Chuck Mangione

One of the hardest parts about being a high school teacher is well...not laughing at dirty jokes. This literally happens on an everyday basis. Some kid quotes Family Guy, Old School, whatever and if I let out even so much as a smirk it is totally over. Today my students in music history were giving a presentation on Jazz artists. I'm always torn if I should do presentations. I've read that the one who is talking learns and remembers the most so I think it's valuable for students to create and then practice speaking but then after some less than stellar, monotone voices, and some extremely obvious copy and paste situations, I wonder if anyone is learning. I usually really enjoy it when students are creative and add humor to their work. Everyone always remembers a story or joke and this usually works...

Until you have a senior who is so far down the senior slide and takes any opportunity to make your class his comedic forum. This particular student presented on a Jazz artist who began playing the trumpet.

Slide one began with the following header

"He's too saxy for your shirt" (if you don't get I'm too sexy for your shirt references, you are either too old or young to be reading this) which of course resulted in a roaring laughter from the 27 male athletes in this class. I keep it together and ask the young chap to continue.

Slide 2 and 3 are fine and then slide 4

"It's SAX time" with a red and black heart shaped background.

SERIOUSLY?

Obviously, these are not my real students. However, this is what you find when you creeper google students laughing.

My students went cray cray. I quited everyone down and kept my cool. I have to admit, this stuff is... funny. I can't help it. It's cheap, stupid, and clever. The moment you show any weakness though it's totally over. Finally he continues to the next slide that included facts about the Cold War (which at this point I have no idea why is included but I'm just praying for this episode to be over) which he types "ended around 2000 or so".

NO RESPONSE.

I looked around to see if anyone else noticed this huge error and not a peep. Sax time was a second away from a standing ovation and an obvious mistake over the Cold War dates got nada. Okay, so you might argue, I don't know when the Cold War ended. But you would probably know the basic time period and secondly, these kids have history every day for years! It should be fresh on their minds.

Nope. Sax time.

For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

Maria

"The most beautiful sound I ever heard... Maria, Maria.. Maria..Maria, I just met a girl named Maria..." Please, please please tell me you're picturing "West Side Story"...no? Tony? Riff? Hello?

(Obviously this picture is not from the famous "Maria" scene but I couldn't find one.)

Although "West Side Story" is one of the top five musicals of all time I have to disagree with old Leonard Bernstein this time. Although Maria is a beautiful sound... I know one even better. What's that? Can you hear it? Listen very carefully...that Heavenly, harmonious, joyful sound can only be one phenomenal thing... THANKSGIVING BREAK BABY!!! We are off the entire week and will celebrate by seeing Ray and Robin, going to 2 Thanksgiving dinners and best of all celebrate my parents as they renew their vows! Couldn't not be more excited.

For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

Happy Birthday again to Kelly!

saw this and remembered Kelly directing it way back when at Ole Miss! Such fun memories and such a beautiful piece.. thanks to our amazing director :) Happy Birthday again!

For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

Moving on up!

Today I went and worked in my new digs. As a young child, my parents wouldn't let me watch just anything, therefore I watched Nick at Nite constantly and thought show like I love Lucy, The Mary Tyler Moore Show, Dick Van Dyke, Identical Cousins, I Dream of Jeannie, Bewitched, Doby Gillis, The Patty Duke Show, etc. were totally cool and new. Although a lot of those shows were in black and white and the parents dressed very differently than mine, it never really bothered me and I never seemed to notice (that's another story) except for the time on Identical Cousins when the girls kept arguing about a blue shirt which was obviously grey (duh). Other than that I thought these 20 year+ old shows were totally relevant and worth my television time. Why this ramble? I guess to explain the reason that the Jefferson's Moving on up theme song was the exact first thing that popped into my head this morning when I walked into my new classroom.

Holy Lord. I am basically Elton John now with this white piano. If I was not with my new principal, I would have burst out into song and dance but since he's known me a minute, I stifled the inner geek and went with, "Holy God, look at that piano". Given a second chance, I would have settled on something a tad less dramatic but, it just popped out. He laughed very hard and said, "I know". At that moment I wanted to ask, "wait, was that an I know as in you love it like I love it and envision yourself in guilty daydreams about singing on top of it with a killer body in 1940s style, gold, ball gown to adoring crowds of thousands or is it "I know" because you think it's a little over the top?" but once again I used my better judgement and just smiled. I worked more in the room and all the sudden got very overwhelmed. This is the first job I've had where I have...stuff. Lots of it in fact. Music, proper boxes to put music in, risers, folders, real choir chairs, and the list goes on and on. Coming from one extreme to another, I looked around, and didn't know where to start. Usually I'm overwhelmed because I'm trying to make something out of nothing but now it is the exact opposite. Plus they were testing the alarms over. and over. (hey... after the 9th try, THEY STILL WORK!) and after too long of toughing it out, I turned to the only thing I knew. Carbs. Since I was back in my old high school, I kept it old school and went to a bagel place I used to frequent back in the day and swore off during the carb epidemic of 2005. After some carb found confidence (perhaps the saddest thing I've ever written), I began making lists, calling people, coming up with some programs for the fall and not feeling so insane and lost. This is such a different type of challenge than I've ever had and I could not be any more excited (and nervous) to get things settled and organized! I know this is going to be so much work but I'm still looking forward to it! And I mean, hey...white, grand piano? Hello Heaven!

For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

so long, farewell

As the Van Trapp family taught us so well, it is most appropriate to make a cheerful, well organized and choreographed dance, even if your family has to make a brave escape from the Nazi's. We are leaving this wonderful continent and heading back to our home, just in time for the 4th of July where we hope to enjoy fun, family, and food. (NOT jet lag, 100 degree July weather, and mosquitoes...a girl can dream, right?) You can rest assured that I will be attempting to dance and sing my way through the airport and customs.

For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

Step In time

Okay, maybe all my posts and preconceived notions about other countries are based on a musical...maybe this is why I think it is totally normal for people to burst out into song and perfectly choreographed dance with out a moment's notice. Mock it if you want, but way deep down, you too wish people danced in the street just like this, which is what we are probably doing. right. now. With the Queen of course.

For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

streets where the riches of ages are sold...

So we are taking off for Jolly Old England and I'm looking so forward to seeing the real Portobello Road! I have already started telling myself that I shouldn't expect people to sing and dance in the street...but I'm still expecting a little jig here and there from a nanny that can fly with an umbrella or random street workers...You know the normal British thing!

For Natalie's News this has been a quite cheerio, Natalie-Corinne. (if you're not reading this last line with a very obnoxious half Indian/half Cockney accent b/c you only do one, know I'm disappointed).

The Tony's

Hi, my name is Natalie and I'm an awful musician. (Hi, Natalie). Last night was obviously the Tony's and I ignored them...not even forgot, just decided not to watch. Why? I was exhausted from a wonderful trip and did not want to watch tv. Really gross, right? I'm knee deep in playing on my computer, catching up w/ e-mail, downloading pics from my vacation and I guess having the Tony's on seemed like too much of a commitment at the time. Then...I start getting text after text, seeing facebook statuses galore about the wonderful/hilarious/too good-to-be true Tony's. UGH. So I youtubed the opening act (then watched many more clips) and Holy Lord my friends were right. So...funny and amazing, literally the best Awards show out there. Ugh. If you were too stuck up to watch it too, here is the hilarious opening act. I promise next year to keep up my commitment as a snobby musician.

For Natalie's News this has been a very shame faced, Natalie-Corinne.

In the Heights

Another super illegal picture. You're welocme.

Being so cultured I recently attended "In the Heights" with my lovely friends John and Ryan. I have known John and Ryan for many years but recently become better friends with them a la Kelly. As strange as it is since I've moved back to Nashville the amount of shows should have increased but quite the opposite. When I was in a small college town surrounded by people who loved dorky music things as much as I did, I frequented shows constantly. Took them for granted. Went to great, awful, professional, amateur, awkward, beautiful, tragic... shows. I used to almost cringe when I had to go to shows, now I yearn for those quiet minutes of prepared glory. P would rather eat dirt than go to a musical with me...especially a musical with multiple ballads, dance numbers, and...Spanish (which someone might or might not have failed...) so I hate making us go, spend $100.00 on something I know he will hate. So thank God I have new friends who enjoy seeing people sing and dance at the same time. So yes, I went and saw "In the Heights" with John and Ryan and had a wonderful time. P said hands down this was his famous musical ever. After work we met at 3 Crow Bar in Green Hills. I arrived before my friends to a sea of...men... strait men, watching sports. Not that I was looking, but if someone was single in Nashville and looking for a fun happy hour, perhaps they should frequent 3 Crow Bar for the happening happy hour scene. Anyway, we met had half price drinks and appetizers and left for our swanky orchestra seats. Oh, did I forget to mention? Ryan works at Vanderbilt and got amazing, center, exclusive tickets. Whatever, we're kind of a big deal. So yeah, anyway, we saw the show. I really enjoyed the urban, hip, new plot line and music. I thought the show had perhaps a few too many ballads but overall, it was enjoyable and I was glad I went. The company was amazing and it provided an opportunity for me to act piously at other friends for my constant support of the performing arts. I also listen to NPR. I'm super cool...or an eternal nerd trying to fool you. Is it working?

For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

Summer anthem 2010

Oh to be the summer anthem, every pop stars strives their entire 4 year career to earn this prestigious award...No matter your level of music snobbery, everyone and I mean everyone (you do it, don't lie) jams out to the summer anthem in their car/ipod at the gym/house when nobody is home. This year there really is no clear cut winner...which really is the best situation for the listeners. Let's get some Robert's rules up in the blogesphere and pro/con the best summer anthem.

1. Katy Perry's California Girls: Pro. Anything references California is going to be an instant hit. All the sudden I'm imagining the Hills, Laguna Beach, The OC, Real Housewives, and countless other shows where every girl is HOT, beaches are everywhere and apparently nobody really has to work because according to the shows everyone just looks at each other for awkwardly long periods of times while sipping their Starbucks. I could dig it. The song California Girls is so fun, upbeat, and easy to pick up w/ the constant ,'Uh ohs". Snoop Dogg also makes a lovely appearance and really gives the song some street cred. Grade: A. Good job Ms. Perry...I guess kissing girls did well for you.

2. Ke$ha: Your love is my drug: Pro. Ke$ha has totally exploded and totally proved that having good hygiene is completely optional when becoming a pop sensation. Whatever the look, her debut album is everywhere and Your Love is My Drug is a also a great contender for the summer anthem. Simple lyrics, fun beat, awesome dance when nobody is looking potential, the song really has everything one needs for the perfect summer anthem.

3. Lady Gaga: Alejandro: Pro. I love, love, love the lady Gaga. She is the newer generation's Cher. Her costumes, attitude, crazy interviews, gender ambiguity, all leads to the perfect entertainer. She kind of reminds me of Amy Winehouse with the crazy antics yet she is not fallen down the drug tubes just yet so still able to give witty interviews.

4. Jay-Z featuring Mr. Hudson: "Young Forever" I love Jay-Z. Mr. Hudson provides a repetitive chorus (that sounds a whole lot like Sting) that one cannot help to sing along with. Usually the girls dominate the summer jam but this duet really competes with the ladies. The only con I have with it is that although I claim all kinds of street cred, I can't understand all the words and know I cannot sing along with all the words.

5. Train: Hey Soul Sister: Pro. Everyone loves this song. Adults, kids, Moms, Dads, lots and lots and lots of commercials...yes that can also be the con. It has totally been overplayed and unfortunately it is all over every radio station, commercial, etc. Although it is an awesome song anything played every five minutes gets a little annoying. I do love the use of the ukulele.

Lots and lots more but I'll leave the rest for others to dissect. I hope everyone had a wonderful Thursday. For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

Happy Birthday Shari!!!!

So being a teacher I hear almost daily, "you'll change the life of so many students" or some variation of that statement. Honestly, most the time I don't believe it and I just try to do the best I can without beginning a drug habit. I heard this again recently and started thinking of who really started my love for performing, music, and all things drama. The love for music and singing was just in my blood because I think I began singing before I began talking and walking. (Started walking at eight months, always been an over achiever) By the time I could take direction uncle Ray had Lindsay and I in coordinating outfits and pre-glee dance routines. Any family gathering (early "performance" pictured left featuring Lindsay and Carly) was an excuse for a song, dance routine, etc and the Christmas pageant? I'm not trying to sound crazy (ha) but ask anyone and I'm sure it was the highlight of the Christmas season. Maybe because we were locked away in the office and the adults could have a few minutes of adult time but whatever. We rocked the Christmas pageant (pictured left) with costumes, solos, props (usually Mamaw's place mats) and some sort of a nativity scene which often included stuffed animals or some other not so PC version that would have most of the Baptists running for the hills. My parents were of course huge allowing me to take violin lessons, taking me to Bible School, Sunday School or any other form of church where I really just enjoyed singing the songs, and overall just tolerating my belting to any song that came on the radio. But the teacher? Oh, it was for sure Mrs.Whitaker from Nolensville Elementary. First of all her entire essence screamed PERFORMANCE. She often wore big hair pieces, tons of jewelry, painted on makeup and bright, BRIGHT clothes. I thought she was always full of glamour and amazed that her hair could change so drastically. (was unaware about the magic of wigs apparently) She drove a jet black Jaguar and we used to debate whether or not she was Cruella Deville. Mrs. Whitaker required us to produce show after show after show and they were always filled with costumes, never ending medleys of show tunes, patriotic salutes and holiday singalongs. Although now I look back and hysterically laugh at the Christmas tree and Statute of Liberty costumes I gladly wore, I thought our "masterpieces" were the cream of the crop and would be totally consumed with solo opportunities, make-up, dances and of course the audience. As silly as it sounds (and it was) I have to thank Mrs. Whitaker because I continued with music and now it is my career. The very best moments of my life have all been influenced by music so influenced by Mrs. Whitaker. Maybe that's why I'm so inclined to love the big hair, jewelry and singing... who knows? So thanks Mrs. Whitaker, wherever you are. I stalked high and low and was kind of disappointed in myself to able to find pictures or anything of the legend.

FOCUS ON THE FAMILY!

In other and way more important info....It's Shair's 50th Birthday!!! Whoohooo! I have been gchatting w/ Shari and it sounds like she has had the PERFECT day! The birthday girl awoke to Sam and the cats w/ homemade signs around their perfect feline necks. Then as she got up she was pleasantly surprised by Sam's decorative signs of her favorite things all over her door and chocolate donuts provided by Tom! Yum! Carly then took her to lunch and for a pedicure and tonight she is enjoying homemade lasagna and strawberry cake. What an amazing day, oh almost forgot. Her entire yard was also decorated by two of her friends in the middle of the night! Tons and tons of black balloons covered her entire yard...only problem is now Shari can no longer claim she is 29, but I believe she will not care because of the perfect day she is enjoying! I wish we could be celebrating it together but we MUST get together soon and have a birthday celebration II.

Well I hope everyone takes time to wish Shari a happy Birthday and enjoys the rest of their day! For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie Corinne.

thankful

Dearest Brittney,

Thank God you're back. Your circus album keeps me totally hip hopping at work during my planning period. All day I teach classical, choral, and musicals but all alone I totally jive to your hot cd. I don't even care if anyone judges me for blasting your hotness while cruising around town; maybe it's the fresh beats, lyrics, not really sure but your album keeps me feeling 15 and I love it. Please refrain from shacking up with anymore ugly back up dancers and keep the come back hot. Come on America, we all knew she'd be back and I for one am so glad to see that southern blonde back in her prime. Well done Brit.

Always yours,


Natalie's News.

drama

Since it's Black History month I created a project to study influential black American musicians. Classes are performing works by: The Temptations, Jackson 5, the Supremes, Etta James, Billie Holiday, Destiny's Child, and many more. I thought the students would love working together and learning dances, getting to dress up etc...but little did I know that it would cause so much drama. I think I must have taken a vacation to lala land when I decided to do this. Of course junior high kids combined with music would cause such excess stress in my life and theirs. It seems impossible to do an out of the ordinary, fun activity with out several people getting their feelings hurt because someone says they cannot dance, sing, or a combination of the two. I decided to write down today's schedule as well as the drama it occurs. Enjoy.

7:10am Jaquetta comes to my room before school to discuss her unhappiness in the Temptations. She wants to be the leader but fellow Temptation Shaniqua is being bossy so she wants out.

7:16am: Bridgette, Angel and Miranda arrive wanting approval for their Supreme costumes. The old outfits I have that actually look similar to the Supremes were not cute so they brought some from a dance. That's fine though, at least they're interested.

7:30am: Dream Girls arrive to practice. Tyeshia is not the best dancer and Sonika and Martina are frustrated that she cannot seem to get the step/kick combination down.

7:45am: Guys Temptations constantly yell at Quintez for being off. Also, Raheem and Anvavious argue over who is in Davis Ruffin. I tell them that this is the school Temptations, and not the real group. We even have six men in that group, but they all want a member name and purpose.

7:50am: All in the same room, Destiny's Child group works and this group has the least amount of dancing ability. They expect me to come up with every move. Although this is a great work out I am strangely brought back to my lip sync days in high school and they tell me my moves are not "fresh". I tell them we have to keep it clean and they are visibly disappointed.

7:54am: Have to break up potential fight in Guys Temptations Group over who is leader. I move boys out of order and quickly implement a no talking policy in their group. They are only allowed to practice and say the words, "ready, go".

8:00am: Dream Girls Group wants help with more moves. They are starting to look really cute yet poor Tyeshia cannot get the concept that her move should be exactly the opposite of Martinia's. Of course many audible comments occur.

8:10am: Tayera arrives from another class to discuss their costumes. I ask her where she is supposed to be, she has a hall pass but no teacher would let her out to talk about costumes. She is supposed to be in the bathroom. I tell her to leave and we will talk later.

next 20 minutes: I run around like an insane woman trying to get everyone to work together.

What in the world was I thinking!?!?!? This is insane. All the kids do is yell at each other for being "off". So much for creating a fun and different project, I'm beginning to think all of my textbooks in school that discouraged busy work never taught junior high kids! Ahh!

Only 5 more of these classes to go. Anyone figured out how to make that xanex smoothie yet?!?! For Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

perhaps I had a wicked childhood

If you hold the beautiful musical "Sound of Music" in the same sacred category as my family does you will most definitely know that the title is in fact from that most glorious work. There really is no other film that can possibly stand next to that wondrous masterpiece. I have wanted to show it to my students but I was afraid because I love it so much I was concerned they would not and it would give me a bad memory of the best movie of all time. But I decided that we all needed some extra Julie in our lives so I have began teaching it anyway. The students I teach have SO many comments that are hilarious so I thought I would share some of them with you. For the readers who do not live and breathe SOM (sound of music, duh) this post will seem ridiculously dorky and probably useless. Deal.

1. During the song "How do you solve a problem like Maria?" kids had many suggestions. One student yelled out, "beat her" another yelled "kick her out", but my favorite comment from that song was when the nuns says she is late for everything except for every meal one girl said, "oh Maria, me too. I'm always hungry".

2. During the part when Maria meets the children for the first time the youngest son Kurt says that he wants to be treated like a boy and one of my students said, "well nobody is going to treat you like a boy when you're wearing those daisy dukes". Priceless.

3. All the girls love the part when Liesl and Rolfe sneak out in the gazebo. First at least one person in every class says something to the effect of "she knows her daddy is going to find her and whoop her" or "she knows better to sneak off with some boy.." etc. Then I told a couple of classes the story about the elderly woman who was jumping in the gazebo and fell and broke her hip so they closed the gazebo and they roared with laughter. "That old woman knows she too old to be jumping in a gazebo.. "etc.

4. Of course this movie is one of the cleanest movies ever but junior high kids will cling on to ANYTHING and make it gross or uncomfortable. For example, when Liesl and Rolfe and dancing, Rolfe twirls Liesl and her legs are shown and in every class boys get all flipped out. "Ooh, twirl her again "etc. Also, a lot of the girls think Captain Von Trapp is cute (and they are correct) but one brave soul asks me yesterday" Miss, you think Captain Von Trapp sexy?" I know she just wanted to see my reaction to her saying the big bad s word. Lastly, when Liesl asks if she can drink champagne ALL the students ask, "Miss, you drink champagne? You drink liquor?" etc etc. I did not think this movie would bring up such uncomfortable topics!

But for the most part, it is going well. I think most of the students like it, a couple had the nerve to call Maria ugly and I quickly squashed their souls. Well I need to get back to work, for Natalie's News this has been, Natalie-Corinne.

Don't stop believing

Desperate for some reinforcement at work I have started listening to uplifting tunes to give me some sense of security (possibly a false sense but whatever). With my new life as an adult I have felt it necessary to listen to NPR while driving to school, read CNN daily, and pretty much become an old fart. But secretly... in my own little corner in my own little room I bust out some embarrassing delights that I have decided to share with you. Although my pride as a "serious" musician may suffer greatly, my goal is that you also find comfort and joy in these "classics". Here goes.

Embarrassing hits you should listen to... especially at work.

Beyonce Knowles: You must know bout me. Not really sure why this song is so good. When I first heard it I thought, this song is awful, but slowly it grew on me and now I totally jam to it.. secretly of course. I think its the lyrics about being independent that does it for me. Whatever the case, you will feel somewhat cool because it is "hip hop" (for white folks) and even if it is only for a fleeting second you have a feeling of complete control and confidence. You don't need that man.. girl he must not know bout me and my awesomeness. Get it Beyonce.

Madonna: Like A Prayer. I feel badly putting the words embarrassing and Madonna in the same category but this old school hit is not the song that screams professionalism. The hand-clapping hit is a total rock out by yourself in your car kind of song. Don't even try to deny you wishing you were a member of that insanely lucky gospel choir that sang back up. I love to sing this song and think yeah, Madonna can take me there. Not really sure where we're going, but I'd go with her.

Whitney Houston: I wanna dance with somebody. Oh Lord, old school Whitney. Pre-Bobby, pre- crack is wack, pre-religious "enlightenment" good ol' looks like she eats Whitney Houston. Who couldn't love that song? It really does so many good things in one. The beat is simple enough that even the most uncoordinated of dancers can manage to fake a side to side on this one. Plus there are tons of opportunities in the "ooh and ahh" section to work your dramatic faces as you jam out. Most of all it is totally fun and really who doesn't wanna dance?

Next, Soft Cell: Tainted Love. This one really is bad, but so so bad that it's embarrassingly good. I'm almost too ashamed to share this one but you know you like it too. It is one of those songs that if you were stuck in a room with only this one song you would realize that your soul was given up on and you are in the far underworld but once a year or so it can be a really fun time. I especially love the sound effects in the back grounds, what an opportunity for awful dancing to accompany the awful music.

And while I could go on all day but I must return to work I shall leave you with the most amazing work song ever. A song that give you hope that one can do all. That amazing song is by Journey: Midnight train or as many people know it... don't stop believing. Who cannot appreciate the wonderful lyrics about that small town girl and that seedy boy from south Detroit? Those power chords, the electric guitar solo and then finally, yes Lord finally the power chorus at the end...you know we are all shouting it alone. This is one of the very few songs where fist pump is not only acceptable, it is pretty much required and playing your air guitar is smiled upon...only alone of course. It is so amazing. While listening I realize that we must never stop believing and we should all hold on to that feeling. Thank you Journey, thank you.

Please feel free to add your own suggestions for loveable bad music in the comment section. As Americans we should all cheer each other on in the never ending search for small victories during the day. I hope everyone enjoys the rest of their hump-day. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

delta blues

Weekend Update:

This weekend I traveled to Helena, Arkansas to attend the Arkansas Arts and Heritage festival, formally known as the King Biscuit Blues Festival. Right after school on Friday I hit the road and made my way to the dirty delta. I was lucky enough to get to stay three blocks away from the festival in the historic Allin house (pictured right). After a brief tour of Helena by car we walked to the festival around 7pm. There were excellent blues artists everywhere playing on small stages and on the side walk. Treasures for sale from exotic locations such as Africa, the Caribbean and Louisiana covered the sidewalks of the downtown. As we walked further down the main street, the tempting aromas of fried deliciousness such as rib tips, catfish and alligator made me totally forget about my vow of being vegetarian and I ate as much meat as possible...and loved every sinful bite. After some grilled catfish we went to the top of the levee and listened to the music. The weather was perfect and the music was amazing. Saturday another lady staying at the Allin house made a huge amount of food in this little antique oven. We feasted on meat yet again before returning to the blues festival. Saturday night was much more crowded. Being a natural VIP, I met a lady named Loretta who knew everyone in Helena including the owner and operator of John and John BBQ. He had two huge smokers put together with all different types of BBQ and was nice enough to give us a free sampling of most of it... so once again, those poor little animals, I hate them again. But honestly it was totally worth it. The picture above was taken from Helena and not of John and John BBQ but their smokers looked exactly like that. Anyway after the marathon meat eating session, we sat on the top of the levee and watched Bobby Rush (pictured right), and he was awesome. People of all over and all different ages danced and enjoyed the music and atmosphere. Around midnight we left and went back to the Allin house. This walk back was the only time I felt a little scared in Helena. Earlier I heard stories of crime issues but I felt very safe there, but we went off the beaten path just a little and I would not recommend doing it again! But the weekend and blues festival were so much fun and I am so glad I was able to join in!

Well I need to go prepare for my next group of... angels :).....Right. For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

D-E-N-I-A-L... not just a river in Egypt

Holy Lord so much is going on and I appear to have checked out from any responsibility. Yes in two weeks I will be moving to a new house and starting a new job. One would think I would be racing around town collecting boxes and making numerous trips to Batesville to set up my new room but nah. I have not even started packing or working on my classroom. The truth is I'm in total denial of how much work that lies ahead. I guess since I finished my degree I feel like I should be able to retire, sounds fair, right? But alas, its finally time to be and adult and get on the ball. Boo...With this announcement, my blogging might be more and more erratic and sporadic because of all the work I will finally be forced to do. Think, pray, send positive thoughts, whatever you do, do it for me in the upcoming days and weeks. Thanks

*Focus on the Family*
In other news, brother Ben Bottoms is transferring to The University of Tennessee at Martin. We are so proud and excited that Ben will be playing baseball and continuing his studies. Mother Michelle Bottoms is traveling to Kansas City this weekend to move him out of Yankee land and back down to Dixie. Praise Jesus. Somehow father Mr. Pete Bottoms always escapes the big college moves with some important excuse like "work" or "hall of fame trip" etc. Convenient.

Seriously?
Yesterday and today have provided some unnecessary drama at the work place for myself and Ms. Tiffany Gammell. Some jealous coworkers are hating on Ms. Gammell and sorry for them they must not recognize who they are messing with. Obviously Miss Bottoms will always take care of some business. But since Ms. Gammell has been forced to endure some unneeded stress I thought it might be nice to focus on some of her awesome qualities. Ms. Gammell is an amazing friend and a joy to be around. Her fondness for diet coke and Morningstar Farm food made us fast friends. If you read my blog, you already know that she is an amazing actor that stole the show at the recent HMS Pinafore opera. Her hectic schedule and demanding social life would warrant her excuses to act in a short and agitated manner, however this is never the case. Tiffany is always smiling and witty. Her presence always lightens any room and everyone is better for knowing her. I am happy and proud to call Ms. Gammel my friend. Boooo haters.

Stay tuned for:

Focus on my friend: the break up of long time roommate Ms. Ann Marie Hall

*New job and house

*New remote

*Bogni baby shower

*Weekend update

Until then, have a great day:) For Natalie's News this has been Natalie-Corinne.

Reviews are in.

Last night I attended the Oxford Shakespeare's festival's production of Gilbert and Sullivan's HMS Pinafore. Not only was the night a celebration of the summer opera but also farewell tour for Mr. Kelly Burns who leaves for his 20 hour adventure to Germany today. The night began with a lovely dinner at Oxford's newest Japanese restaurant Kabuki with Chris and Chelsea Gregg. Dinner was scrumptious however due to time restraints we were not able to partake in the Hibachi grill. After dinner, Mr. Burns peer pressured and forced me to sneak into the show without paying. Usually I strive to support the arts but Kelly was relentless in his demands and I buckled to his persistence. The Greggs' friend Mack made the journey from Tupelo to attend the event and we all agreed the show was a huge success! The set was the best set I have ever seen at Ole Miss. Although everyone cast was amazing, a few stars really demanded the attention of the stage. The break out performance of the night was definitely Ms. Tiffany Gammell (pictured left). Her costume was amazing, accentuating her slimming waste line and her portrayal of Cousin Hebe was hilarious. She is really suited for comedy and a joy to watch. Other highlights were the always enjoyable Mr. Clay Terry (pictured right) and Ms. Allison Stanford (pictured lower left). The two played Ralph and Josephine extremely well and the audience was treated to wonderful voices and many long kisses. Sorry Tiffany. Last shout out to the chorus. The chorus was very energetic, funny, and beautiful to watch. The best wig awards goes to Ms. Claire Taylor. A word to the wise Ms. Taylor, please remain a blond, the long, yarn-like wig does not do you justice!



After the the wonderful night at the opera we decided the night was too nice to let it go to waste. Many of the actors had not eaten so went to L'amore on the square for some quick gourmet pizza. After a quick dinner The Greggs, Mack and myself got a prime table at City grocery on the balcony and enjoyed the wonderful nightlife. Later Mr. Kelly Burns and Mr. Ryan Milstead joined the balcony festivities until closing time. Although it was somewhat difficult awaking for work, I think all would agree that it was a fun night.

Upcoming stories:
Weekend update: Jenny's wedding and the trips to Tupelo.

Have a great weekend, for Natalie's News, this has been Natalie-Corinne.