Cool My Wheels

The hard work is finally starting to pay off: I just entered the Texas chart last week and we're getting great response. My new single is a true story about my grandmother who grew up on a Cotton Field. It's all true except for the part about telling me to "keep on pickin till my fingers bleed." She would never have wanted me to hurt myself for anything.

My only living grandmother is my mom's mom. She says I need to write a song about her. She's right. It's not for lack of inspiration. She's a almond green eyed, blond haired, hotpink lipstick wearing, Edith Piaf swallow your face glasses sportin', hip grandmother who's 80 something and still won't say how old she is. She plays ragtime piano-always in the key of F. She's always had a talent for painting fields of flowers in bloom, fluffy clouds, ladies in dresses, cats in the sunshine.

A few years ago, she got remarried to an older man- he's 90. They were neighbors back in the 40's. Their children were born days apart. They reconnected as friends while my grandfather was suffering from Parkinson's and while his wife was slipping off into Alzheimer's. After their spouses passed, their friendship turned to love. My Nana had never been on a plane, much less lived outside of Ft. Worth, Texas. Now she's married to a retired Airforce pilot and they live in Georgia. He built her a workspace where they share their love of painting. She said, "Darlin, the Good Lord didn't mean for me to be alone."

Somebody asked me on the radio tour if I ever get lonely or if being on the road affects my social life. I really try to make an effort to reconnect with my loved ones on the weekend and when I can. I believe that life is more about relationships than a career. I try to find a balance- it's not easy, but I wouldn't have it any other way. There's a time to push and a time to relax. A time to stir it up and a time to settle down.

Right now, it's time to decompress and slow down.

I woke up coming down, feeling a little numb.
Went to visit a friend on his last lap in the hospital- cancer of the spine. Dear sweet man- skin and bones, emaciated face, clear blue eyes shining, smiling.

Pulled me close to his chest like a loving father- love, swirling all around- that hug made me dizzy with peace and stopped me in my tracks.

Then I was off to the nursing home- my other friend moved from the assisted living to the Alzheimer's wing after a nasty fall when that chair reached up and grabbed hold of her in the dark. That's all she sees now- dark shadows. She says "it's 9 at night all day long." Feels like she's losing her mind or going to see God soon. I said I feel like I'm losing my mind sometimes. She said, "yeah, but at least you always find it again." She's 85.

There were 5 of us sitting lined up in the Rec room in front of the tv: 1) James, who's over 100- he was snapping at pointing at the fish in the aquarium as if to say- I see you- stop that- stay where you are. He kept talking about driving trucks in South Florida. He'd say something and then giggle like he had said something really funny. Then there was Mrs.W., my friend, rubbing her head- she skipped lunch- not feeling well today- never herself these days. 3) a sweet smily lady who couldn't remember who gave her her pretty necklace made of seashells- said "maybe you'll find another way to be happy" when Mrs. W said she didn't want to go to the movie because she couldn't see. 4) Bonnie, Mrs.W's roommate- she is real talkative and energetic- says "you sure are cute" everytime I'm there. and 5) me, worn out, a little sad and taking it all in.

I asked Mrs. W if she'd like me to come play guitar and sing for her. She said, "I don't know if they'd enjoy that or not." I just laughed. She's always been pretty blunt. One time she said: are you gettin' fat? Just last week I took her to my condo to see my parents and nephew. We sang songs and ate lunch. She said, "you know, I don't think I would have had as much fun if it was just you and me." Don't get me wrong- she's always saying how God sent me to her and what a blessing I am in her life. I know she would never want to hurt my feelings.

About a minute after I asked her, she turns to Bonnie and says proudly:Bonnie, Robin plays guitar and she's going to come play for us. Bonnie says: Ohh, we'll love that. I asked what song she'd like me to sing and she said "whichever one you do real well that you like." I said I like to do "It Is Well With My Soul," "Power In The Blood," and "In the Garden." Then Bonnie started in singing: I come to the garden alone, while the dew is still on the roses..." Then the lady next to her joined in, Mrs.W added a low harmony and I chimed in softly, so I could still hear them. The old man had nodded off and we broke out into laughter at the end of the first chorus.

These are the gigs that matter most.