Again I am late. In my defense... the week this blog represents was a whirlwind. I had a travel show and SURPRISE... Russ was nominated for a Grammy. Who knew? We did not.
After a lot of panic and scrambling, we managed to get to both events.
Good times... Good times.
Then before you knew it...
Then they were playing Rick James in the arena!
How exciting that from now on, Russ will be "Grammy nominated Russell Graham!"
Earlier this week I saw some kind of television show (may have been an infomercial) comparing taking care of oneself in retirement to being on an airplane and securing your own air mask first, before helping others.
We have to take care of ourselves in order to be able to help each other - of course.
Then there was the story of a woman trapped in her car as it was sinking into a freezing pond when a complete stranger, who just happened to see the car go off the road, jumped in the water to save her.
I hope we take care of ourselves. We HAVE to. I also hope we don't hesitate to jump in after those who need us.
"We are constantly reminded about the things that divide us. Race, region and religion. Gender, sexual orientation, political party. But what we need so desperately are more reminders of all that binds us together - our shared history, our common values and our dedication to build for ourselves a more perfect union. More than a century ago, a poem was combined with a musical composition and became an instantly recognizable song the world over... 'America the Beautiful' captures the essence of our country and reminds us that we are - and always will be - one people, from sea to shining sea. In times of triumph and tragedy, we turn to song and the abiding power of music to lift our spirits, soothe our souls and remind us that everything will be OK."
You know you're back in Buffalo when the airport shuttle driver says, "Oh. I'll call maintenance to come shovel you out."
:)
Sigh... So far away from the California sunshine...
It had been a long journey. I missed my flight out of Los Angeles the morning after The Grammys and couldn't get rescheduled until the redeye that night. My connecting flight was delayed by over an hour and a half. Airport maintenance was called to shovel out my car and my tires needed air from being in extreme cold weather. I nearly slid off the road to avoid hitting the car in front of me on the drive home.
But the instant I finally pulled in my driveway I received two separate texts from neighbors before I even shut off the engine... "Hi T!" and "Hey T." :) (There's no place like home.) I texted other friends to let them know I had safely arrived home, adding "I love it here."
I picked up the dogs, who wasted no time at all getting back into the swing of things...
I saw my friends at Leon's...
With Leon of Leon Studio One
I ordered dinner from a saloon where the snowmobile helmets of patrons lined the wall shelves...
...and went with my cousin to something called a "Sportsman's Show" where I bought a ring made from a bent spoon and saw a live Snowy Owl who very much resembled Hedwig (from the Harry Potter books).
I'm exhausted. I haven't even been online since The Grammys and I still have pics from the after party to share. I'll catch up this week as much as possible.
Thank you all so much for your kind words and support and encouragement! I had an amazing and fantastic experience at The Grammys! It may top the list as Best Gig Ever! #Incredible
Words can scarcely express what an honor it is to be singing on stage for The Grammys, behind Nile Rodgers and Lady Gaga, for the David Bowie tribute, with a group of incredibly talented people.
I am absolutely filled with gratitude, appreciation and love for all the amazing people I've worked with over the years. I am truly Blessed to have found the very special musicians, singers and bands that have become family to me. It's been a most extraordinary journey.
Each of us has been touched by the spirit of music and its profound inspiration. When I sit and think of all those artists who have led our hearts and lives with their creativity, I am blown away. The world has lost many beautiful souls, many whom we have known personally.
Tonight, we'll remember David Bowie - and all those who have inspired us artistically.
Thank you. Thank you for all you have given us. You live on in our hearts.
During the "in memoriam" segment of tonight's show, our social media sites will post an a cappella portion of our song "Everywhere." It's our own personal tribute to those who have meant so much.
