113/365

Can I just be a total girl here for a minute?

I've always been a blonde. But for the past 3 months I have been living with the consequences of a less-than-stellar color job. A little dark. A little dull. I should have known that's what I would get for going to anyone other than my beloved Carmen. She is shear genius. (In my defense, she was out of the country for 3 weeks.)

So today, as she removed the foils, it was as if I was butterfly escaping the cocoon, a a bird leaving the nest...a girl going back to blonde. It was truly exhilarating. If for only today it was as if all the world was at peace. A cosmetic victory, if you will. Ahhhhh....

112/365

Sometimes you write a song. Sometimes you write part of a song. Sometimes you just talk. And sometimes you have a photo-shoot.

I'd like to think of myself as a one-stop-shop for all things creative. BAHAHA. Actually, I'm just wingin' pretty much every creative venture in my life. Faking it as if I know what I'm doing, when in all actuality, I'm more than under qualified in every aspect of the term. I was just offered several photography gigs the last few weeks. And, I'm constantly telling people "I don't know what I'm doing. I can't guarantee I'll get anything. I don't know how to use cameras. My camera isn't advanced enough." Apparently, they don't care.

Because whatdya know. We had the cameras clickin today on one of this blog's regulars, Molly Reed. She needed some shots for a pretty exciting project that, once she unveils it to the world, I will more than likely pimp out on here. Because that's what i do.

111/365

You wouldn't know it by looking at me or watching the [obnoxious, late night, post-bbq, musical encounter] video I just posted.....BUT...I have sunken into a period of musical insecurity lately. I don't volunteer to play songs for people. I don't get relativtely excited about what I write. I don't trust myself in the writing room. It's funny, because I probably have more support than I ever have right now. But as I was sitting at the same piano I've sat and sung at for years for some of the my biggest supporters last night, I felt so musically out of sync. For some reason I felt tired and emotionally drained. And it was for no other reason than I was insecure. It was the perfect example of how the only true source of security is God. And with all these people around me encouraging my lately, yet I find myself less secure than maybe I was 3-4 years ago, when I had NO practical reason to be.

Per a conversation I had w/ a good friend today, I realized that insecurity is much like a disease. The longer we live, the more times we get wounded, and we don't even realize the damage that's been done. Much like someone who takes painkillers for a disease, you are numb to your ailments, but you are sick just the same. And you don't even realize how much you are being held back. And how much it is affecting you from the inside out. Until you find yourself drained of life and zeal and spirit. And then it's time to refill the tank up with TRUTH.

The only true form of security. So I'm going back to the well.

Anyway, enough of my preaching. All I know is that I'm a big old work in progress in terms of faith. And last night was just more evidence of that.

110/365

A country boy can survive. So can a country girl, thankyouverymuch.

Have you ever been in a situation where you've felt like being rude to someone out of love for someone else? (In response to someone hurting someone you love.) I'm not really going to go into details, but I will say that it's a fine line for me between loyalty and hatefulness. I was raised to believe that you stand by the ones you love. And as I mentioned on day 94, part of loving them has always meant having their back. But it's one thing to take a bullet for someone, and it's another to shoot one back.

For the last few years, I've been on the receiving end of this exact behavior. And, like everything in life, God used that crappy situation to prepare me for what happened yesterday.

I was with a friend (lets call this friend "X"). And friend "X" was done wrong by friend "Y". And friend X & Y both happened to be in the same room w/ me. I am so emotionally loyal to friend X that I couldn't help but want to do or say something to belittle or hurt friend Y. I felt that burn start to well up inside in the same way that adrenaline does before a ball game. It was fire-y and aggressive. And at the time, I tried to justify that feeling by telling myself that it came from a loving place for X. But, here's where my previous experience was used for good. I remembered that point in my life where I made a bad choice that directly hurt someone. And as a result of that, I was on the receiving end of some pretty hateful activity, which only turned into a pit of emptiness and defensiveness inside of me. And here's what I've learned. Revenge is not the will of God. And grace IS the will of God. Never once in my life have I seen a situation where hating someone heals.

So, last night, I gave Y a hug and asked for grace on my own life. Because at the end of the day, no matter what X, Y, or Z do, I can only be responsible for I.

109/365

This is why we went to North Carolina. Isn't that precious? Not as precious as my husband starting to cry in the middle of performing "I Saw God Today" (I think he misses his beautiful daughter)....but nonetheless, those kiddos were cute, cute, cute.

My personal highlight of the trip was getting to spend some extended quality time with the other writers' wives. I know we're more than just "the wives", but these last few days, we had that hat on. As many of you know, I am not an age-ist. And my husband happens to be quite a bit older than me. So when we go on trips of this nature, I end up being the baby of the group. And, let me just tell you, that while I can't really contribute when it comes to PTA and school testing and all things immunization, I can sit back and soak in these women's experience and wisdom- and all the beauty that comes with that. So, thank you Karen, Aly, and especially Amy (I know you're out there reading this!) for a great trip. Ya'll are wonderful mothers, wives, and women. Most importantly, you could all fit in in my hometown, which says a LOT.

I know you're going to try to comment and say "you're making me feel old" or "you're one of us" or whatever. But the truth is, I'm not. I realized this week that I have so much life and learning ahead of me on so many levels. And that is exciting.

108/365

I come to you today from Carolina. The North one. And I'm not just there in my mind. Ok, just stop it Nicolle. We are up here with some of our friends for a show to benefit an elementary school music program. I've just had the best time so far. Mainly because I made a pit stop at Nordstrom ;)

But really, in all seriousness, we are here w/ some great couples and I've been reminded how much there is to be learned from everyone in this world. There are certain observations and conversations to be had at every turn of life that enrich us. And I've had a few this trip.

107/365

Owl City. The same seemingly-epic song over and over. But, it'll put a smile on your face. That is for darn sure.

106/365

You don't understand allergies until you've lived in Middle Tennessee. I'm talking about disabling allergies. The kind where you can't function. Someone once told me that the Native Americans nicknamed this area "the land of sickness". And I believe it, because that was before Clarinex. It's not a great idea to put a city full of people who need their voices to create in the middle of a pollenated war-zone. Which leads me to my newest friend, the neti pot. I am slowly falling in love with this little miracle worker.

Speaking of people who need their voices, the ACM's were on tonight. Hands down the best overall country awards show I've seen. I felt so good about everyone who won/why they won/and what they do musically. I don't know if it was just me or not, but I truly felt a shift in what music row is currently valuing. It's real. And it's sophisticated. And it's emotional. And vulnerable. From song choice to winners, acceptance speeches to overall attitude, I like what I saw. As I did with the Grammy's, I'll share my personal highlights:

• Carrie Underwood so genuinely thanking "her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ".
• Carrie Underwood showing her personality, which I've always wanting to see more of.
• Mike Wrucke winning Album of the Year w/ Miranda. GO Mr. Natalie Hemby!
• Miranda winning Female Vocalist and saying "Are you freaking kidding me?!"
• Jason Aldean singing "Crazytown"...for obvious reasons.
• Randy Houser's laugh.
• Sarah Buxton on the orange carpet.
• Lady A...everything.
• Following @joeleathers & @kyliesackley's tweets.

I love country music. Amen.

105/365

And fun was had by all at the Kroger Coinstar. $103.27 to be exact. One of the highlights of my domestic duties.

Right now I'm lying in bed catching up on the new season of United States of Tara. John Corbett is so lovable. Trying not to think about how much fun so many of our friends are having in Vegas this weekend for the ACM's. We have been so so so so fortunate/blessed/lucky to have gotten to go to the show the past 3 years. This year, we didn't have an "excuse" to go, so we're experiencing withdrawals. The black jack, the free drinks, the food, the lat nights, the flashy clothes, the lack of clocks, the "anything goes" mentality...ahhhhh. It is so much fun, especially with so many great friends. Solution: find the closest possible way to cash in without really going to Vegas. Hence, Kroger.

104/365

Just another day of writing, yall. I wish I had more to report. But here's the truth. I've been writing. And writing. And writing. And in the process, I have fallen behind on the ole blog. Don't you worry kids. I'm catching up.

103/365

Today is day 3 of not running (due to my ridiculous blister injuries). When I don't run, I feel fat. When I feel fat, I get depressed. When i get depressed, I start to eat badly. Hurry up, feet. Get well soon. Or else...

102/365

Q: What is the term used in the English language to describe the sound made between two short vowel sounds?

A: schwa

See, I do learn something everyday (thanks for trivia night)!

I've had two very fulfilling, yet very long, writing days since my last entry. And, ironically, in both writes, the topic of child abuse came up. They were in very different contexts. I've been lucky enough to have not been really affected by this issue in my life. And, I just want to take a second and put this out there. In the discussions I've had in the past few days, I've been blown away with a very simple concept: actions toward children have exponential reactions. One inappropriate act in the heat of a moment will have a mulititude of reactions throughout the remainder of that child's life. Which made me then think that adults aren't really that much different.

Makes me wanna treat every word I say and every move I make with more care.

101/365

You know those days that you just don't want to end? Yeah. This was one of those.

I never intended for this blog to be as simple as me telling you what I'm doing everyday. So, pardon me, while I tell you what i did today. I took the neighbor's dog on the most glorious run (yes, I'm basically neighbor of the century), went to the better-late-than-never 11:30 service at Cross Point, planted flowers, cleaned out the garage, cleaned off the deck furniture, went to town with the leaf blower (one of my all-time favorites. I'm my mother's daughter. We can do some damage with some lawn gadgets)....

THEN (cue the steel drums), it was time for some playtime. I walked across the street, held out my thumb and hitched a ride to the middle of the lake w/ my beau. We saw these badass women kayaking, a lesbian couple laying out topless, and our neighbors sitting on their back porch w/ binoculars checking it all out. It was...well....entertaining.

THEN (cure the steel drums, but a little louder than before), I had my water escort drop me off at our friend's house across the lake for a little pool party. In the process of schooling everyone in a game of 3-on-3 (in a bikini and sandals, I'll have you), I managed to tear huge blisters open on the balls of both of my feet. We're talking larger than quarter-sized. Full-on-paramedic first aid situation. It was the only kinda-not-amazing thing about this day. So if you see me walking like a grandma anytime in the next few weeks, there ya go!

To wrap this laundry list of a blog up, I would just like to say that some days I can't believe how lucky I am. To live in a world where I can bask in the sun and worship how I choose and cruise across the open water and sleep in clean sheets and plant flowers on my front porch. Thank you, God. You are really really really really good. Even if you DID let this day end :)

100/365

Can you believe it? Day 100. Holy crap. Life is a blink of an eye, a turn of a page, a toss of a bean bag....

It really goes so fast. All of it. Which is even more of a reason to get together with friends on a Saturday night and play cornhole! Because in the rush to be productive (refer to day 99), which I said was fulfilling, it is much more fulfilling to be relational. Which we did tonight. Thank you, Jones', for a fun Saturday night. We love you.

And cornhole.

99/365

Seasons change. So do people. And, in both cases, a little work is in required. I could go on and on about all the obvious metaphors between spring and new life and human beings and God, but I feel like that's too obvious. Today, I'd like to focus on the fact that with Spring comes a certain internal need to be productive. To clean and to plant and exercise and such. And, I'd like to announce that both of us in this house are beat. From flowers to laundry, we crossed some things off the list tonight. Productivity is fulfilling. (Excerpt from the Book of Nicolle.)

98/365

There may or may not have been a 4-hour-long drive to the airport. There may or may not have been an extended goodbye at the curb. There may or may not have been tears. There may or may not have been a text to my huz reading "I'm gonna need a hug when you pick me up at the airport". There may or may not have been 1 less girl in Kansas today.

Holidays rock. Goodbyes suck.

97/365

Consider this a bonus entry. A recap of only a fraction of the reasons why I had the best Easter Weekend ever.

96/365

Benefit #3,468,334 to being home? Getting to watch my cousins run track! Go Annie & Maggie! These are some quality girls, I tell ya. Strong faith, strong work ethics, strong parents, strong-willed, and as was proven today--strong legs. Oh, you think I'm exhaggerating? Annie is competing for the new state record in women's squat at the Kansas State Powerlifting Meet Saturday. She would have sealed the deal last year, but there was some small town corruption going on under the judges table, if you ask a Galyon. Which reminds me of how Hank Williams, Jr. once told me that I looked like I could pull his truck out of the ditch with legs like mine. He'd probably say the same thing to my cousins. Course then one of the G-Bros might have to kick his country you-know-what!

95/365

Yes, that's me having lunch w/ my little bro's class. Yes, I know I should be back in Nashville. Yes, the Easter Weekend is over. Yada yada yada..

I will admit that I hit a bit of a creative wall about a week ago and made the grand decision to take an extended break to not only spend more time with family (which there is no such thing as too much of if you ask me), but to take a few days off from writing. I'm not even going to pretend like songwriting is a difficult job. But sometimes you just need a few days to reboot the creative rhyme/melody/hook/lyric bank inside of you. Can I get an 'amen' from all my fellow writers?

On the writing front, I've always felt that it's really important to keep coming back to the midwest because these are my people. This is my audience. This is who I am ultimately writing for. Not the tourists at the Bluebird. Not Robert K. Oermann (no offense. I really like that guy.). Not the college kids at Belmont (especially not them). Not even my fellow songwriters on the Row. I'm writing for the farmer's daughters and the high school quarterbacks and the kids who makeout on dirt roads. And the dads who work 40-hours-a-week to take care of the women who drive minivans and teach Sunday school. I'm not saying that my music doesn't apply to people in the city. Because I think it does in a big way. But there's something about the country music value system that comes in the most concentrated version around these parts. And, I figure that it only helps me understand myself better as an artist to better understand my audience. Which is the main-street-drivin' midwest.

So, here I am. Still toolin' around town. Inhaling dangerous amounts of wind-blown dirt. Shootin' hoops with the neighbor kids in the driveway. Talking to everybody I know at the grocery story. And letting it all soak in.

So that in a few days I can run back to Nashville and write an honest country song about the honest to God country.

94/365

Ed & Jean Galyon had 6 boys and 1 girl. Those 7 kids had 30-something grandchildren, and those grandchildren had about 15 great-grandchildren. And we are the Galyon's. We are the kind of family where when Grandma says "jump", we say "how high". And when someone is sick, we all show up. And it's also the kind of family that has each other's back. My husband always says that he knows if he ever does me wrong, he'll end up buried in a slab of concrete somewhere. And although that's terribly morbid (and not true)-he knew from day 1 that we are a package deal. Somebody hurts one of our own and we are all in the fight.

I remember back in high school I had to drag one of my boyfriends into the house, he was so afraid to meet my dad. Here's why: Ed & Jean raised a family from the ground up. And then their sons started a company from the ground up in the same way. Not a dime was handed to them. Over the years, bigger corporations and even individual homeowners have even tried to push them around and rip them off. And my dad and uncles quickly learned that if you don't stick up for yourself--no one will. There are stories about the G-Bros pouring a truck load of concrete in the middle of a parking lot and threatening to let it dry in a big mountain that would have required a heavy amount of manpower to remove. That story ended in a CEO flying his private helicopter from Denver, landing at the jobsite, and handing them a check (that hours before he said couldn't be delivered) for the remainder of their work.

There's a story floating around of the guys taking sledgehammers to the siding of a house they had built, but the family was threatening to not pay what they had promised. Once again, that story ended in the money they deserved. The money that paid for their help and families to eat. So you see why maybe a boy would be a little eager to treat me right ;)

So what does this have to do w/ a video of a burning field? Well, apparently whoever owns the field next to my Uncle Phil's house (where we had Easter at), carelessly and dangerously chose to not only burns 80 acres of land on Easter Day, but he came within about 10 inches of blowing all our cars up and about 30 yards of burning down the house. You should have seen my Uncle "confront" him. It was very Galyon-esque. I won't repeat what he said because, well, it's probably PG. All 30 of us ended up in the front yard watching evergreen trees burn to the ground as our cars, hair, and clothes soaked in the sweet aroma of smoke. Ha. About 30 seconds later, Rodney runs out of the house saying "I've heard about this for years. I gotta see this with my own two eyes."

Due to that event and so many other elements, this was easily my favorite Easter. There is a lot to be said for a family who sticks together through thick and thin. And I thank my lucky stars God blessed me with one.

93/365

Easter Eve. And, boy, did we celebrate. Big city-wide Easter egg hunt and a joint b-day party for both my niece and nephew under our belts. (Bonus videos to come soon.) In an effort to get caught up on the coverage of my life, I will just give a run-down of the basics. Easter Egg count--Cooper: 50, Rhyan: 1, Griffin: 3. Money won at the Masonic Lodge--Cooper: $6.50, everyboy else: $0.00. Tears cried while blowing out birthday candles--Rhyan: 1,000, Griffin: 900. Birthday gifts received --Rhyan: 25, Griffin: 25.

It was merely a prelude to the most joyful day on the Christian calendar. And it was a sweet one.

92/365

We took a little daytrip down to Texas to see my in-laws. And Cooper make the trek with us (which was the best decision I've made in awhile.) He told my mother-in-law that he "must be dreaming, because he's never had bbq chicken that good in real life." What a sweetie! He claimed he had never been on a farm. Which, for someone who has lived his whole life in Kansas, is a pretty bizarre statement. Anyway, he was the perfect companion for my mom-in-law. Asking one question after another about farming and tractors and such. It was quite the warm & fuzzy experience :)

91/365

Welcome home. Or so it seems that's what the wind is saying as it screams across this open piece of ground I like to call home. I totally understand why non-Midwesterners despise this part of the country. The wind slaps you in the face, tangles your hair, stings your eyes and throws dirt in circles. It drops twisters out of thin air without any warning. Yet, I keep coming back. Aside from the fact that so many people that I love live here, there's something endearing about the rough nature of the conditions of my state. Tonight my dad, granddad and Rodney all had a conversation about the Dust Bowl days in the kitchen. They had the computers out to confirm their facts and everything. I was listening, thinking about how the people that survived the 30's in Kansas endured treacherous conditions for a long and dreadful period of time. Those people had children. Then those children had children. And those children are me and all my friends. I have to believe that there's a little something special about a group of people who can withstand hard times like that. And i guess I take a little pride in the fact that I grew up in a place where the wind tries to knock you off our feet and the twisters try to take everything you own. Still we manage to stand up tall anyway. It's not all yellow brick roads around here. But, gosh, it sure is something beautiful like that.