whole lotta shakin' goin' on

I'm a few weeks late w/resolutions, but I like to think of it as being choice at picking just the right one. Among the list, the one I've selected that effects you would be my commitment to blog 3 times a week. I'm partnering w/the genius BQ to re-lauch the entire blog so look for special things to come. In the meantime I have a major confession to make...I'm in love. With Tennessee. Moreover, this could be a mega love triangle between me, Memphis and Nashville. I'm aware this is kind of ironic since ex-Tennessee football head coach Lane Kiffin just left this great state to go be the new leader of my Trojans, but that has little to do with my sudden affair. This courtship has been going on for quite sometime and I can't believe I didn't see the signs sooner.

I think it all began when I nominated myself to plan my high school senior spring break to Gulf Shores, Alabama. Since I was the one doing most of the planning, I took it upon myself to break-up the long trip into 2 parts: pre-Graceland and post-Graceland. Although I was fully aware this was roughly 8 hours out of our way it was the 1st time I knew I had a crush on Tennessee. At the time I might have passed it off as a crush on young Elvis and the pool at our hotel across from Graceland that was shaped like a guitar. Either way, I knew it was special. Even spending about 3 hours in 2 days in the Memphis airport has me longing to break out and explore Beale street or purchase a $75 lavender, rhinestone encrusted Elvis plate at the very least.

Nashville on the other hand is a place I visited the 1st time later that year, and for several years following, for mid-season early summer Indy car races. Looking back, there were a lot of my favourtie memories of Indy car racing in that town. For starters it would always be the scene of early summer revelries with undisclosed people. The nights were as mystical as something Johnny Cash himself would sing about. The days were hot and sticky and spent keeping busy exploring locale shops, Vanderbilt University scene and longing to visit Dollywood.

There isn't one memory that can't be narrated by a song in these towns and they have become quiet a significant play list in my life. Both cities carry a sexy mystery and buzz in the air. When you are in either city it is as though you are living adventures in another time, pre-stresses of the day-to-day and as care free as a 7 year old in a candy store.

Like most newly discovered loves, despite the decade long courtship, maybe the newness is what is so mezmerizing about Tennessee. The longing to escape reality and go down a new path of comfort and explore every detail these cities, so rich with sacred history, have to offer is part of the seduction. Some people are looking for the perfect partner, but for me, I'm content with having perfect places like Tennessee that I can rely on to put a smile on my face.