"There Ain't Nothin' Like A Memory"

Story #1

Picture this:

You are in a bar, in the store, in your car and the song that you thought they would never play, that you haven't heard in years, that defines that one moment in time.. is on. You freeze, even if it's for a second, and go back to the exact minute when you first heard it. You remember who you were with, what you wore, what they said. And even though you maybe shouldn't, you can't help but let the song take you back for one more ride back in time.

This subject is MY subject for the new song written last week. 'There With You" was co-written with a very talented Nashville songwriter, Bruce Wallace. After writing a sassy little number on the gossip-driven and inescapable scandals of living in a small town, my well had run dry. Sitting on the 'inspiration deck' looking out into the blue, conjuring up any ideas we had left, I suddenly remembered the topic I had longed to pursue. I had an hour worth of driving to do so before I left the house, I rummaged through the big, leather case of CDs from high school. I randomly picked ten or so and was on my way. Gator Boots, Standing Still, and Killing Me Softly all perked me up, and sooner than later, I was singing very loudly, and recalled every word. As soon as Track #8 was played, I quit singing. Not because I didn't know the words. I was in another moment, reminiscing and allowing it to all play back in my head. The motions and emotions were real and didn't need help unfolding.. It all came at once and in perfect order. When 2 minutes and 39 seconds ended, it felt like the shortest song ever made. I wanted to play it over and over again to stay where I was, and where I had been so many years ago. I changed the track and vowed to let that topic lead me to the music. Bruce agreed and so we now have a song, and a hit in my opinion. =)

Songwriters remember: Real Life Experience = A sure fire song

(Join us at The Carroll County Market, November 28th, 8pm to hear the track "There With You" live)

Story #2

My boyfriend, Matthew (a cute little thing), lives in Columbia, TN so I often drive to see him. There is a RedBox at a Walgreens that we visit.. oh, every other day, to rent movies. The RedBox is not the only thing that lives at Walgreens, though. It shares this residence with a homeless man. I, Meagan Rae Mitchell, have the biggest, what-if, loving heart when it comes to unfortunates. I know there are times when they can't be trusted, you don't know their motives, and the joke is probably on you but I can't help but to take a different approach. Let me tell you about my friend: He is an older, black male who is a little hefty with gray hair. The four times I've seen him, he's had on the same red sweatsuit, sitting on a thin blanket. Seems to me the only thing he owns is a tiny radio whose antennae is pulled out as far as it will reach and bucket of KFC. Ok, so he has a few things, but no home, so isn't he still considered homeless? Matthew said since he had fried chicken he must be doing alright. But that doesn't look alright to me. Maybe he has some money but not enough to afford rent? We watched him a couple times. He never bothered anyone, not once did he ask for a dollar. I just wanted to know his name. We rented our movie, and drove back to our warm house, and slept in our warm bed. But the last time we visited, I couldn't stand it any longer. It's been raining here like it's the sky's job to drown us and if I didn't live on a hill, I'd buy a boat. That night was no exception and the temperature had dropped to the 40's. He was laying horizontal on the blanket, red sweatsuit covered him, as close to the brick wall as possible for this provided some protection from the rain due to the roof. The radio played a slow R&B song and the bucket of KFC smelled days old. I bet there are times when a song on that old radio can take him back in time, too, and let him feel the familiarity of comfort and hope, even if for a second. On impulse, I went inside, took a bag and started grabbing the essentials I thought it might take to survive a cold, rainy night. (By the way, Matthew is looking at me like I've lost it). I didn't want to wake him so I stood the bag against the brick wall and went back to picking out the DVD for the night. As we got into the truck, he woke and we stopped to watch. He spotted the green bag packed with a fleece blanket, an umbrella, a lunchable, a muffin, and a six-pack of Sprite. He immediately opened the blanket, spread it across him and went back to sleep.

So my approach is:

• I may not have a lot but he's got even less than I do.
• If I were in that position, I would want someone to think about me, no matter what mistakes got me there.
• What if that is Jesus waiting to see what I do?

Next time, we are taking a Bible. And I'm gonna find out his name. I'll keep you updated. Do you agree with what we are doing? Have you ever helped someone less fortunate? Do you have another opinion? Let me know what you think!

Story #3

My favorite picks for this week.

Top "Shake What Your Mama Gave Ya" Songs:

1. Down- Jay feat. Lil' Wayne
2. I Got A Feeling- B.E.P.
3. One Time- Justin Beiber

Top "Girls Rock Better Than You" Songs:

1. Party In The U.S.A.- Miley Cyrus
2. Already Gone- Kelly Clarkson
3. Paparazzi- Lady GaGa

Top "That's Country, I Don't Care Who You Are" Songs:

1. American Ride- Toby Keith
2. Hillbilly Bone- Blake Shelton/Trace Adkins
3. Gettin' You Home- Chris Young

Top "Country Females That Rock Your Socks Off" Songs:

1. White Liar- Miranda Lambert
2. Consider Me Gone- Reba McEntire
3. How Far Do You Wanna Go- Gloriana

Top "I Go Back To A Two-Toned, Short Bed Chevy" Songs:

1. Hanging By A Moment- Lifehouse
2. Which One Of Them- Garth Brooks
3. Someday- Nickelback

"Never Say Never"

Carrie Bradshaw writes a blog. Why can't I? I have always loathed and been a bit jealous of Sarah Jessica Parker sporting the latest high fashion trend, killer stiletto, and hair that when it's bigger, it's better. I guess in some way I looked up to the fictional Sex and the City character for being brave enough to wear geometric prints and having the courage to write a newspaper column that expressed everything she loved, hated, wished, hoped for, and dreaded about NYC, Sex, Friends, and, of course, Men. In a sense, Carrie Bradshaw and I are a lot alike. I would choose 1 pair of the sweetest shoes over 10 blouses. I searched high and low for the best boyfriend contender, and finally found my 'Big' (except he's 'Little') after a long line of losers. And I write weekly about the things I find necessary, sometimes inappropriate, always connected to my life in some way. The difference though, is when I blog, when I write, I am doing it for my love of music.

I got my first writer's night invitation from the sweet Johanna Jacobsen, a fellow Nashville resident, a couple weeks ago. Thrilled isn't the word. I've been on the scene since July waiting for this opportunity. In Mississippi, (and other parts), they say, "Oh, hell.. you can sing? Get up here girl. Sing for us a couple hours, and I'll pay you $200 bucks to do it." Here? It's a privilege to even step on the stage, sing 5 songs for 30 minutes and have 7 people looking at you. Sometimes clapping. They are looking for the best. Well, I'm here to be the best, write the best, and sing the best. So when I was asked to play, I jumped at the opportunity, asked the 6 people I knew in town and waited a week until the big day. When it finally arrived I was ready, nothing could get in my way. The only problem was the only 'fans' I asked had a lot standing in their way. Work, school, and other social events prevented me from having ANY support whatsoever at my very first show. ever. in Nashville. Except for my Little, he is always there. But that's okay, I don't need anyone's help, I can do it on my own. I've always been independent, headstrong, don't-help-me-I-can-do-it-by-myself. But I had to admit, a few people there to cheer me on would have been icing on the big, fat cake I had in front of me. It was time to get ready. I turned Family Feud on and watched as the people cheered so loud for their family members no matter how dumb their answer was. Knock, Knock. I looked through the trusty peephole and Flowers!! My sweet family couldn't be there, but they remembered me. I felt a slight feeling of disappointment knowing they couldn't share this moment with me but it was quickly washed away with the hope for one day this was all going to pay off. After putting on the makeup and preparing for the night, Knock Knock. (What now? Who now?) As I opened the door I found the sweetest, most awesome present of all. Out of nowhere, my sister is standing solo on my front door step, jumping up and down in excitement, saying she just drove herself here. I cannot cry, I cannot cry, I cannot cry. My mascara looks fabulous. She is literally sprinting around the room, yelling, while I am crouched on the floor, holding back tears and for.. Knock. Knock. As I opened the door, I screamed so loud out of excitement that my mom had joined her! What an awesome surprise. I am now jumping up and down on my bed and the mascara will have to be reapplied. Knock. Knock. Again? My grandmother. Another series of knocks. My aunt. Knock. Another aunt. KNOCK. KNOCK. KNOCK. My cousin. How does this get any better? How? Seven of my closest family members drove 6 hours and SURPRISED me on the day of my first show. They wouldn't have missed it. I almost forgot about the dang gig because I was so pumped. But I fixed my hair Carrie-ish, slipped on my heels, got my guitar, showed up at Music Row Bar & Grill and we rocked it. Not just me, all of the writers did awesome. And I had a cheering section all my own. All mine. I was so proud to be seen with such a beautiful group of women and knowing the whole time how much they love and support me. It sure does make this process a lot easier. I have the most wonderful, fun, awesome family ever. That's having a lot, even if you ain't got nothin'.

So the place that I call home now is Nashville. I will continue singing, writing, and working on my dream until it happens. Like Rev Run says, "Success is like being a stamp. Stick to it until you reach where you are going." I know that gig was the first of many, but it was special. On my 13th birthday at Pizza Inn, I got 3 tickets in a box to see Reba McEntire. That moment and this one are on the top of my list for the 'Best Days Of My Life' Category. Now, let's see if we can't get into other categories like 'Female Vocalist', 'Breakthrough Artist', 'Entertainer of the Year for the Whole Planet'. I'll take any or all of the above. And if Kanye interrupts me, he will get smacked.

My life is a roller coaster. My life is up. My life is down. My life is unfolding right in front of me. Maybe it should be called "Singing and the City"...... Music City, that is.

xo, Meagan Rae

"R.E.S.P.E.C.T"

I have to touch on a story that will be forever remembered and never forgotten. I'm taking time to express my opinion because the subject is not going away and this influenced me in a big way. 

You all saw it coming, the subject for today is no surprise: Taylor vs. Kanye

Let me just say first, if you are one of the 2% that haven't seen Kanye West slaughter Taylor Swift's acceptance speech for Female Video of The Year, take a look, then get back with us. 

http://www.mtv.com/news/articles/1621389/20090913/west_kanye.jhtml

I've never been the die-hard Taylor Swift fan, I admit. I listen to her on the radio, I think she's a great songwriter. Sometimes her vocals could stand a lesson or two during live performances but she's cute and I respect her. But I guarantee that I don't jump up and down on the couch when she's number one on CMT countdown. That said, I don't think anyone, ANYONE deserves to be belittled, pushed aside or interrupted during an awards show in Kanye-fashion. People are fans of different artists, that's the way it works. For the 10% of the world that didn't know Taylor or didn't like her before last night, they do now. I even have a soft spot in my heart that hurt when I watched that. Like Katy Perry said, "F*** you Kanye. It's like you stepped on a kitten." And it is. In Nashville, TN most of all, musicians are family. We stick together. Kanye West has stirred up a whole lot of trouble with the roughest, toughest, most countrified family on the block. Stars, celebs, fans, and family vented their rage via Twitter, etc. to convey their emotions. None were shocking, all were shocked, a lot of them wished they could punch him. 

Music is universal. You probably won't find one person who likes only country, only hip-hop, or only rock. We're humans, we hurt and music heals us. It was an honor for Taylor to be nominated in a category for the VMAs, it was an honor for her to win the category, and it is an honor to have her leading the pack for country music. You can't break down someone's spirit out of jealousy, it will only come back to haunt you. It seems funny that the person Kanye was defending, brought Swift back onstage to relive her 'moment'. Beyonce so gracefully gave Taylor a second chance to say her peace, and while doing so, TS got a standing ovation. So now, Kanye West, your fans and sales have decreased and Taylor Swift is still on top. I, personally, hope you feel an inch tall for a long time. You should probably delete the attempt at an apology you wrote because it was absolutely superficial and a new career might be a good thing to look into. Like I said, people in this industry stick together, and we are all banding together against you. You might still have your Jay Leno gig, but don't even think about stepping foot in Tennessee. 

"I Ain't Settlin'.. For Anything Less Than Everythaaaanng, Yeah.."

I have NOT forgotten I had a blog. I just forgot to update it. (Forgiveness, Forgiveness.. Even if, even if, you don't love me anymore..) Thank you, Don Henley for getting down to the Heart of The Matter. =) So, so many things have been going on that I guess I just forgot to tell you. Well, I'm back, you can love me again, and we can move forward with this relationship. We can even make it official on Facebook if you want. (Just click 'Become A Fan' to the right). See, I'm doing all the work here! hehe.

I love putting my iPod on Shuffle. It's so the best. It plays the good oldies that you might have forgotten about like, Sugarland- Just Might Make Me Believe, Clay Walker- This Woman and This Man, Wade Hayes- In a Chevy, Garth Brooks- Which One of Them, Pink- Like A Pill. Ok, I'm stopping.

In the past couple of weeks I have seen my sister twice, painted my coffee table turquoise, attended the Keith Urban/Sugarland concert, gotten sick, had a bachelorette party, canoed, and played my first writer's night. Painting the table blue was on purpose, singing at a writer's night was not. This is how it went: Me and the boss man go to lunch at Jonathan's and decided to sit on the porch and talk about me becoming a big star and the steps we needed to take. I got my guitar out of the car, sang a few tunes, covers, originals, played some for the staff and the owner, had dinner with the owner (sweetest people ever). So I'm thinking my day is just going awesome. Then we left and went to Dan McGuinness to a writer's night to watch and someone didn't show up to play so Doc asked me if I wanted to play in their time slot. That was a silly question. So I got to sing 6 originals for the first time in Nashville at Dan McGuinness! (I know there will be many more shows, gigs, and writer's nights, but this was the first and worthy of being recognized!) Now I'm thinking my day is just going awesome and lucky. But I know deep down there's no such thing as lucky really.. that's just what we call it when God slips us good things that we deserve. I have to say that Matthew and I are out here trying our best to make a life that we will love every morning when we wake up. He is following his dream too, to be a baseball coach, and I love it. Push the boundaries, break the rules, step outside the box.. that's how I want to live my life. To the fullest. And we both know that if we are sitting behind a desk everyday, we aren't pushing or stepping outside of anything. Now, I'm not saying that isn't for everyone.. this is just our passion. So I believe that I was lucky to get here so quick (or God just made it easy for me to find a place). That's why it's not hard for me to picture big things in the future. I believe it will come with hard work, sacrifice, and thanking Him for every little opportunity I get. I'm so ready for it.

NEW SHOW: THE CARROLL COUNTY MARKET, SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 28th

So, for the ones of you in the Greenwood area, make your reservations because it will be so flippin' fun you can't even imagine. I'm so excited to play for my family and friends close to home and show you all the stuff I've been working on. The CCM is known for its DELICIOUS food, great music, and great times had so come out if you can. There will be some kind of cover charge but I'm not sure how much. That is the weekend of Thanksgiving break so a lot of people will be out and I promise we'll make it worth it. www.myspace.com/carrollcountymarket

Ok, everyone has been asking me to list some more songs that I've found. I love doing this!! (Glad you like it)

• Matt Kearney- Closer To Love Mindy Smith- What Went Wrong
  
• Caitlin and Will- Address In The Stars Tenth Avenue North- By Your Side
  
• Joey & Rory- To Say Goodbye Parachute- She Is Love
  
• Plumb- In My Arms Reba McEntire- Consider Me Gone
  
• Kelly Clarkson- Already Gone Kellie Pickler- Didn't You Know How Much I Loved You
  

Remember to sign up as a Fan on Facebook so you can recieve special updates, schedules and photos. =)

xxxxxxoooooooo, Maaaeeeee

"Give me one reason to stay here, and I'll turn right back around" - Tracy Chapman

"I'm In A Hurry To Get Things Done"

I have a song on my mind and fish sticks in my belly! YUM. I am a big eater-outer. Even if its super cheap, I love dinner out and lunch dates. Living on a budget and learning how to do it has forced me to eat salad daily, fish sticks often, and ramen noodles as little as possible. I've got to find a way to make some dinero. Mucho dinero. I've thought of a few things.. but not all of them are legal. =) Dang you, starving artist. Jk. I am doing fine, just watching my step.

So going on in the world this week: (Locally/Nationally)

1. Reba McEntire releases her 1st CD in six years! Keep On Loving You hits stores today and I am so super excited about my childhood idol's new music. Its been too long. What a wonderful world. =) She did a GAC special Sunday night and said this album is more girl power, she's looking at new TV scripts, and she wants to work with Kelly Clarkson again. We would like that too, Reba.
2. Mr. Brett Farve, are you serious? After all this time, after saying no for once, and after retiring how many times already, you come back AGAIN? I will be honest, I am going to watch you play either way. Whether I am mad at you or not, I will stare at your hind end as you throw the passes, BUT you can only do this so many times. Quit it already.
3. "Music City Madness" is happening now. I haven't really heard of this until moving here but the Grand Prize is spending a day with Reba so I might have to check that out. (Also, recording time and few little perks, no biggie). I'm also trying to play around here at some writer's nights as soon as I can. Getting fit into the schedule may take some time considering most everyone knows most everyone here already. I'm going to have to inch my way in somehow but it can be done! Also, there is a website that I can't wait to be up and running where you, the people can visit and become a fan of new, unsigned artists, including myself! I will have to fill you in on details later but it is genius!
4. My heart goes out to the family of Jeffrey Jones (Greenwood, MS) who died Saturday evening, to the family of Steven Aldridge (Greenwood, MS) who died Saturday evening, and to my own family and step dad whose mother, 'Dot' Flowers (Rolling Fork, MS) passed away Saturday evening as well. I have recently felt the sting of death in a family and it is heart wrenching. When a life is cut too short, it is a hurt that the ones closest to them feel and it lasts for a long time. We can only remember the happy times and know that God needed them up there with Him, that they had done all they could do here on this uncertain earth. I pray for each of these and my family in these hard times.

So, I'm really excited to keep you all up to date with the exciting things that have been going on. I will let you all know more soon, when I can.

MAE

"You Outta Know"

Other amazing artists who are currently getting in the way of me doing anything productive and running up my iTunes bill:

• Eric Church- Lotta Boot Left To Fill, Where She Told Me To Go
• Safety Suit- What If, Stay, Anywhere But Here
• Love & Theft- Runaway, World Wide Open, Dancing In Circles
• Jason Aldean- Big Green Tractor, Wide Open, The Truth
• Lady Antebellum- Need You Now, Slow Down Sister, Home is Where the Heart Is

"You Shook Me All Night Long"

difference in a New Blog and a New Post? Can't I just write one new paragraph every week on totally irrelevant things and it be good to go? I don't understand. And for the sake of not understanding, we will keep publishing New Posts. =)

Today is a B-E-A uuuutiful day in Nashville. These are days when I think to myself, "Self, you are so damn lucky." I'm laying out by the pool as we speak, as I'm typing this, as the kid in front of me does belly flops and splashes everything I own. Isn't life grand? I decide right now, while listening to the trusty iPod, (Taylor Swift- You Belong With Me) that I'm temporarily tired of songs about high school boyfriends, cheerleaders, drawing hearts on notepads and fairytales that never happen. New Subject Please!!

Dear Taylor Swift,

Although you are an adorable little thing, I would appreciate it if your lyrics would accompany your age in 'growing up'. Everyone knows you aren't afraid to write about old flames or God forbid, put someone's name in the song, but come on, we could all do it. Do you know how many words rhyme with Drew and Joe? (A lot.) If you are going to continue to be a world phenom and have people drool over your average live performances then you need to find a new road to venture down. You were smart enough to convince them to let you perform 3 times at the CMT awards. Now, amaze us once more with new material.

P.S. I believe your writing skills highly surpass your vocal ability but I respect you. And that's very, very nice of me.

I have recently found things that (Finger Eleven-Paralyzer) are probably considered Not Normal. Here's a few:

a.) Forgetting to eat lunch today.

b.) Wearing a dress over bluejeans. (Don't do that.)

c.) The guy at the pool who wears a House Arrest anklet.

(Casting Crowns- Praise You In This Storm) Oh! This song reminds me. I went to Brentwood Baptist last Sunday for church! Let me give you a little advice: If you decide to go to this place, take a friend and use the buddy system. It is the biggest flippin' thing I've ever seen. So I'm standing around with like 200 people waiting for what I thought was the service. Turns out, we were all in the Cafe. Excuse me, a restaurant!! It was amazing. They had that, a library, a bookstore.. who knows what they had to offer on the other wing. I like the feel of small and big churches. I'm good at meeting people and socializing so this didn't bother me so much. The reason I can't make up my (Matchbox 20- Push) mind is because of.. you guessed it, the music. Ok, I grew up traditional of course. But I've had experiences that I want to have again in a church. Pinelake in Jackson, MS is a good example. They have a slight mix of music, but mostly contemporary, young music. It moves me so much that I almost want to cry every time I go. But I'm feeling something, I'm not just going through the motions. Maybe BB just had a (Corinne Bailey Rae- Put Your Records On) traditional lineup for that Sunday, maybe I should try again, maybe I should try another. We'll see..

Side Note: I'm burning.

Last night, Collin Raye came into town to do a show at the Wildhorse Saloon. As part of my job, I got to run him around town, take him to soundcheck and watch him do all the things I hope to do one day. (Rhianna- Rehab) It was amazing to watch a guy I grew up listening to, watching on tv, singing the songs I always loved. The show was incredible. He's in better shape than most 20 yr olds I know. Jumping all over stage, playing on his knees on the floor, dancing.. He's still got it! I had to breathe, and say..ok, you are here for a reason, this is freaking awesome, you are sitting on the stage, this is freaking awesome, look at all those people, this will be you one day, this is freaking awesome. "So, is your last name Rae?.. No (laughs) My middle name.. Oh! So you aren't kin to me! What is your last name?.. Mitchell.. Wow, that's a great stage name (Wink)."

I'm getting in the pool before I fry. BBBYYYEEE. (Jason Aldean-Relentless)

MRM