“I’m Goin’ to Graceland, Graceland, Memphis Tennessee….......” (Sept. 27 - Oct. 4, 2009)

Pink Palace is the place to be in October!!

    That’s the fine art and craft festival held annually in Memphis. It was my first time for this show and all I can say is that I’ll be back next year if they’ll have me.
One of my best friends from Seattle flew out to help me AND strike off another destination on our bucket list. I met Ray about 5 years ago when I worked for a film studio in Seattle welding. He was my boss and one of the few “leaders” I respected because he was such a hard worker. He would never ask anyone to do something he wouldn’t jump in and do himself….thus, we’re still the best of friends. If you ever get the chance to see the movie Twilight, he is listed in the credits as the “gang boss” for the set.
    When I mentioned that I was heading to Memphis for a show, Ray was all about it, with the stipulation we see…..GRACELAND.  Ray kind of has an “Elvis” look about him so I told him to grow his chops out for the occasion. No can do, too short of notice. To gear up for the trip, Ray watched Elvis movies for a full two weeks before he got on the plane.  He’s such a radical.
    He arrived here in Jackson on the 26th, and the next day he helped me load up the trailer for the show and we were Memphis bound. Our first stop was to partake in a Bottle Tree Party that was held in Midtown at the home of Don and Penni (ooh, can’t tell you the last name). They had ordered a tree from me months earlier, and wanted all their neighbors to help adorn it with unique, colorful bottles that were signed by each with a paint pen. I thought it was a great idea. There is something very special about Bottle Trees and the way they bring people together.
    Penni’s father turned out to be quite the man of the hour. He’s 82 years old and quick with subtle jokes. We called him Mr. P and we ended up spending quite a bit of time with him. Later on that evening, Don took us to Mr. P’s home where he has a vast collection of old cars, trucks and toy locomotives. I’m not talking about a couple of cars here…..this was an 8 bay garage 2 vehicles deep and then some. WHOA!!!  Mr. P’s been collecting most of his life and we were privileged enough to view it. There was so much history seen in each vehicle and he did an excellent job of restoring and maintaining. His face lit up when he was sharing and that was a sight in itself. That’s what I love about my travels, people are allowing me to see many things beyond myself and my own understanding. Like I said before, Bottle Trees have a way of bringing people together and it seems to attract those who are easily apt to put their guard down and live in the moment without any hesitations or judgements.
    We had such a great time, experienced true Southern hospitality and cuisine and made new friends. What more could you ask for. Mission Accomplished…...Ray came to Memphis, he saw, he ate now he’s back in Seattle sharing it with others. Yee Haww!    Highlights….....Stax, Bryant’s for Breakfast, Dikki Do for Zydeco music, GRACELAND, Rendevouz for BarBQ, Beale Street, NOMMA, and hugs from Mr. P. Life DOES NOT get any better than this!!
    And check out the metal quilts made from street signs!!! How cool is that? You can find them at the NOMMA Museum along with an exhibition of Elizabeth Brimm’s metal sculptures of pillows, tiaras, high heels and boudoire lounges all in METAL!! Leave it to the ladies to bring softness into the wonderful world of blacksmithing.  Love It!!  Live it!! And now passing it on…..