Amy's Blog

The next chapter

All things come to an end...even when you don't want them to.
At 8:00 tonight I felt like I should be heading back on stage to revel in just one more night of the old songs, but instead I am preparing for tomorrow's second grade field trip to the zoo.
A great way to spend the morning of my 48th birthday if you ask me.
As we all head into the Thanksgiving weekend, I hope we take time to breathe deeply...to look our loved ones in the face and acknowledge our gratitude...and Then reach beyond our circle of familiarity to fill the plate of someone in need.
Sweet dreams.

Two Shows To Go....

Today is a sunny day in New Jersey.

Our tour bus rolled into town about 2:30 this morning and we all made our drowsy trek into the hotel for some good sleep.

I've spent the day doing interviews for Vince's and my upcoming Christmas tour.

These days on the road are so unique....nothing like home.

As energizing as this musical experience has been....as precious as reconnecting with all of these old friends continues to be....I'm sure missing my family.

Next week I'll be back to the regular routine of a 6:15 alarm...waking up next to Vince...involved in the daily happenings of the kids... planning Thanksgiving dinner...catching up with friends and family.

That all sounds fabulous to me right now.

But for now, I am looking forward to the last two shows of a tour that has been my favorite musical experience in a long long time.

Thank you to all of you who have made the effort to join me on this walk down memory lane.

Haven't we had fun!

Hello From Vegas

Last night MWS and I taped a holiday skating special here in Las Vegas.

And No, we were not the ones on the ice.

Tomorrow I fly to Houston to resume the Lead Me On reunion tour.

Today is a day of rest

Sure need it after this lst week.

Vince and I had our rehearsals for the xmas tour..

and on a totally different note, I hosted the first annual Amy Grant and Friends Yard Sale on the Lipscomb University campus in the shadow of the Burton Building,( named for my great grandparents).

The sale was a fundraiser for a good friend of mine's son who has CP.

What I enjoyed the most about the day was the amazing spirit of giving that permeated that lawn.

We raised a lot of money, thanks to all of the volunteers, and all of the "free and clear" donations of trash and treasures that people gave us to sell.

In particular, my husband finally parted with several of his golf bags....a tough choice for a pack rat.

Ralph Emery, the legendary broadcaster (in the Country Music Hall of Fame) brought by  several autographed books and a jacket....and Wynonna donated some gems from her closet.

Thank you Thank you to all who participated in the event.

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An old friend

Last night I saw a dear friend at the concert in ...where was I last night?
Obviously, I have not had my first cup of coffee.
I met this man in the summer of 1978.
I had just graduated from high school and was on a work trip with my mom to promote my first record.
When our flight landed in los Angeles, we were met by Cy Jackson.
Over the years we have stayed in touch. I don't believe one major event in my life has occurred, whether the birth of a child, a birthday, a wedding, a new work opportunity, without receiving a note in the mail from Cy.
"I'm praying for you" and "God bless you" always being part of the message.
Cy turned 94 at the end of August.
And he is still the witty, charming, encouraging man I have known since I was a kid. AND he's still dipping and swaying.
Now that's my kind of guy.

Irvine, California

You know that saying "you're only as good as the company you keep"?
Well, last night at the Mariner's Church felt like old home week.
What a great feeling community...fabulous facility...and by far the most exuberant crowd I have sung to in a long time.
Watching people shed the years and remember the vibrancy and passion of a younger version of themselves is the only way I can describe the view from my vantage point.
It's beautiful.
Thankyou to all who are making this musical journey with us.
Looking back and remembering the best parts of our younger selves, less road weary and jaded, just might give us fresh inspiration for the next stage of life...which I believe, is the most important chapter yet .
Today I am in Bakersfield.
The show is benefitting a local hospital...in particular, a new burn unit.
Now that's a great combination.
Music and a great cause.
I'm off to take a quick nap before sound check.
Sleep has been the elusive component of the last few days...
Guess it's just adrenaline.
Running on fumes. Now that IS like the old days. Ha!

Great night...

I don't think anyone had more fun than we did on stage!!!!
Sweet dreams.
I hope I sleep 12 hours...fat chance.

New Record

I think the next record is written.
Hopefully will be in the studio by mid January.
Sure would be nice to try out some of the new material at the end of some of these concerts,,,guess I'll just see how each night feels.
Suitcase is almost packed.
There's a lot of music in this world.
Every night the clubs and concert halls in this town are filled with musicians.
Probably that way in every town.
Well, here comes one more hopeful songwriter.

Last weekend

In typical hyper-focus mode, I have only been reporting on the upcoming tour, when in fact, so many great things have been going on.
This past weekend I got to play an outdoor show in Augusta, Georgia (where I was born) benefitting a new Miracle League baseball field that will be part of the YMCA there.
We were also trying to break the Guinness World Book record for largest picnic.
I don't know if we accomplish it, but we all had a great time trying.
Check out the Miracle League Field in Augusta.
You'll me glad you did.
Later that evening, a couple thousand people ...including that Nashville symphony and the 150 voice Nashville Choir .... Joined together to celebrate 25 years of the music of Michael W. Smith.
The eveving was like old home week...all dressed up.
Songwriters and musicians and singers who have loved Michael and worked with him over the last two plus decades sang his songs back to him.
It was truely magical.
What a treasure...friendship.

Did I mention this tour is all about the music?

Ok
A friend who grew up on my old music asked me if I still had the 501's and faded sleeveless dark t shirt from the Lead Me On video...
Twenty lbs ago...maybe.
The passage of time is a beautiful thing.
Takes the pressure off the exterior and makes you focus ok what's inside.
I did find my long-ish black coat.
Took it to have the ripped lining in the sleeve mended...
Still have the black cowboy boots that Rich Frankel, my friend from the A&M record days, had made for me.
At least my feet are still the same size.
Ha!
All of this nonsense to say...
It's all about the music.
Can't wait.