"Eagles"

I've been listening to them since I was 10 years old.  Even at a young age, I appreciated amazing music.  It was my escape.  I lived for music then, as I still do today.  That's why I enjoy singing, (not just at a Karaoke bar!), but at my speaking engagements.

A couple years ago, I made a bucket list (see my Bucket List Blog).  God willing, I will check them off before I'm gone.  Coming in at #11 was seeing the "Eagles" live in concert.   At my age, you'd have thought I'd been to one of their concerts by now, but it's just never worked out.  So, when I found out they were coming to Nashville, I was determined to be there.  I absolutely love living in Tennessee.  The greatest concerts play here every week!  Well, nothing was going to stop me from attending this concert.  Although, it almost did, fate wouldn't have it. 

With my hectic schedule over the past several months, it had slipped my mind to buy tickets.  When I realized this oversight, I immediately began my exhaustive search online to find them.  No luck, it was sold out.  Although that was disappointing, I was determined.  I mean, have you  met me?!

As a single woman, if there's a movie I want to see, I go.  If there's a restaurant I want to try, I go.  If there's a museum I want to tour, I go.  A vacation I want to take, I take it. I like hanging out with me, so I have no issue going somewhere by myself.  However, I admit, that a concert is the one event I'd never done alone.  But, this was the Eagles!  And there's a first time for everything.

As I got myself ready, my oldest daughter, Teryn, asked where I was going.  I answered, "To the Eagles concert."  She said, "Oh, good, you finally got your ticket?!"  Nope.

When I explained to her that I was determined to be at that concert, she wasn't surprised.  She knows me well:).  She told me to have a great time and be careful.  I was on my way.

Since I was already committed to a 7pm radio interview, I knew I'd have an hour before the music started at 8.  I had it all worked out in my head.  First, find a parking space downtown and do the interview in my car.  Secondly, walk safely to the Bridgestone.  Thirdly, visit the ticket counter for a great seat!  Then, just sit back, sing my heart out and enjoy. 

My interview was over at 7:55.  I had 5 minutes.  Parking paid, $25.00, I began the two block walk to the arena.  There were people walking alongside me, with that same grin on their face!  Conversations took place all around.  It was like we were all old friends.  You could sense the anticipation and excitement in the cold, crisp air of Downtown Nashville.  It was the Eagles for gosh sakes!  As I struck up a conversation with a group of friends who'd arrived together, a guy in the group said to me, "Let me get this straight.  You came to Downtown Nashville to see a sold out Eagles concert, you don't have a ticket and you're alone?"  Yup.  That is correct.  "Well, you've got $%#@!"  So, I've been told.

As we waved good-bye and the group wished me luck, I made my way to the ticket counter.  The nice lady said, "Can I help you?"  I told her I needed a ticket and wasn't leaving without one.  She asked, "Are you alone?"  Yes.  "You came here by yourself?"  Yes!  (Jeez, people!).  "Well, that takes a lot of guts, so I'm going to do my best to find you a great seat!"  And, that, she did.  So, $120 bucks later, I had a great seat.  As I made my way to the arena, I ran into some great friends!  Here's a picture with Scott, who was there with his fiance', Sara and their friends.  When he saw me, he showed me a text he'd just received from my daughter, Teryn, who knew he'd be there.  It said, "Hey, if you see some crazy woman trying to get a ticket, it's my Mom!"  That was pretty funny. 

My heart was racing because I was so excited.  I did it!  I was here!  I'm not going to lie, I felt a bit emotional!  I had a feeling I would most likely cry, or at the least, tear up when I saw Don, Glenn, Joe, Tim, and the rest of the guys.  (No judging, please!).  My seat was so close, I could almost smell their cologne.  It was absolutely one of the best nights of my life!  (I know I need to get out more!).  I met new friends (who were also shocked I came alone), who graciously included me in their experience, and were great dancing and singing partners.  The sweet ladies beside me thought I was way too young to even know who the Eagles were, let alone have every song memorized.  I was flattered.

It was a night I'll never forget!  Not only did I hear and see one of my favorite bands of all time, I proved to myself once again that "in the waiting", single people shouldn't cease to live their lives just because they are in a season of "partner-less"!  I refuse to sit by and watch life pass me by, just because I'm not someone's other half at the moment.

No matter what stage of life you're in, don't waste it by being a spectator.  I know many singles and even couples who don't have as much fun doing life together, as I do by myself.  Get off the couch, go live!  There's so much to do and experience.  Enjoy this short life you've been given while you can!  What a waste it would be to do nothing with it.

I look forward to my next adventure.  And, although, I'm not against taking a date with me places, having one or not having one is not going to determine whether I go or not.  I want to always strive to be that person who says, "I'm glad I did", not, "I wish I had".  Do the things that bring you joy. 

What's next?  "Chicago?", "Elton John", "Paul McCartney", "Billy Joel".  Hey, I'm up for it:)

The Dove Awards

I'm having a blast in my newest venture, co-hosting a Christian Radio Show!  Mike Carson, my co-host and I have excellent rapport with one another and enjoy connecting with our audience of listeners, which is growing daily!  We've just scheduled a "Mike & Victoria" Cruise in February to Cozumel and Progresso, Mexico.  We're not only inviting listeners to join us, we're giving two cruises away!  The show is going so well  that the General Manager asked if I'd be interested in co-hosting the Country Radio Show with Mike.  I accepted.  So, Monday-Friday from 10-2pm, I'm co-hosting the Christian Station and from 2-6pm, co-hosting the Country Station.  With the magic of radio, it's easier than you might think:)

I'm still the Executive Director of two pregnancy centers, a cast member of a TV Show and speaking around the country.  Life is full and I'm truly blessed.  Just extremely busy!

Being in radio definitely has its perks.  Besides free concert tickets and meeting incredible people, just last week, Mike and I had the pleasure of attending the Dove Award's in Nashville recently.  With our press/media passes, we had access to all the nominees and winners.  The Dove's are to Christian Music what the Grammys are to secular.  Once again, I'm blown away by God's blessings.  Mike and I, along with one of our biggest advertisers and friend, Doug Gann, had a blast and met some amazing people.  They were held this year at the beautiful Lipscomb University in Nashville, TN.

What a night!  I met so many new people, had pictures taken with legends in the Christian music industry and laughed so hard at the fun we had.

I am so enjoying my life right now.  There's no doubt I'm busier than ever, but I'm not complaining!  Here are some great pictures from a great night.

In the press room, someone handed me a Dove Award and I pretended for a moment to be a recipient, sprinkled with a fake speech and everything! I had to give it back of course, but it was hilarious when I posted this picture on Facebook how my amazing friends continued to congratulate me over and over again!  It was sweet that they actually thought I could have won this award!  I have some amazing people in my life:)

 

 Toby Mac is a legend in the Christian music industry.  My son-in-law, Chad Chapin, played with Toby for 10 years in DC Talk.  He was pleased when I mentioned Chad's name.

 

 I watched Colton Dixon throughout American Idol.  He's incredibly talented, with a true heart for Jesus!

 

 Jamie Grace is a newcomer.  You will want to remember her name.  She's amazing!

 

Another memory for my journal.  Can't wait for next year!  Truly blessed:)

And to Mike Carson.........you're welcome.

The Answer is "YES!"

I couldn't begin to count how many times I'm asked the question, "Is there going to be a Season 2 of "Preacher's Daughters"?

I've been given permission to say one thing.  

Yes!  "Preacher's Daughter's Season 2 is Coming soon!

I Love Me Some Coca Cola.......and History too!

As you know by now, I divide my time living in two states.  For half the month, I spend my time in Monroe, LA, hosting two radio shows, with the other half spent in Nashville, running two pregnancy centers, as well as, traveling the weekends for speaking engagements.  Life is busy, but good.  Today, I'm in Central Louisiana and after finishing up my radio shows this afternoon, I decided to explore West Monroe a little bit.  I've passed by the Biedenharn Museum and Gardens several times since I've been here, but never had time to stop.  What better day than today to explore! 

I was pretty excited about this little adventure, only wished I could have shared it with Kolby, but she was still in school.  I made my way to the gift shop to purchase my ticket.  The lovely lady working looked behind me searching for whoever was making this trip with me.  Then she asked "Are you alone?"  I answered, "Yes."  She escorted me into a small room, where I watched a video about the Biedenharn Family, where they came from and how they began their business empire in the bottling industry.  The Biedenharn Family are well known in these parts.  Instead of trying to explain to you who they are, here's an excerpt from their website that does a pretty good job:

"In 1894, Joseph A. Biedenharn, a country businessman in Vicksburg, Mississippi and owner of the Biedenharn Candy Company, made a world changing decision. In order for his customers outside downtown Vicksburg to have Coca-Cola, he had his brother Herman put Coca-Cola in a bottle making the Biedenharn Candy Company the first to ever bottle Coca-Cola. Today, Coca-Cola is sold in more than 200 countries.

 

Under Joe's leadership, his brothers, sons, and grandsons, established plants in Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and Arkansas eventually becoming the ninth largest bottling corporation in the United States.

 

Joe Biedenharn was not defined by his accomplishment of bottling Coca-Cola. Joe was also a vital part of the community of Monroe in the early 20th century.  His kind, gentle, and charismatic personality enabled him to become elected City Commissioner.  As City Commissioner, Joe paved the first streets in Monroe and helped transform Forsythe Park from a fairground to the park we see today."

 

I had a wonderful time exploring the home of the Biedenharn Family, the Gardens and the Bible Museum is filled with treasures.  Joe's only daughter, Emy Lou, lived in the home with her father until his death in 1952 and her own in 1984.  Emy Lou willed her wealth to ensure that the estate would continue long after her death. 

 

The Biedenharn Home was magnificent, still in pristine condition since Emy Lou redecorated the entire home for the second time in the 70's.  With silk wallpaper on both the walls and ceilings to the painted black furniture in the dining room, the home is tastefully decorated and seems untouched.

 

After my tour of the home, gardens and bible museum, where I admired a page from the famous Gutenberg Bible (priceless), I walked back to the gift shop to purchase a bottle of Coke for $.05.   I couldn't leave without my souvenir edition Coke bottle!  After my walk in the gardens, it was just the refreshing drink I needed.  Who doesn't enjoy an ice cold Coke every once in a while? 

 

I'm so glad I was able to enjoy an afternoon exploring some of the past.  I've always loved history.  I'm that girl who quickly turns off the exit when I see a brown "Historic Marker" sign!  This is why sometimes instead of flying home to Nashville, I choose to drive.  There's just so much to see! Today was a good day:) 

 

And, did I mention I hate Pepsi?