Exhausted

Had it not been for TV and internet yesterday, I would not have had a clue. The sun was shining here and the day could not have been more beautiful.

But just a few miles north of Vicksburg, it was another story. A tornado skipped over Vicksburg, only to touch down in Eagle Lake. Eagle Lake is a beautiful spot and a number of people have weekend homes there. However, for several more, it is year-round "home."

One of these residents is my stepmom's oldest son. He was driving his truck when the tornado hit. When a tree fell on his truck, he escaped with only minor injuries by flattening himself across the passenger seat. His truck is a total loss, but fortunately, he will be OK. His trailer sports trees on the roof and it no longer has windows, but hopefully can be salvaged.

A little piece down the road, his stepdaughter, her husband, and two small children under 5 were saved by a visiting relative who came in, got them down on the floor, and covered the children's bodies with his own. Little Reed and Tucker are OK, thanks to quick thinking and action on this man's part.

Few people around here are not touched by this in some way. Many of us have friends and relatives in Yazoo City. Some of us had people traveling when this tornado hit. I am thankful that my dad had the presence of mind to stop in Kosciusko and find safe shelter. Choctaw County, where they were headed, was hit and people (including two children) killed.

I am still waiting for word of friends in Yazoo City. Phone lines are down and cell towers destroyed. Someone started a Facebook group to help us get information from that area.

The tension of yesterday, concerned about friends and loved ones in the storm's path has left me exhausted. Even today, I feel like I have been beat with the proverbial "ugly stick."

But, you can bet I am counting my blessings!

Accepted!

Yesterday I took a chance. Already planning to go to Jackson to celebrate the 48th birthday of my younger sister, I decided to stop in with some of my artwork at a nearby art gallery.

The gallery manager, Caitlin, graciously allowed me to leave three pieces to be evaluated by the gallery owner, Richard Mckey. I received an email today that all three pieces were accepted and I was asked to come in and sign paperwork allowing the sale of my work.

I have to admit, I am beyond excited. My work may not sell. But to have the distinction of being chosen to be shown is an honor in itself.

Of course, having a customer come in, fall in love with my work and buy it on the spot would be awfully nice. :)

http://fondrenartgallery.com/

Via Dolorosa

Unable to sleep after the Maundy Thursday service at my church, I found myself playing with the iMovie program on my iMac. Inspired by a few online friends who expressed a desire to hear me sing the "Via Dolorosa", I decided to see if I could make some sort of slide show to go with the track I recorded in Nashville a few years ago.

So, I searched the web for relevant pictures in the public domain, added the track, and after some fiddling and fussing, put it on YouTube. I have never "broadcast myself", so this was a first.

The response has totally amazed me, with 396 views of this video in the past two weeks. Not sure if this is what is called "viral", but I am humbled by the number of people who have taken the time to listen to this touching song.