Free Spirit: January 2012

It is hard to believe that almost a month has gone by and we are already starting to pack up our stuff and getting ready to go back on our cross-country journey. It is, once again, a bittersweet moment in our lives. Lulu and I are completely humbled by the over flow of support and turnout at all of our events and there are no words to describe the hospitality that we have received from our host venues. Once again, we part way with some fond memories. It was one of our better Christmas and New Year seasons ever.

As much as we enjoy entertaining our Florida fans, we also enjoy traveling in our fifth-wheel RV. We look forward to returning to our journey and meeting new people and seeing some wonderful sites in our beautiful country. You can tell from our blog that we have had some great adventures and experiences and we really have no set schedule. Our plans change often and we are always open to new ideas and trips. So, our current destination of the Grand Canyon for April can change in an instant.

Looking back at this past month, we sincerely enjoyed the company of our friends at all events. We met some new friends at new venues such as Hacienda Village in New Port Richey, The St. Petersburg Elks Lodge, and Portofino’s Restaurant in Clearwater. We had never performed at these locations, and we never know what to expect when we do a new establishment. Mostly because we are not sure of what the people are expecting. There have been some tense moments, in the past, when the crowd expected a more laid back and slower paced entertainment. Instead, they got the high energy that Lulu has to offer. You should have seen the look on their faces, as well as ours. Some people just do not want to have an upbeat evening, and we are not capable of easing back.

Fortunately, this was not the case with these last locations. Everyone had a great time, and we got some great feedback and comments from the owners and the crowd. We were invited back again and we know that we could have picked up more steady clients, had we chosen to stick around town. It is flattering to know that we have made such an impression. And then, there were our gigs at venues that we were regulars at. Classy Jac’s at The Ramada Inn, Tahitian Gardens Resort, Heritage Springs and The Wellingtons will always have a special place in our hearts. It was unbelievable to see that our friends have not forgotten about us. The full-houses, standing room only turn-out said it all. Everyone was there to let us know that we were missed.

I keep saying we, when I should be referring to Lulu. She is the entertainer and SHE IS the show, and without her, we would not have a show to put on. I would not be doing this if it were not for Lulu and I have never seen any other entertainer that is quite like her. She is the most talented singer I have ever seen. When I say we, it is because we are a team. Without each other, we would not have such a successful production. Lulu works very hard, not only on the stage, but also, behind the scenes. She too gets her hands dirty by helping me with the stage set up and carrying the equipment around. My responsibilities are more behind the scenes and include the technical aspect of the sound and music as well as taking care of the business side of our show, which includes the marketing and booking. We work hand in hand, sometimes literally. And, I wouldn’t have it any other way, and with no one else but with Lulu. It does make things easier when the entertainer is actually entertaining, as well as someone you get along with.

I must say that we have been blessed. I could not have asked for anything more. We have a wonderful, peaceful lifestyle, with no drama, good health and we are somewhat financially stable. It is not to say that we are rich or do not have things to worry about. We have enough to get by and we let God handle those things we get caught up with worrying. And, for now, even though we are not in tip-top shape, we are not sick to the point that we cannot be physically active. We try to stay healthy with daily exercises and eating the right foods. Most important, we practice our Christian faith, by praying together daily, reading our bible and attending a church service weekly, wherever we are. We also practice what we learn at church and always try to set an example to everyone we meet.

In a few short days, we will be wrapping up our Florida gigs, packing up our bags, packing up our equipment and driving back to the Gulf Shores of Alabama where we will be staying for another month. We have one gig lined up at the Magnolia Springs RV Hideaway and maybe pick up another one or two in the area. We will continue west in to Texas and then we will decide where to go from there. Who could ask for anything better?

We can’t wait to see what the good Lord has in store for us down the line. I know that He has some great experiences lined up for us as well as some great people to place in our lives. I believe that God has made it possible for not only other people to make an impact on our lives, but for us to touch the hearts of other people around the country. And, we will have plenty more stories and pictures to share with our friends and family. So, stay tuned. Don’t touch that dial.