Nashville, Day 1
I left from Asheville around 8am. It was a beautiful day for driving- no weather to speak of, just 95 and sunny. The GPS (which I named Agnes) tried to take me a weird way, so I cussed her pretty soundly. Karma's a bitch though. Right after I got onto I-40, she died. No annoying Agnes voice telling me to "bear right in 80 miles." I was terrified. After a frantic call home, my sainted mother instructed me to take trips like people have been taking them for literally hundreds of years: with a map. She was right of course. I did just fine with the help of a fancy, plastic Tennessee map and directions from the nice lady at the gas station. She seemed genuinely concerned for my safety when she told me to be careful driving all that way.
The drive was largely uneventful. Just long. And sweaty. At least I had the good sense to stay hydrated.
Right outside of Nashville, I hit the time change line. So it went from being almost noon to only being 10:40am! That was delightful. Got into the area around 12:30 and met Sammy. We hugged, which I thought was brave of him since I looked like a drowned rat from sweating- the air conditioner in my little car doesn't always do a great job of conditioning the air.
I met the stage hand, Darius, over lunch. He seemed smart and capable to say the least. After that Sammy and I began rehearsing. [This is the part where I DON'T tell you anything about what we did.]
A quick tour of Nashville's various sections brought us through East Nashville, into Brentwood (lots of big, crazy mansions full of famous people- I love you Brad Paisley!!), and downtown. The heat was really something. 114 degrees when we got out of the car. At first, I was really enjoying experiencing the downtown area. Lots to look at, live music spilling out of all the open bar doors, some interesting scents wafting too (some good, some bad). Then the heat began to catch up with me. I began to feel dizzy, so we went for dinner. Mostly to get out of the oven-like street. Sammy suggested a place called Dick's Last Resort where the waitstaff is rude and insulting. It's a pretty funny gimmick, really. As the server was listing off specials and mixed drinks, I started to feel quite ill, so I interrupted her to ask for a pitcher of water. I expected some sort of smart retort, but I must've looked bad because she gave none and obliged quickly.
Once I started to look and feel revived we left, making a beeline for the car.
We were approached by a few homeless-type folks while we were out. According to locals, it's better to ignore than engage them. It was hard for me to do, but the heat was threatening to wilt me again so when the last guy asked us for spare change, I could only manage an almost imperceptible head shake with a mumbled, "sorry." Apparently he found this offensive and began shouting obscenities at us. He even started to follow us in a semi-threatening manner. I was more resentful than fearful of this gesture because it made us have to walk faster. Ultimately though, his heart wasn't in it. Too hot for him too, I suppose. I was just thankful we didn't have to run. I'm not sure my mountain lungs would have stood for it. Sammy said that that had never happened to him before, so I think it was a fluke. Plus, I had my pepper spray. We would have been fine.
Back to rehearsing for another hour or two. Then went to Wal-Mart for a few last-minute cold groceries. For those of you who are interested in my dietary habits, I am eating lots of Greek yogurt, granola, and frozen blueberries. I also brought lots of veggie burgers and hummus (buy 1, get 1 at Bi-Lo!). I am well-stocked in Cliff bars, ramen, tortilla chips, and pop tarts as well. Sammy and I are going to scout out a farmer's market on Saturday.
So, that was my day. If you're still reading, then probably you really care about me. Please know that I care about you too. I'm being careful. I'm drinking lots of water. I'm still in one piece- he won't cut me in half for this show. *wink*
Love and best.
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