Viva Nash Vegas

Nashville. What an incredible southern city. Oh how I wish there was more than just a lake there because I would move there in a heartbeat. From the gorgeous spring weather to the boutiques and restaurants to the country music to the parks and concerts, Nashville is truly a must see! Add it to the bucket list people. 

I think it's fair to say I LOVED my visit last weekend! 

On Monday morning, back in surprisingly sunny New England, I couldn't get past the experiences of the weekend. What was my favorite part? What did I love most? The energy? The glutenis slather your hips yummy food? The surroundings of famous country singers and artists? What I came to realize this week is that I loved Nashville mostly because of the time I spent seeing it with my friends, Christa and Carter. They were the whole reason I went to visit and I can't believe its taken me this long to get there...it just took them both leaving in a few weeks to get me there! Isn't that always how it works, we go somewhere to see a place or someone when "the end is near"...

Good quality time spent with those I love and know is what I needed most this month. It just so happens to be the theme of April (as I write I am currently on my way to North Carolina where my friend of 7 years, Jim Baker, is getting married!) and I welcome this time with open arms. Don't get me wrong, I love New England and the new friends I am slowly making here, but let me tell you, there is NOTHING, ABSOLUTELY NOTHING better than a weekend with someone you've known for 7 and 27 years respectively. 

So thank you Christa for...letting me use your AAA card for $2 off at the Country Music Hall of Fame... I can now check that off the list; for taking me to Radnor Lake for a wonderful stretch of the legs and sunshine - and of course for letting me spill my guts on my winter ups and downs; for the most delicious BBQ at Edly's and seeing that patience goes a long way when you get a table outside, which makes the BBQ and sweet tea even better; for boutique shopping in Franklin; margaritas and chips at Chuy's Mexican; and an event to remember at the Grand Old Oprey - don't forget, "never take a laxative and a sleeping pill at the same time". 

And thank you Carter, my bestest friend of 27 years on April 27th (golden year!!), for always looking on the bright side and providing me with a laugh that at the same time involves tears, and for showing me "your Nashville". I loved Sweet 16 - featured in Southern Living yall, gotta go, get the blueberry crumble; the walks and parks were literally a breath of fresh air - along the "Cum" river...Nashville, wake up! 

But most of all, thank you for letting me come to hear you preach. I have never been so proud of any of my friends as I was on Sunday morning. Whoever gets Carter as their minister in North Carolina is going to be 

one lucky congregation!! Carter speaks with clarity, wisdom, and grace - it was truly an encouraging moment to see her 5 years of hard work paying off.

Nashville - you keep on doing what you're doing.