Honesty.

NewsFLASH: 

Sara Bareilles released her new single today. And it feels like Christmas. 

I wonder if it's a thing that only musicians do... or if all people count down song releases and wake up dancing when the glorious morning comes. 

I was not disappointed. I'm a huge fan of "King Of Anything". It's pretty much my last 6 months written into a song. Good job, Sara. I'm not even joking right now. Go listen. 

http://www.popeater.com/2010/05/10/sara-bareilles-king-of-anything/

It has inspired to write a real honest song today. It may even consist of a little bit of a 'tude. 

Good. 

Bring it. 

We. Are. Nashville.

These last few days have felt like a blur... but when I sit down and see all that still needs to be done and all of the buildings that are STILL under water... it makes me wish time would speed up. I'm starting to really miss my city just being okay. 

I've thought about leaving. I miss showers. Doing the dishes. Running the washer. Using the sink... but the truth is: I know I'm small ... and maybe I can't tear down walls (and should really stay away from people who are...), but I have two hands that work just fine and I know God has a purpose for me here. That's something I can't ignore. This is my home. This is something I've said for a long time... but now it's something that I know. Home is a place that you don't leave just because things get tough. Home is full of people that make you smile even when you wanna cry a little. This is home. 

Tons of benefits and concerts are already happening. Thousands and thousands of people are getting out every day to pick up... We are sharing our stories and listening... I love this. 

I just want to say this: I am SO proud to be apart of this town. 

-"I've never seen a community pull together so quickly after a disaster." - Anderson Cooper

So... We kind of rock, Nashville, and after the last few days... I'd say we definitely deserve a serious pat on the back. 

-Cal. 

P.s.- Heard this tonight and smiled... so true:

You know you're in Nashville when you find guitar picks in parking lots like others find pennies.

good.night. 

This is What I Know.

Nashville is hurting. As most of you have probably heard, our town has been hit with unbelievable flooding. 

I found myself holding my breath as we drove past downtown. I can't even tell you what it was like seeing the water rising up past the Country Music Hall of Fame and up over buildings on 1st and 2nd avenue. It seemed so quiet. That's not the Nashville that I know... but... this is my home. 

I don't know how to explain the emotions that are playing tug-of-war in my heart tonight... I am so thankful that my friends here are safe. I am so i.n.c.r.e.d.i.b.l.y. lucky to have a dry home for I know many who don't and have been crashing on couches... And we all know... there's really no place like home. I am thankful for electricity. I am thankful that Felix is with me. I am thankful that we are alive. 

At the same time... my heart is smashed. Half of this city is under water. At first I cried because I felt that all of the places that make this place so awesome have been destroyed... but then God reminded me that it is the people that I am in love with. The people make this place what it is. We will replace those buildings.  All while singing songs like "Chicken Fried", "Hicktown" and "She's Country" ... I'm sure. 

So in the craziness of what has been the last few days I have remembered the advice of a good friend and made lists in my mind of what I know.

I know that God is at work. Saving people's lives and stopping the water from rising any further.

I know that things that are held and buildings can be replaced.

I know that miracles are happening here ALL AROUND. It really is amazing.

I know that God works out all things for good and He hasn't forgotten us.

I know that Naomi Judd's fence broke during the flood and now Nashville has wild buffalo roaming the streets. 

I know that if any city can bounce back from a disaster like this - it's Nashville. 

And I know that my life will be changed.

I will never forget watching the news and seeing the footage of what was happening 10 minutes from my home. 

I will never forget driving by LP stadium and seeing it flooded with water.

Seeing boats used as transportation on the roads that I would drive down every day. 

Seeing photos of The Grand Ole Opry stage... and seeing that it is completely flooded with water. 

I know that God has made us promises. And I know that He will keep them. 

Psalm 9:9-10

 ⁹ The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, 
       a stronghold in times of trouble.

 ¹⁰ Those who know your name will trust in you, 

       for you, LORD, have never forsaken those who seek you.

So now it is time for us to find our strength in God, stand up and show this flood what Nashville is made of.