My husband, Robert, has an eclectic taste in music: from Mongolian throat singing, sea shanties, and bard core. A few years ago, he discovered the UK band, The Longest John’s, after their rendition of the classic sea shanty song, “The Wellerman” captured millions of views.
Robert even joined their Wellerman community project, recording himself singing the song and submitting his video to the band. The project attracted 6,500 fan-participation, so we didn’t spot his cameo in the video.
After discovering they were embarking on a North American tour, we booked tickets for their Nashville concert. This past May, we drove to the country music capital to catch the band.
The venue set the tone for the concert. A bowling alley is about fifty feet from the stage, so you can bowl and enjoy the concert. The standing-room-only floor is flush against the raised stage, so we were about ten feet away. Yes, definitely an intimate setting, but ideal for the communal feel of sea shanties.
Then there were the fans. Some donned full pirate regalia from tricorn hat, white puffed shirt, vest, trousers, and boots, and women in buccaneer dresses. Was I at Comic Con?
When The Longest John’s came onstage with the Spongebob SquarePants theme song playing in the background, I was prepared for their entertaining performance even though they announced their band member, Robbie, was stuck in the UK due to VISA issues. But he suddenly appeared from the balcony donning an eagle costume with the American flag cape. Cool thing, Robbie got the problem cleared in time to catch the Nashville show.
For two hours, they belted tunes, cracked jokes, and encouraged audience participation. Felt like we were on a pirate ship sailing on the Atlantic and singing sea shanties.
However, my ultimate moment of joy was seeing my husband’s face light up as he sang along to every tune. To top off the evening, he caught a baguette the band threw into the audience (which he shared with fellow attendees). By the end of the night, his voice was hoarse but his smile still radiated.
We couldn’t be in Nashville without catching other sites. We explored the Tennessee State Museum, offering a fascinating dive into the region’s natural history, political milestones, and the Civil War. I discovered Tennessee came second to Virginia for hosting the most Civil War battles (including in Nashville).
We also observed the World War II Memorial adorned with a rotating globe and vertical pylons that celebrated virtues like Victory, Valor, and Resolve. One story that particularly moved me was Cornelia Fort, a Nashville native and WWII pilot. I didn’t realize women served as flight instructors in the Air Force during that time. She made history because she witnessed the Pearl Harbor attack firsthand while instructing new pilots. (Sadly, she died in an aerial training accident in 1943.)
Another highlight was the culinary adventure at Limo’s, a new Peruvian restaurant, where we savored one of the best meals I’ve had recently. Robert and I indulged in tropical ceviche and Peruvian paella. If you’re in Nashville, I highly recommend checking Limo’s out!
The next afternoon, we enjoyed lunch at a buddy of Robert’s. Since Robert had shared about this friend many times, I appreciated getting acquainted with him and his family. His wife’s from Brazil, so she made us Brazilian goulash. Very tasty!
Then we drove two hours to stay with my sister and brother-in-law in Paducah, KY. We ate a savory meal at the Freight House, (the chef was a runner-up on Top Chef twice), then admired the floodwall murals along the river. Each mural depicted a time in the city’s history. Visiting family was the best way to conclude the short trip.
Writing Corner
Celine Monroe is my protagonist in my WIP, Love at the Mayo. She had a few cameos in Christmas at Sonshine Barn and she’s also featured in the short story, “Rescue in Amalfi”.
She fits the Father-Daughter archetype, making her an interesting contrast to Garrett Bettencourt. Some of her traits are:
- Makes alliances with assertive men who’ll aid her to reach her business goals.
- Orderly and organized, excellent at running her own business.
- Tends to micromanage, especially completing tasks delegated to her team. Nor does it help that she outworks most people, motivating her to do things herself late into the night.
While these qualities help her in business, she tends to sacrifice authentic connections in her obsession to reach her lofty career goals. But when she sees Garrett Bettencourt, she’s drawn to him even though he’s more rugged, artistic, and placid compared to her ex. Can she tame her ambition enough to make space for love?
I’m excited to share this story by this fall, hopefully. Until then, it’s at the editor’s for line by line editing. I want to provide a pre-sale link, but I’m waiting on The Mayo Hotel to approve using their name on the book cover. I submitted the manuscript to their legal team, so please pray they’ll approve it soon.
Books are at my local bookstore!
Last Friday, my fellow author friend Karen Grunst and I dropped off our books at Rivendell Books and Baubles. If you live in Tulsa, stop by the locally-owned bookstore and buy a copy. (They’re placed in the local authors section.) I’m anticipating having a book table during their “Christmas in July” event.
By the way, if you enjoy the inspirational fantasy genre, read Karen’s books, Sacred Fire and The Fourth Scroll, from her Sacred Fire Saga. She weaves a world full of supernatural powers, prophesies, mysterious scrolls, and intriguing characters.
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Love photo courtesy of InChristAlone at Unsplash.
Pirate ship photo courtesy of Port Sundries from Pixabay