s me, let’s just forget the whole thing happened.”

Cause single girls can get some crazy ideas. Don’t let us fool you. We aren’t near as sane as we look. [And by "we", I mean "I".]

I told no one. I just prayed. And it wouldn’t go away, though secretly, I really wanted it to.

At Thanksgiving, I emailed my friends Kevin and Mandy to see if I could stay with them over MLK weekend in Nashville. Very nonchalant. Very “of course I’m not MOVING there, just visiting… of course”.

I thought if January came and I still couldn’t shake this idea, I should probably visit Nashville. Since I had never been there before.

Oh yeah. Moving to a city you’ve never been to? Hop aboard the insane train.

I told my family at Christmas when we were on a trip in Birmingham. They all loved it, I don’t know why. Probably because of Jesus speaking to their hearts, too. But I still DID NOT love it and was pretty certain I had lost my marbles or was in some sort of phase. Why didn’t anyone else agree?

I then told my two best friends and it was horrible. Good. I wanted it to be. I wanted someone to say that this was a terrible idea and brainstorm for hours other ways to accomplish the same goal. Or set a timeline. Or cancel the plans all together.

But once the conversation ceased, the tears flowed. Because we all three knew. Though we are all three excellent planners, we can’t out plan God’s plan. If we could have, we would have.

And then that’s when all the steps starting coming. Writing opportunities increased, Mt. Hermon came into view, I did not sign my contract to teach next year, I put my house on the market and God sold it in weeks.

I still don’t LOVE the idea of moving. I mean, I’m getting used to it. I like it. I’m excited that God and I are headed on an adventure. I DO NOT want to leave my family, my friends, my coworkers, my church, my life. My city. It scares me to death- EVERYONE I love (give or take a few in out west and in scattered states) lives 30 miles or less from Atlanta and I moved home from college NEVER planning to leave.

I’m not a very brave person. I don’t do things that are outside of my comfort zone. But I feel like it’s time I told the Lord that He means more to me than anything else. Anyone else.

And if that looks like moving to Nashville, I will.

Tomorrow …… Why Nashville?

Posted in Movin on up | 11 Responses »