Tuesday, August 27, 2013

The Right Packing List

I have fond memories of road trip summer vacations with the family. Now, car travel was much different then...back in the olden days. The packing list for entertainment included books(yes, actual books with pages that turn), a deck of cards, a camera and even,(gasp!)film! We would wile away the driving time singing to the radio, or talking about the scenery zipping by our car windows. Now all grown up with a family of my own, we were recently preparing for our own road trip vacation. Something struck me while I was calling out the packing list to my four kids. iPhones? Check. Charger for car? Check. Charger for hotel room? Check. DVDs to watch in car? Check. Are they appropriate for all of you? Yes. Earphones? Got'em...and two extra just in case some get misplaced. See? A little different from the list of my childhood. Now, it's the last item on the list that I immediately regretted. Yes, those little buds posed a big problem. As we headed out going east on Highway 14, I spent a good seven minutes, very animatedly telling my family what sights we were going to see and what fun we were going to have. When I finally ended my speech, exhausted from the excitement, I was met with: silence. When I glanced back, I realized they all had their earphones in. Didn't hear a word I said. So we went old school for the rest of the trip. We sang and talked and laughed and got back to what makes living today, The Good Life.

Tuesday, August 20, 2013

From Fan To Opener, The Dustin Walker Story

Because I went on a little vacation, I am now 7 hours late with my latest blog! (You mean you weren't at your computer at 7 this morning looking for it?) As many of you know, I spend a good deal of time chasing Rick Springfield and his band around the country. On those journeys, I met a young man also chasing Rick...and at the same time chasing his dreams. I feel compelled to share his story: It was maybe 14 years ago, as a little tot, Dustin Walker went to a Rick Springfield concert with his dad. Rick noticed him in the audience so DURING the show, Dustin went on stage to sing a quick chorus with Rick. Fast forward to last month...at age 17, Dustin Walker went to a Rick Springfield concert with his dad. BEFORE the show, Dustin performed...as Rick's opening act. "If not for Rick, I never would have started playing music," Dustin says. And that's the story of his life so far...from fan to opener for someone he has idolized for, well, as long as he could stand in front of the TV and strum along to Rick with his toy guitar. "I started playing when I was 4, but it didn't really click till I hit like 12 or 13...now it's all I want to do!" Now he's playing the real thing, in front of real life crowds. "I love it, I don't want to do anything else," Dustin says. Dustin has recently released his first CD "Between The Lines" and his songs are being played on the airwaves in other countries. To hear Dustin tell it, Rick is responsible for his success. But in meeting with him and watching him perform, I have a feeling raw talent and hard work got him where he is today. And, like Rick Springfield, something else drives him as well. "As a teen I suffer from depression but music helps make it all go away. I'm happiest when I'm on stage." So a couple of years ago, he formed a band with fellow musicians around his age (17 to 24 years old) from around his hometown of Channahon, Illinois. Playing locally for awhile, things are now "blowing up" –in their words– for the band. "My respect for Dustin jumped up about a hundred notches after our first time opening for Rick," says lead guitarist Drew Thompson. "There was something wrong with my amp and I thought I was just going to have to stop playing. But Dustin didn't miss a beat. He handed his guitar to me and then went on with the show. He displayed great crowd control." While comfortable on the stage, Dustin isn't necessarily comfortable for taking credit. "He is the most humble person I know," says drummer Johnny Collins. They describe their style as rock and metal, both easily heard in the debut CD. It's a mix of the different musical styles each member brings to the band. They all take part in the song writing and say their biggest challenge in working together is their schedules. "Because of our ages we have school and work, so we have to work around all of that," Dustin says. But they do make it work...and they work hard. Combine that with talent and having a rock star like Rick Springfield on your side...and it's clear, the story of Dustin Walker is not over yet. To learn more go to http://musikandfilm.com/store Or visit http://dustinwalkermusic.com

Monday, August 12, 2013

Find Your Life Balance: Find Your Rick Springfield

My most important role (and greatest joy) in life is that of mother.   At times the responsibility of that role has overwhelmed me.  But a few years ago, I learned that to better embrace that role... I had to let go a little.

As I'm sure many of you know, it's difficult to balance kids, career, and community.  But I may have found the key:  Rick Springfield.

Now, does he come help me do laundry or chauffeur the kids? Well, no.
Does he edit my video or give me some great news tips? Uh–uh.
But what he does do is give me a break from reality once in a while.

This was a hard thing for me to reconcile.  After being his fan for 30 years, it wasn't until about four years ago I had a chance to go to my first concert.  It wasn’t easy for me.   I would argue with myself over how "responsible" it would be of me to go.  It was ALL the way in Kansas City.  After all, oh my goodness, I would be gone from my family for 36 hours or so.  But, with the blessing of my husband and kids, I went.  When I returned a day and a half later, guess what?  My kids were clean, clothed, fed, and, well, happy. They survived without me?!? Who woulda thought?

And I was happy, too.

So, now, five or six times a year, my best girlfriend since childhood and I hit the road (or the sky) and go to a Rick Springfield concert.  For that often brief 24–hour period, we are not moms, or software company directors, or news anchors, or PTA volunteers.  We are simply women.

And it is now to the point that the concert is only part of the experience. We see friends we've made at the shows over the years - fellow moms and professionals - who also just take those weekends a few times a year to be 13 again.  I come back rested (okay, not really).  But I do come back re–energized. I come back ready to embrace the things I truly love in life - kids, career, and community.


So my advice to you:  Find balance in your life.  Find your Rick Springfield.

Tuesday, August 6, 2013

The Good Life


After this weekend, one thing is certainly clear now, Southern Minnesota is realizing the awesomeness (yes, I believe that is a real word) of Mankato's Riverfront Park and the Vetter Stone Amphitheater.
It just took a little ribs and rock–n–roll to get them there.
What is also clear, is that Mankato's Ribfest 2013 was about more than the irresistible smells, tastes, and sounds.
This event was about community, collaboration...and just plain and simple..coolness.
As the park filled up with people Saturday night, it also filled up with pride and the realization that our area has a real gem, waiting to be discovered right there along the river.
Okay, there may have been a few grumblings from some waiting in the beer or bathroom line.
Although, to be honest with you, I even had fun there. I could still hear the music...and while inching forward every couple of minutes, I saw folks who live just a few houses down from me, but who I have to leave the neighborhood to see.
And, while waiting, I visited with people I'd never met before but am glad I know now.
 The best though is parking yourself in your lawn chair in the beautiful stone seating area...it’s just like you are sitting on your back porch. (Except, Loverboy will probably never be playing in your backyard!) Because, whether there were friends or strangers in the chairs around you, the conversation and the laughter rang out.
A beautiful outdoor setting, an amazing amphitheater, perfect weather and, you know I'm going to mention this: great people, proved to be a perfect recipe for Ribfest success.
One recipe that helps make up The Good Life.