Okay, okay, Nashville readers. I know what you're thinking. "Grimey's is NOT a restaurant!" You're right. It's not. But when Grimey's gives you free beer and a good time, it qualifies as a Nashville Nugget.
As an after work treat on Wednesday, I headed out with friends Fuchs and Paige to Grimey's for Gabe Dixon's CD release show. I first fell in love with Gabe Dixon's smooth vocals and enchanting piano riffs back in high school...back in the day when you could still download all his music for free from his website.
Glory be, you can still listen to this new album for free (for now) right here. And you should. Because my ears haven't stopped smiling since Tuesday.
But despite my appreciation for Gabe's music, I have never seen him perform live! Thank goodness times are a-changing, because I saw him this week and will get to see him again when he performs with Ten out of Tenn at Live on the Green in October.
What you need to know about Grimey's is this: it's a Nashville institution that sells new & preloved music. It's is located in a big ol' house on 8th Avenue and has bare brick walls and thousands of CDs, vinyls, DVDs, and more crammed into all its rooms. It's a bit overwhelming and overjoyful when you walk in, since there's so much to look at and listen to. Plus, they host in-store music events all the time, including gems like Gabe. This is a music-lover's heaven.
This being my first time ever to Grimey's, I perused the stacks while waiting for friends to arrive. I found a lot of intriguing CDs and was tempted to buy all the Patty Griffin records I could find. Thank goodness for not having much money, or I wouldn't have been able to resist.
About five minutes before The Man came on "stage" (aka in the small space that was cleared of stacks so he could play), the Grimey's staff announced that they had free beer for everyone. What?! After a long day at work, nothing could be more satisfying.
Gabe Dixon was phenom. It was so exciting to hear this voice I've listened to for almost 8 years finally come to life and be performing right in front of me. And to watch him play piano reinvigorated my love of playing and made me want a piano back in my life right now. However, we were a bit disappointed when Fuchs' friend Alison Krauss didn't join him on stage for their duet to "Even the Rain."
Grimey's is great. Gabe Dixon is great. Go enjoy both right now.
Grimey's is located on 8th north of Wedgewood at 1604 8th Ave South.
Friday, August 26, 2011
Thursday, August 25, 2011
Nashville Nugget No. 11 - The Smiling Elephant
Y'all. College is back in session. What a joyful imposition it is. Joyful, because what's better than hoards of new freshmen from all of our colleges and universities falling in love with Nashville? Imposition because there are a lot of them going to our favorite places, eating our favorite foods, and using our favorite things.
Which has made me a little more angsty than usual. For example, finding a place to eat last weekend was unthinkable. Every place we tried to go, the lines were out the door or the wait was too long. We didn't even consider going to Burger Up after seeing upwards of 50 people outside their door on Friday. Needless to say, by the end of our search we were at our wits' ends and in desperate need of a meal.
That's when friends Jon & Shannon recommended a place called the Smiling Elephant. "It's Thai food!" they exclaimed. Thai food? Is that spicy? Do I like it? Have I had it before?
(I know I'm on a new "I'll try everything put in front of me" kick this year. I know I ate caterpillars, for Pete's sake. But when you combine late hours and a hungry belly, I'm a lot less enthusiastic about new things. I don't want to risk hating it and still being hungry.)
But to the Smiling Elephant we went. Along the way, they tried to pump me up by reminding me that Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban just ate there. I've been trying for FIVE YEARS to see them, but to no avail (yet). This was a good tactic for getting me excited.
As soon as we pulled into their parking lot and spied their quaint establishment, I had a feeling it'd be a good meal. They've converted an older house into a Thailand-inspired abode (not that I've been to Thailand nor eaten Thai food...not that I'm qualified at all to comment on this). We waited for one of their few (by few, I mean maybe eight) tables to open up while chuckling with the host and ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the entrees on display.
I had no idea what to order. No idea. I know that I don't love love curry, despite them being known for it. So I ordered the Gai Jee, which was grilled marinated chicken with veggies and rice, while Shannon ordere the Pad Thai and Jon ordered the special curry dish.
I don't know if it was the late hour (they're open til 10!) and my hungry tummy, or the genuine goodness of this food, but it was delicious!!! We all cleaned our plates and bore smiles on our faces the entire meal. Plus, it was the perfect portion size - filling, but not too much to need a doggy bag - they kept the cold ice water coming all meal long, which are all great things in my book.
It is necessary to mention our hilarious waitress who, despite English not being her first language, was able to make us laugh like crazy with her sarcasm and humor. Perfect addition to a great meal.
They do take-out as well, for you home-loving foodies out there.
So go try it! Especially when you're looking for a place that none of the tourists or college kids will know about.
The Smiling Elephant is located off 8th Avenue nearish to Wedgewood at 2213 8th Ave South.
Which has made me a little more angsty than usual. For example, finding a place to eat last weekend was unthinkable. Every place we tried to go, the lines were out the door or the wait was too long. We didn't even consider going to Burger Up after seeing upwards of 50 people outside their door on Friday. Needless to say, by the end of our search we were at our wits' ends and in desperate need of a meal.
That's when friends Jon & Shannon recommended a place called the Smiling Elephant. "It's Thai food!" they exclaimed. Thai food? Is that spicy? Do I like it? Have I had it before?
(I know I'm on a new "I'll try everything put in front of me" kick this year. I know I ate caterpillars, for Pete's sake. But when you combine late hours and a hungry belly, I'm a lot less enthusiastic about new things. I don't want to risk hating it and still being hungry.)
But to the Smiling Elephant we went. Along the way, they tried to pump me up by reminding me that Nicole Kidman & Keith Urban just ate there. I've been trying for FIVE YEARS to see them, but to no avail (yet). This was a good tactic for getting me excited.
As soon as we pulled into their parking lot and spied their quaint establishment, I had a feeling it'd be a good meal. They've converted an older house into a Thailand-inspired abode (not that I've been to Thailand nor eaten Thai food...not that I'm qualified at all to comment on this). We waited for one of their few (by few, I mean maybe eight) tables to open up while chuckling with the host and ooh-ing and ahh-ing at the entrees on display.
I had no idea what to order. No idea. I know that I don't love love curry, despite them being known for it. So I ordered the Gai Jee, which was grilled marinated chicken with veggies and rice, while Shannon ordere the Pad Thai and Jon ordered the special curry dish.
I don't know if it was the late hour (they're open til 10!) and my hungry tummy, or the genuine goodness of this food, but it was delicious!!! We all cleaned our plates and bore smiles on our faces the entire meal. Plus, it was the perfect portion size - filling, but not too much to need a doggy bag - they kept the cold ice water coming all meal long, which are all great things in my book.
It is necessary to mention our hilarious waitress who, despite English not being her first language, was able to make us laugh like crazy with her sarcasm and humor. Perfect addition to a great meal.
They do take-out as well, for you home-loving foodies out there.
So go try it! Especially when you're looking for a place that none of the tourists or college kids will know about.
The Smiling Elephant is located off 8th Avenue nearish to Wedgewood at 2213 8th Ave South.
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
TIA Tuesday - Update from Namibia
Remember when I wrote about Amy's new classroom a few weeks ago? Well, things are continuing to move along and I've been itching all day to post an update!
Today, after the typical delays and frustrations in Rundu, Amy and the Ministry of Education delivered all the supplies for construction to the school! I am so encouraged and surprised by how quickly things are moving along and am thrilled to be writing this post! However, as I keenly know and am reminded of when I talk to Amy, it's not easy to do something this big in Namibia. So here are some ways you can be praying specifically for it:
- Bricks are supposed to be delivered tomorrow morning - pray that they make it in a complete and timely manner and that the sand that is needed for construction arrives in the next few weeks
- Many community members need to be mobilized to actually make this building a reality. This includes colleagues at school, kids, parents in the community, and the Ministry. Pray that everyone works together and senses the urgency of this need.
- This is a huge and really exciting project because this school so desperately needs a classroom for these kids so they can actually learn well and safely. However, most people have had lukewarm reactions and aren't as excited as Amy hoped for. It's challenging to work as an American in Namibia because your above-and-beyond efforts are often taken for granted and certainly aren't acknowledged with the gusto of people in America. We're so used to being constantly encouraged, thanked, and recognized in America that it's hard to keep up the faith when you have none of that reinforcement. So this is a two-part prayer: pray that the Lord would stir the souls of everyone in the community to be pumped about this project, and pray that Amy continues to find support and joy in what she's doing.
- Pray for safety in construction, efficiency in work, and joy in the doing.
Once the building gets underway, it will take an estimated 20 days to be completed. I'll keep you posted as I hear more from across the pond, but in the meantime, please join me in praying for my dear friend, her school, her learners, and the community.
Needing the body of believers to surround you & encourage you even more when you're thousands of miles away. TIA.
If you ever want to send a note to Amy, send it my way and I'll pass it along. Remember that as my supporters, you're supporting her just as much as it is your provisions that are making this building a reality! Thanks for all you do.
Today, after the typical delays and frustrations in Rundu, Amy and the Ministry of Education delivered all the supplies for construction to the school! I am so encouraged and surprised by how quickly things are moving along and am thrilled to be writing this post! However, as I keenly know and am reminded of when I talk to Amy, it's not easy to do something this big in Namibia. So here are some ways you can be praying specifically for it:
- Bricks are supposed to be delivered tomorrow morning - pray that they make it in a complete and timely manner and that the sand that is needed for construction arrives in the next few weeks
- Many community members need to be mobilized to actually make this building a reality. This includes colleagues at school, kids, parents in the community, and the Ministry. Pray that everyone works together and senses the urgency of this need.
- This is a huge and really exciting project because this school so desperately needs a classroom for these kids so they can actually learn well and safely. However, most people have had lukewarm reactions and aren't as excited as Amy hoped for. It's challenging to work as an American in Namibia because your above-and-beyond efforts are often taken for granted and certainly aren't acknowledged with the gusto of people in America. We're so used to being constantly encouraged, thanked, and recognized in America that it's hard to keep up the faith when you have none of that reinforcement. So this is a two-part prayer: pray that the Lord would stir the souls of everyone in the community to be pumped about this project, and pray that Amy continues to find support and joy in what she's doing.
- Pray for safety in construction, efficiency in work, and joy in the doing.
Once the building gets underway, it will take an estimated 20 days to be completed. I'll keep you posted as I hear more from across the pond, but in the meantime, please join me in praying for my dear friend, her school, her learners, and the community.
Needing the body of believers to surround you & encourage you even more when you're thousands of miles away. TIA.
If you ever want to send a note to Amy, send it my way and I'll pass it along. Remember that as my supporters, you're supporting her just as much as it is your provisions that are making this building a reality! Thanks for all you do.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Nashville Nugget No. 10 - Fox's Donut Den
Back story: I enjoy a good donut. I’m by no means a connoisseur. I do not frequent Dunkin’ Donuts every week. I’ve never bought a box of donuts at the grocery store. But truth be told, I did have weekly coffee dates at Krispy Kreme last fall (close proximity to work, not a love for K^2). And I did spend my entire first spring break of college gallivanting around NYC in search of the elusive Chocolate Cream Dunkin’ Donut.
So, when faithful blog reader Jon suggested a late, late night trip to Nashville’s Donut Den, I couldn’t resist. After all, we share an intense love for the aforementioned Chocolate Cream Donut. He wove tales about this particular Donut Den donut that was an unimaginable combination of donuts and cinnamon rolls and chocolate with butterflies on top.
Butterflies? What about unicorns? I questioned his sanity, too.
But Praise the Sweet Lord who knows donuts are best enjoyed at obscure hours of the night with good friends. Just before midnight, we ventured to Green Hills for my first ever Donut Den experience.
Spirits were high as we waltzed in announcing that it was my first time at the Donut Den. The guy at the counter may have been taken aback by this crazy girl bursting into his establishment late at night, but he stood his ground as I ooh-ed and ahh-ed at what donuts were remaining at the end of the day. Suddenly, I heard a gasp from Jon and friend Niki at the other end of the counter as they spotted one remaining Butterflies & Unicorns Cinnamon Rolls Chocolate Donut Creation (not its actual name, obviously…or maybe it is?). Only one, but thankfully it’s huge and Jon was feeling generous enough to share.
This donut was amazing. I’ve never tasted anything like it, and frankly I don’t even know how to describe it, nor do I know its name, although I think the guys working there recognize it if you ask for the Butterfly Donut. There wasn't even a butterfly on it...but maybe there normally is? We also had a maple donut, classic glazed, a delicious chocolate glazed cake with chocolate frosting and sprinkles, and a few others that went into our bellies too quickly to remember. Y’all, their chocolate frosting can’t be beat.
Eight donuts and three full bellies later, we waddled out of the Donut Den. I don’t know about the other two, but after placing my precious remaining donuts in the fridge for breakfast later that week, I plopped into bed and slept happily.
Full bellies. Happy hearts. Nothing better.
Fox's Donut Den is located near Green Hills at 3900 Hillsboro Road and is open from 5 or 6 in the morning until midnight every day!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
TIA Tuesday
Can I be lazy this week, please?
Instead of writing my own TIAs, I wanted to refer you to two friends' posts that are so Africa. So enjoy this post from Tanya about rural village fashion in Namibia and this post from Amy about the insanity of visiting the capitol city after living in the bush. Love these fellow WTers dearly and hope you find humor in their posts...and join me in praying for them, too!
Being "too busy" in America to write TIA Tuesday. TIA.
Instead of writing my own TIAs, I wanted to refer you to two friends' posts that are so Africa. So enjoy this post from Tanya about rural village fashion in Namibia and this post from Amy about the insanity of visiting the capitol city after living in the bush. Love these fellow WTers dearly and hope you find humor in their posts...and join me in praying for them, too!
Being "too busy" in America to write TIA Tuesday. TIA.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Because He So Loves Us
Today, I almost fell out of my chair upon reading some scripture with which I thought I was so familiar. Y'all, the Gospel is so alive and continues to speak new truth into our lives every day. Whoa.
It's the story of Lazarus in John 11 - you know, the one where Jesus brings Lazarus back from the dead? One of the most comforting verses over the last few years has been verse 35: "Jesus wept." The greatness of Jesus' love for Lazarus and the depth of His emotion is moving. So often we make Jesus untouchable; He seems to perfect to be true or relatable. But He is real and felt the gamut of human emotion - even the painful stuff.
Verse 35 is great, but have you read earlier in that chapter? After Martha told Jesus that Lazarus was sick, the scripture says: "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two more days."
He knew there was pain. He knew Lazarus was dying. He knew this hurt Mary & Martha's hearts. He waited two days to do anything about it.
My morning devotional comments on this by saying:
It goes on to say:
One of my favorite Andrew Peterson lyrics is, "it's the fear that His love is no better than mine." How often I think that Jesus' love is the same as mine - and how wrong I am.
I'm comforted to read that Jesus patiently waited for the right time to heal Lazarus - the one He so loved - even if it's two uncomfortable days longer than I would have asked for.
I don't understand it - this great love that He has that allows for great pain - but faith doesn't mean understanding everything. Today, it means trusting Jesus' sovereignty and resting in His infinite love, knowing that it is greater than anything we can comprehend. His love for me is the foundation of how He deals with me, after all. There can't be anything better.
It's the story of Lazarus in John 11 - you know, the one where Jesus brings Lazarus back from the dead? One of the most comforting verses over the last few years has been verse 35: "Jesus wept." The greatness of Jesus' love for Lazarus and the depth of His emotion is moving. So often we make Jesus untouchable; He seems to perfect to be true or relatable. But He is real and felt the gamut of human emotion - even the painful stuff.
Verse 35 is great, but have you read earlier in that chapter? After Martha told Jesus that Lazarus was sick, the scripture says: "Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. So when He heard that Lazarus was sick, He stayed where He was two more days."
He knew there was pain. He knew Lazarus was dying. He knew this hurt Mary & Martha's hearts. He waited two days to do anything about it.
My morning devotional comments on this by saying:
It is as if God were teaching us that at the very heart and foundation of all His dealings with us, no matter how dark and mysterious they may be, we must dare to believe in and affirm His infinite, unmerited, and unchanging love.I feel jarred by this. If Jesus so loved Lazarus, why didn't he run to save him as soon as he heard about his impending death? My human instinct tells me to dash immediately to those I love when they are sick or in pain. I wouldn't hesitate for a second! Why does Jesus?
It goes on to say:
Anything less than infinite love would have rushed instantly to the relief of those beloved and troubled hearts...Only the power of divine love could have held back the spontaneity of the Savior's tenderheartedness until the angel of pain had finished his work.How human is my love. My mortal soul still cringes at the truth that the Lord allows pain to work in our lives; that choosing to love Jesus inevitably means pain and challenges and obstacles. I want the One who loves us most to prevent pain. Doesn't that seem much more reasonable? How can I comprehend His infinite love when it's so different from mine?
One of my favorite Andrew Peterson lyrics is, "it's the fear that His love is no better than mine." How often I think that Jesus' love is the same as mine - and how wrong I am.
I'm comforted to read that Jesus patiently waited for the right time to heal Lazarus - the one He so loved - even if it's two uncomfortable days longer than I would have asked for.
I don't understand it - this great love that He has that allows for great pain - but faith doesn't mean understanding everything. Today, it means trusting Jesus' sovereignty and resting in His infinite love, knowing that it is greater than anything we can comprehend. His love for me is the foundation of how He deals with me, after all. There can't be anything better.
Sunday, August 14, 2011
My Best Friend's Wedding
Mandy Muehlbauer & Greg Friend got MARRIED exactly eight days ago! It's shameful that it's taken me eight days to write this post, but where do I even begin?
Mandy is my longest & closest friend. Not many people can say they've known anyone other than their parents their whole life, but I can. We have been friends since Day 1...well, my Day 34, when she was born. Strangely enough, there are no photos of us as friends when we were little, but we're told this is the truth. We were the last ones to be potty trained out of our playgroup and all the other moms thought we were going to be stupid, but we sure showed them by going to Northwestern and Vanderbilt - hah! You don't need to be diaper-less to be smart.
Mandy, her sister Carrie, and her mom Edie are the closest thing to me besides my own family. They practically are my family, and I certainly consider Mandy and Carrie my sisters.
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| Mandy, Edie, and Carrie - all dolled up for the Big Day |
And now she's a married woman! Whoa! Greg sure is one lucky guy and we're all grateful he's in Mandy's life. They've been dating for nearly seven years - since junior year of high school. He is such a deep part of Mandy's soul and such a great person to have in our lives, even if he's a little competitive at our annual gingerbread house competition.
I was so fortunate to be able to go home to Chicago for nearly a week to celebrate their wedding. (Side Note: had I still lived in Namibia, it would have taken me three days of hitchhiking & plane-riding to make it to this wedding. And I would have been dealing with some pretty harsh culture shock and jetlag. Let's all pause for a minute and say "hallelujah" for me being in the States for this!)
If you asked Mandy on Friday morning to express how excited she was, she would have looked like this:
This girl was PUMPED about marriage and could not stop talking. Literally. You couldn't get a word in edgewise.
Their wedding & reception took place at beautiful Independence Grove located north of Chicago. We had a hot, hot, hot rehearsal on Friday evening, but were all amazed at the beauty of this location.
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| The bridesmaids with bouquets made from all the bows & ribbons from the shower gifts |
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| The Proposal Rock |
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| The Rehearsal Rock |
The Big Day was Saturday, August 6, 2011. It involved a day of getting ready, giggling about marriage, the Big Event itself, and a reception and epic dance party that lasted well past midnight.
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| There's a wedding dress in the Matrix! |
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| The Hair |
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| The Bridesmaids (sister, sister-in-law, childhood friends, rugby/college friends) |
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| BFF |
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| The Dress |
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| The Bridesmaids' Shoes & Flowers |
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| The Wedding |
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| Mr. & Mrs. Friend!!! |
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| Love them. |
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| The First Dance |
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| Check out their kicks! |
PS - an update, since I know you must be asking yourself, " what about the shoes?!" They turned out to be fine for walking...but awful for standing in during the ceremony! Oh well. The price women pay for cute feet, I guess.
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