Those of you who know me, know I am a lover of country music. It started as a child listening to Alabama and the Eagles with my Dad and continues till this day. Many things I used to enjoy prior to Ben’s death I don’t anymore. But thankfully country music has remained.

A couple weeks ago Jeff took me to see Blake Shelton at Key Arena. It was so kind of him, seeing as how I am in love with Blake. If you aren’t familiar with Blake Shelton’s music, you may know him as a judge on the Voice. He is funny, charming, and handsome (now that the mullet is gone) – but perhaps most media attention is given to the fact that he is married to Miranda Lambert – another country star. My infatuation with Tim and Faith awhile back was similar – but they were like Barbie dolls that you wanted to mostly look at. Blake and Miranda strike me as people I would want to be friends with – to hang at the cabin with. And I am pretty sure Miranda could take care of our current raccoon problem there – as she clearly knows how to use a gun (this is where I depart from many of my country favs).

Miranda and Blake co-wrote a song recently called “Over You”. It is on her album Four the Record. It was written in honor of Blake’s brother Richie, who died in a car accident when Blake was fourteen. Blake chose not to put it on his album, as he didn’t feel he could sing it every night in concert – but was honored when Miranda put it on hers. Many of the lyrics seem as if they were written for me (the gift of songwriters) and some not as much. But it is an incredibly powerful song.

Her video for “Over You” came out this month and I have to say I was blown away. Even as a fan, I didn’t think it was possible for a country music video to reduce me to tears. But that it did. I don’t know if it is the snow, the two boys, the younger one looking for his brother, or the beautiful horse that visualizes the ebbs and flows of grief and a longing spirit so brilliantly – but something in this video is right on. It is a visual walk through the mind of someone who is grieving. Now if only I looked as gorgeous as her on my own journey of loss – vintage and all. Oh well. Yoga pants will have to do. Kuddos to director Trey Fanjoy for creating such a piece.

“Over You”
(scroll down for video – best watched in full screen!)

Last Saturday Jeff and I had the privilege of attending and speaking at the “Love, Give, Cure” Luncheon hosted by our new friend Nancy. Nancy had a vision last fall of hosting a beautiful spring luncheon in this gorgeous barn on Whidbey Island. Though spring has yet to arrive here in Seattle, you wouldn’t have known it inside Greenbank Farm.

Surrounded by gorgeous flowers and beautiful music, about a hundred people gathered to enjoy a lovely lunch and auction. Each place setting had its own unique china! Its purpose was to raise funds and awareness for Ben Towne Foundation and we were honored to her charity of choice.

We continue to be amazed at the ways in which people are willing to dream big with us – creating their own unique fundraisers and events. Thank you so much Nancy for your incredible vision and generosity. From growing 400 tulips yourself, to creating a delicious menu, to gathering items for auction, to enlisting an incredible team to serve everyone – it was truly an amazing undertaking. Thank you to everyone who attended, volunteered and gave so generously. 100% of your contribution goes directly to fund cutting edge research at the Ben Towne Center for Childhood Cancer Research.

Two beautiful girls celebrated their birthdays recently and chose to use their special days as a way to honor Ben Towne Foundation. Meet Emily and Kelly…

Emily’s 6th Birthday – Seattle, WA

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