I have now suffered the first earache of my life. As a generally healthy child I somehow managed to avoid this awful infirmity. But now that I have experienced it, I understand why babies scream their heads off. I wanted to drive a screwdriver into my brain through my ear to release the pressure and pain. Ick! Let’s hope I never have to relive this particular injury again!
There are plenty of things that are probably normal, but I freak out about, thinking I’m the only one who does it. Like my fear of death. I am terrified of dying. Not necessarily of dying a certain way, like in a fire, drowning, being buried alive. I mean, all those things are terrible, and I am claustrophobic enough for them to be scary.
No. As a faithful person, I believe in eternity. And that is what scares me. Forever is a seriously long time. And since I know that when I (hopefully) get to Heaven, my life as I know it will end, and my eternal life will be something completely different.
But apparently I won’t know the people I know on earth. I won’t remember anything from my previous existence. And that is really horrifying to me.
What if I don’t fulfill my purpose? What if I don’t live to do all the amazing things I want to accomplish?
And then I won’t even know if I did or not?
Doesn’t that seem a really crazy thing to be worried about?
Still, just the thought of my life ending sooner rather than later is enough to give me a panic attack.
Another thing that I have been fearful of for several years has been the approach of my 31st birthday. I have less than a month.
Last year was really rough. I didn’t want to celebrate an amazing milestone because of fear. And I even came up with this crazy “30 Things to Do While I’m 30” bucket list. Why?
Because my mother was diagnosed with acute promyelocytic leukemia on her 31st birthday.
Because her grandmother had leukemia and died from it.
My own mother was treated for three months at Vanderbilt Medical Center, and she is fine. She went through remission, and is considered cured. I mean, she is still living into her 50s.
For some reason I am convinced that if I were to be diagnosed, I will not survive.
My mother assured me recently, even after reminding me that I will likely have a better 31st birthday than she had, that I will likely NOT get leukemia as it typically skips a generation. Yet I remain unconvinced.
How can I plan to have children and build a life with my husband knowing that I may be leaving this world and all my responsibilities to them?
It’s unfortunately something I think about, and worry about.
On a positive note, I do believe in the power of prayer, so I think I’ll lift up a few right now.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 29, 2014
CONTACT
Samantha E. Donaldson
615.293.1755
Samantha@sedonaldson.com
Uncle Dave Macon Days award winners, new festival features shared with media at press conference
MURFREESBORO, Tennessee — Today representatives of Uncle Dave Macon Days presented by Beaman Automotive Group and RAM Trucks announced the festival’s 2014 Trailblazer and Heritage Award winners at a press conference held at the Rutherford County Chamber of Commerce.
Grammy-nominated, three-time IBMA Entertainer of the Year, Dailey & Vincent were named as the Heritage Award winner for their efforts to preserve the styles of old-time music. Awardees are recognized Saturday night of the festival and act as the Grand Marshal for the motorless parade the Saturday morning.
“We’re honored and humbled to be recognized for an American art form we both grew up loving and respecting. I feel unworthy of such an award as this; it’s a passion for the music that comes natural from my heart and soul,” said Darrin Vincent of Dailey & Vincent. “I’m proud to be a small part of promoting and educating new people the world round, and am very appreciative of your kindness you’re showing to Dailey & Vincent.”
Leroy Troy, Roland White, and The Tennessee Mafia Jug Band were collectively announced as the Trailblazer Award winner for this year’s festival. The Trailblazer Award recognizes artists for their contributions to old-time music through preservation and performance.
More than 25,000 people attended the festival in 2013, and Uncle Dave Macon Days organizers are looking to increase that number with new features at the 2014 event.
“Running the festival has become more like a business; it has become a corporation in some sense, but the balance of all that, in working out each detail, is remembering that you don’t have to be a star to be famous. That’s what Uncle Dave Macon Days is about. Everybody’s contribution matters,” said Gloria Christy, president of Uncle Dave Macon Days.
The Mathilda Macon Folks Art Village, named for Uncle Dave’s wife, was a new feature from 2013. This year the arts and crafts village will be adding more demonstrations and hands-on activities for children.
“Kids will be able to assemble a bird house with the woodworking association, or they can make a clay pot,” said Teresa Owen, vendor director for Arts and Crafts and Food for the festival.
In addition to the new children’s activities, Friday will be the last day of the Macon Music Education day camp, and campers will be attending the festival from 10 a.m. to noon.
“Friday is all about kids. We’ll be starting the competitions with the beginning instrumental and continue with the junior championships for buckdancing and clogging,” Christy said. “Kids will get to watch kids performing old-time stuff, and kids will perform for other kids in the audience.”
New festival gate times were also shared at the press conference. Gates will open at 8 a.m. Friday with the festival beginning at 10 a.m. Gates will open at 8 a.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. Sunday, with festival activities starting one hour later.
Sunday will also have extended hours, with activities from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We will have an extended and enhanced Sunday with big name acts and a new antique car show,” Christy said.
Also new for 2014 will be the addition of food trucks representing the Nashville Food Truck Association, who will be selling meals and snacks along side the returning food vendors.
Christy announced RAM Trucks as the first national sponsor of the festival. RAM will join other returning sponsor, including, Beaman Automotive, Wilson Bank & Trust, Murfreesboro Parks & Recreation, Ole South Properties, Shacklett’s Photography, Ready Set Rutherford and Barker & Christol Advertising.
For more information, please contact Samantha E. Donaldson, publicity coordinator, by email at Samantha@sedonaldson.com or by phone at 615.293.1755; you can also contact Gloria Christy, president Uncle Dave Macon Days, by phone at 615.893.2369.
Additional information and future announcements can be found at the festival’s website at UncleDaveMaconDays.com and the festival’s Facebook page.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT
Samantha E. Donaldson 615.293.1755
April 24, 2014
MEDIA ADVISORY
Uncle Dave Macon Days award winners, festival changes announced at upcoming press conference
MURFREESBORO, Tennessee — The annual Uncle Dave Macon Days press conference will be held from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. Tuesday, April 29, 2014 at Cannonsburgh Historic Village. Members of the media are invited to attend the announcement of the festival’s Heritage and Trailblazer award winners and new changes for the 2014 event.
WHO: Address by Gloria Christy, president of Uncle Dave Macon Days;
music provided by bluegrass band Dailey and Vincent, Leroy Troy and the Tennessee Mafia, Rob Pearcy and the Slim Chance Band, others.
WHEN: Band jam session begins at 1 p.m. with announcements to follow.
WHERE: Cannonsburgh Historic Village, 312 S. Front St., Murfreesboro, TN 37130
WHAT TO KNOW: A Q&A session will be held at the end of the conference, as well as times for individual interviews. Photos of the Heritage and Trailblazer award winners will be available.
CONTACT: Samantha E. Donaldson, 615.293.1755, samantha@sedonaldson.com;
Gloria Christy, president Uncle Dave Macon Days, 615. 893.2369.
For more information and future announcements, please visit the Uncle Dave Macon Days website at uncledavemacondays.com and the festival’s Facebook page.
Why is it…
…that I am terrible remembering names — but good with faces — especially when it comes to pets? I know all my neighbors’ dogs’ names, but only a few of the owners’, even though I’m friendly and speak with them often.
And for that matter, why should I remember the remotest fact about a person I met once, yet I can’t remember when or where that I met them? I can recall what they were wearing, what they said about their cousin’s new car, or who they were roommates with but can’t remember if they were in class with me, marched in band with me, or were in some random conversation at a rare party I was convinced to attend.
Some things make you go, “Hmmm.”
Recent Comments