After an intense week as a participant in the  Musician's Mentorship Program  with Canada's National Ballet School in Toronto, I am back in the good ol' US of A. The trip was a success, not only did I learn a TON in the program, but I got to see Canada for the first time, increasing my number of countries visited to 3! (Mexico and South Korea, if you're wondering about the other 2). I was surrounded by incredibly talented musicians who didn't hesitate to dish out their best advice, tips, and secrets to me. In addition, I was surrounded by some beautiful scenery and amazing sights. The trip got even better when Eddie flew out to meet me half way through the week, and even BETTER when I was able to meet up with a friend, known only through the blogosphere until now. Yes ladies and gentlemen,  Hilary of The Smitten Image  herself happens to live only minutes from where I resided in Toronto. I admit, it was a little like meeting a celebrity. I first "met" Hi

My parents made the trek across country to visit Eddie and I. We were thrilled to have them and I was ecstatic when they were able to come see and hear me play at the Bernards Inn.  It was a fairly slow night, so I just played all my favorites (and my parents favorites). One of them, was this rendition of "Midnight Train to Georgia." No, there are no Pips to back me up (and I botched the beginning), but if you listen at 3:06, you'll hear a lively guest in the audience give me a, "Woo woo!" Enjoy! Ps: I'm headed to the Great White North today! I'm so excited for my first trip EVER to Canada. I'll be a bit out of the loop until next week as I attend a Ballet Accompanist Mentorship Program with  Canada's National Ballet School .

The 9/11 Memorial held its' Grand Opening September 11, 2011. For the first time, I went with my family to see the completed project. It consists of 2 giant water falls, each flowing into a reflective pool. And each one lies in the foot print of where the North and South towers once stood.  The Museum is still under construction, but there is a small visitor's center with artifacts from the wreckage. This particular display touched me the most. The 2 waterfalls and reflective pools lie at the base of the One World Trade Center that is currently under construction (notice the people below for scale). ~~~ One World Trade Center Up

Driving along the stretched out country roads of Texas, I did a double take when I saw shetland ponies and sheep sharing the same pasture! I made Eddie do a u-turn so I could take a few shots and share them with you all. Is there anything more adorable than shetland ponies?! 

Today was another milestone in this year and a half long journey to record an album of my very own. The first hard copies were completed! I had listened to the finished digital recordings hundreds of times on my iPod, but today was the first time I could put a tangible, physical version into my CD player and listen the whole way through. I must say, it was an incredible feeling! The release date is set for April 10th. Until then, you can hear a few samples on my website, www.elizabethgrimesmusic.com . 

"Corky" There was more black than white in his black and white view. And more scents to smell than he ever knew. His paws on the floor made a light pitter-pat. While the high-heels around him went "clackity-clack." He wandered through the strangers than filled his home, And though many pet him, he still felt alone. At last he made his way to his chair. Familiar and safe, his master would be there. But when he jumped up, he was met with surprise By a red-headed girl with tears in her eyes. There's not much English that he understands, "Sit," "Stay," and a few other commands. But he knew when she said, so warm in her tone, "I'm sorry, boy. He's not coming home." ~~~ Eddie's Granddaddy,  Jackie Howell  (right) January 24, 1937 - January 1, 2012 Eddie, our nephew Jack, and Granddaddy's dog, Corky.