Ever wonder why Dolly Parton’s feet are so small? Because things don’t grow in the shade! Personally, I like to think the grass is greener when you water it.

For over five decades, Dolly Parton songs, stories and smiles have been heard all around the world.

Many Tennesseans view Dolly Parton as their patron saint for a reason. The rhinestone belt she wears is more than an accessory. It’s a sign of a person who has lived a lot of life, along with a wealth of wisdom from experience. Her influence on the world can be heard without listening to her music. The books, records, and news interview with Dolly Parton have all captivated me for over thirty years now.

I was raised by my mother to share the good I find with others. On that note, I’m thrilled to share a few concepts of the ‘Dolly Philosophy’ I’ve learned over the years.

“My faith impacts everything that I do because I do believe that, through God, all things are possible”. Dolly Parton

1. You are never too old to see the possibilities of the universe, no matter what your age is.

2. You must be willing to make sacrifices to fulfill your dreams, while adhering to your personal values

3. The foundation of your life is your family. They gave you the building blocks on which you have built your life, so choose wisely how you build your future. Don’t forget to give love and support back to them

4. Keep politics out of the kitchen. Political debates lead to arguments, people disagree on far too much. More often than not, it’s best to leave those pickles in the jar.

5. Be sensitive to others and yourself. Be true to you and listen to your heart. If you want to rock a new blonde wig & rhinestone bracelet, you can.

6. Let your insides shine on your outsides! Not that we all need to have rhinestones and sparkles on our clothes, but a little glimmer of light is all you need some days.

7. Have faith. Whatever faith means to you — whether it’s believing in chance, praying to God, or sending vibes to the universe — there is a lot of comfort in knowing things will be okay.

In spite of the fact that these concepts are not straight from Dolly Parton, they are my own thoughts as a result of reading more in my Dolly Parton library. Which includes titles like American Songwriter Magazine, Dream More, Songteller, How To be A Diamond in a Rhinestone World, and What Would Dolly Do.

May Dolly be with you!

signed,

Emily

Songwriter, Nurse, Author. Freelance writer. Follow me for more!

Hit the note your heart wants to sing by turning a new page.

It doesn’t matter if you’re in tune, out of tune, or need a new beat, there are ten books you must read — especially if you’re a musician. The reason guitars sound great after tuning is that, like us, they need to be handled with care, attention, and maintenance. In the same way we maintain our instruments, we should also take good care of ourselves.

When you’re creative, there may be times when the well runs dry. Your soul grows weary, your pen runs out, your melodies fade. I write to you today to share some must read books that have helped me move closer to creative enlightenment.

1. Dream More, Dolly Parton

“This book is for my daddy, who never learned to read and write, and paid a dear price for that, and inspired me to not let it happen to others” .

When you’re dragging yourself out of bed in the morning, this little inspirational piece is just what you need to get your day started. ‘Dream More’, is easy to read, and filled with small happy little bites to enjoy. This book is a great read for reminding you that no dream is too big or small.

2. The Birth of Loud, Ian S. Port

“The Fender electric guitar would enter a world in which Americans didn’t just listen to their news and entertainment but watched them in real time. People would hear this electric guitar with their eyes. So Randall coined the name “Telecaster.” Telephone, television, Telecaster: Instruments of communication. Ways to be heard and seen. Powerful new technologies. The Fender Telecaster had finally arrived.”

“The Birth Of Loud” is even more enthralling to read if you are a guitar player. Having read this story, I can imagine this series as a Netflix series I would binge-watch in one weekend! Elvis wasn’t the only one responsible for the rock and roll revolution. The war of Fender versus Gibson began sometime in the 1950s with the invention of amplifiers and electric guitars. Two men tinkered their way into musical history filled with failures, victories and a few minor (and major) injuries. Every time I put this book down, I wanted to pick up my guitar.

3. The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron

“Remember that even if you have a truly rotten piece of art, it may be a necessary stepping stone to your next work. Art matures spasmodically and requires ugly-duckling growth stages.” Julia Cameron, The Artist’s Way

The Artist’s Way is a guidebook, a manual on how to kick-start your creative heart when you’ve lost the beat. I first heard about this title in a NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International- an organization for songwriter guidance and support in middle Tennessee). The Artist’s Way does not discriminate against any kind of artist or creative soul. The book boasts renewal for the creative soul with tasks, exercises and inspirational quotes. The author, Julia Cameron, has created a crash course in developing the stifled, stuck spirit within. Read, apply and discover the power within.

4. The Music Lesson & 5. The Spirit of Music

“Listen! Before you can fully understand the notes, dear boy, you must first understand the space you will place them in. Space can be seen as the birthplace of all things. That is why all things are eventually attracted back to it… Your understanding of this will allow you to pack your Music with an immeasurable amount of power, the power to change the world and the power for the world to change you. But remember, you are responsible.” Victor Wooten, The Music Lesson

The concepts Grammy award winning bass player Victor Wooten outlines in these books will change the way you listen, feel, and play music forever. The delightfully quirky characters will intrigue you. Now, I can tell you the second one won’t make any sense if you haven’t read the first. Between the front and back covers lie insight like none I’ve read before. I can’t speak highly enough of the lessons I took away from The Music Lesson. Don’t just read this one, absorb it and all the good vibrations it comes with.

6. Effortless Mastery, Kenny Werner

“A quiet mind allows the artist to tap into the wellspring of Divine Music within.” — Kenny Werner, Effortless Mastery

In musicians, self-deprecation is common. The starving artist goes hungry when their ego gets in the way of their creativity. In his book, Kenny Werner guides you to inner peace and strength, shedding light on barriers you didn’t know you had. This is a great read for artists who are finding it difficult to push forward.

7. The Tao of Willie, Willie Nelson & Turk Pipkin

“You can’t always change the circumstances of your life, but you can change your perception of the circumstances and of the world around you by any creative act. When I got my heart in the right place, my career followed along.” Willie Nelson

Willie Nelson, a fellow who is not only well known as a grass smoking hippy songwriter, but also as a guru in life and a relentlessly happy soul, is a legend. The bottom line is that Willie is another guy with a lot of life experience. The Tao Of Willie is a read for anyone and everyone. With Willie’s insight into simple emotions & successful approaches to everyday situations, whether you need a good laugh, a good cry or a nudge in the right direction, you will find something good for your soul in this book. I take it on the road with me, open it up, read a page and find just what I need for that moment in life.

8.Diary of a Player, Brad Paisley

“Unless you’re a true prodigy, you’re going to have to practice for a while being bad before you get any good. And it will seem like a waste of time. I remember that feeling well. But don’t worry about wasting time, because it’ll be so worth it. It’s my experience that in the end, life lessons and guitar lessons begin to blur in all sorts of interesting ways.” Brad Paisley, Diary of A Player

Brad Paisley is a man who seems to always have a smile on his face. A guitar legend in his own right, confesses his flops and flips and the road to his signature licks. The stories Brad shares set the tone for the songs he wrote and became successful. His sense of humor is refreshing. His stories are relatable. You don’t have to like the guy’s music to enjoy the book. The sounds of Brad’s telecaster will play on in your mind long after you finish the book.

9. Six Steps to Songwriting Success

“ No one is born with with knowledge of how popular songs are typically structured; this information must be acquired. It never crossed my mind that the songs I loved and sang along with had been constructed using only a handful of specific structures that incorporated verses, choruses and bridges in specific orders. Although I’d heard those structures a thousand times, like most listeners I was never aware of them” Jason Blume

I remember moving to Nashville, and my new guitar instructor told me about this book during my first lesson. “Read the first three chapters and put it away for six months. Go back and read again.” My copy of the book is annotated, highlighted, torn, stained with coffee… you get the picture. You probably know Jason Blume without knowing who he is. This music making manual is the result of years of work from long-time multi-platinum songwriter Jason Blume, who doesn’t play guitar at all. This quirky individual depicts essential music making basics for new and established artists alike. While this book is geared towards commercial music craftsmanship, it remains a staple in the toolbox for many songwriters, especially Nashville ones. With more than 800,000 copies sold, you know its pages are filled with gold. From melodies to strategies and everything in between, there is much to learn from the man who wrote “Oops, I did it Again”. Six Steps To Songwriting Success has held the title for most popular books sold for songwriters on Amazon.

10. The Alchemist, Paulo Coelho

“I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living now.”

Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

I first encountered this title in high school, as an assigned read for AP English. This literary treasure and staple, but a treasure leading to introspection and dreams of greater possibilities. I don’t consider myself religious, but I do consider myself spiritual. This fable comes to life in your mind as you join a boy on his journey to seek treasure in the desert. There are many titles out there that speak of the power of the universe, but this one is truly special. It’s a page turner that you won’t be able to put down, you’ll want to read it again and again. What was first a chore to read as a teenager is a pleasure to dive into again and again as an adult. Your own personal legend begins within, it’s what you do with it that makes a difference.

The smell of coffee and an old book are my perfect morning ritual. I sip, flip pages, and soak up the goodness. It is my honor to share with you today books that have cultivated my inner growth, my creativity, and my dreams. I wish you peace, love, and music today.

Titles discussed are listed below!

1. Dream More: Celebrate The Dreamer in You
2. The Birth of Loud: Leo Fender, Les Paul, and the Guitar-Pioneering Rivalry That Shaped Rock ’n’ Roll
3. The Artist’s Way, Julia Cameron
4. The Music Lesson: A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music A Spiritual Search for Growth Through Music
5. The Spirit of Music: The Lesson Continues
6. 6. Effortless Mastery: Liberating the Master Musician Within
7. The Tao of Willie: A Guide to the Happiness in Your Heart by Willie Nelson and Turk Pipkin
8. 8.Diary of a Player: How My Musical Heroes Made a Guitar Man Out of Me
9. Six Steps to Songwriting Success, Revised Edition: The Comprehensive Guide to Writing and Marketing Hit Songs , Jason Blume
10. The Alchemist, 25th Anniversary: A Fable About Following Your Dream, Paulo Coehlo

Keep on reading! Follow me for more inspiration.

May 1,2020

CNN recently published am article referring to “The Day The Music Died” In Nashville Tennessee, during the pandemic as all of the honky tonks on music city fell silent during closures.

I must disagree.

The music is not dead, nor is it dying. The music is alive and well.

Musicians — whether or not they play downtown on Broadway or sitting for sessions, or sitting down in writing rooms- are still playing.

The allure of Music City has been a siren calling out to people all over the world who want to pursue a dream of music, drawing them in one by one. Each person who came to Nashville with that dream or calling in mind carries music with them differently than your average Joe. We aren’t talking about hobbyists who pick here and there, hum a tune or sing karaoke for fun. We are talking about the guy who came to Tennessee with a guitar in one hand, backpack in the other, took a greyhound thousands of miles away from home to take a chance in a town where the competition is high and you don’t know anyone or where anything is.

Music City has a pulse all its own, the heart beat is in the air, you can feel the kick drum in your bones when you walk downtown.

The lower Broadway strip is a spooky place at this very moment. Sidewalks are empty, honky tonks are closed, traffic is mild, and I haven’t seen a pedal tavern or bachelorette party in weeks!

Lets go to Music Row for just a moment…Nashville Songwriters Association International, a home to songwriters, place of learning and networking, full of passion and big comfy couches — sits empty. Sound Stage Studios, BMI, ASCAP, Studio B, places like these are barely open, places where the music is literally manufactured to be shared, are aching for the sound waves to be bouncing off the walls.

Nashville isn’t only honky tonks, beer drinking, partying and playing music. Nashville is MUSIC CITY.

Music City lives by every musician, sitting in their house, on a porch, in their home studio, playing with every ounce of passion in their body. While feeling the frustration of not being able to perform in front of a crowd, these musicians are still playing. They are playing new songs, writing new songs, recording things in their own studios. Live streams from the couch are becoming mainstream. With guitars in hand or pen to paper, artist and songwriters are creating music right this moment. Artists are being challenged with a new medium to be heard.

Guess what, the challenge has been accepted by the majority. Don’t believe me? Go on Facebook or instagram- tell me how many people you see playing shows or your favorite artists playing free “concerts” from their home to share with you.

Music is a passion. Musicians aren’t regular joes. Musicians have big hearts that bleed in keys, they beat in time like a metronome. Musicians listen differently, they hear with their hearts, absorbing lyrics and notes as if it were water.

Speaking for myself, music is air. If I need to breathe, it is as easy as turning on the radio or picking up my guitar. I can’t imagine a world where music is so called “dead”.

I came to Nashville to eat, drink, sleep, breathe music. I decided to move to Music City because of that golden road that is glittered with opportunities. I believe it is people like me with this common thread, that will keep Music City alive and well. Virus or no virus, the show will go on.

The Tao of Who? Way of what? What is the Tao?

Tao, noun

(in Chinese philosophy) the absolute principle underlying the universe, combining within itself the principles of yin and yang and signifying the way, or code of behavior, that is in harmony with the natural order. The interpretation of Tao in the Tao-te-Ching developed into the philosophical religion of Taoism.

-oxford dictionary

The letter T in Chinese is pronounced with more of a ‘D’ than a ‘T’ off the tip of the tongue. Saying it out loud as if you just stubbed your toe on a table leg, “duh-ow” with emphasis on the ‘ow’! Or you can look at it phonetically and it would sound like ‘Dow’. Now, lets talk Tao.

Taoism teaches us to change our perspective. Taoism isn’t a as much of a religion but a philosophy. When we can live in harmony with the ebbs and flows of life we can experience peace. But how? Rise and fall with the sun, let the flow of life be like water and don’t try so hard. I promise, reading about it will be far more satisfying than just googling it. If you can have an open mind and heart you too can be one with The Tao.

Many a great book on Taoism have been written. The first and original text by Chinese philosopher, Lao Tzu. I enjoyed Willie Nelson’s Tao, Bill Murray’s , however the Winnie The Pooh one is by far my favorite.

As a teenager I was gifted a book by Benjamin Hoff called “The Tao Of Pooh”. The inside cover had an inscription, “To Emily and enlightenment.” The pursuit of enlightenment has been going on for over twenty years now. I read it over and over again. It is one of those books that every time you open it you learn something new.

Why read about the Tao?

“Reading can even relax your body by lowering your heart rate and easing the tension in your muscles. A 2009 study at the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%.” (NAMI 2023)

We live our lives drowning in thoughts that flood our brains. We are living in the past or worrying about the future, worrying about something for more minutes of our day we care to admit. There is an art and mastery to living in the present moment. We all could use a little help a little guiding light to see the path is laid out before us. While some might scoff at this so called ‘eclectic hippie spirituality’, it’s a way I find a little balance in this big busy world.

“The North Star knows the way of the Tao and never veers from its course. The sun and moon have it and never come to rest. If each of us were as true to ourselves as the North Star, then we’d have the same guidance in our lives that ancient mariners had when they ventured across uncharted seas. There is only one map to the journey of life, and it lives within your heart”.

Willie Nelson, The Tao of Willie

Now, my copy of the Tao of Pooh is torn, stained, marked up, has been chewed on by dogs and has bound back together with various pieces of tape. It’s my go-to book for travel. If I’m going to gift someone a book — chances are it will be a copy of The Tao of Pooh. I find myself feeling lighter after reading and absorbing the words on the pages. These books have had such an impact on me, personally , I’m even writing my own book now. I encourage you too, go get yourself a Tao of Someone or something. You just might find yourself enjoying the little things in life a lot more.

Listed below you’ll find my top five favorite reads on Taoism.

5 Tao’s To Read On the Path to Enlightenment

1. The Tao of Pooh, Benjamin Hoff

“Do you really want to be happy? You can begin by being appreciative of who you are and what you’ve got.”

2. The Tao Of Willie, A Guide to Finding Happiness in Your Heart, Willie Nelson & Turk Pipkin

3. The Tao of Bill Murray, Real-Life Stories of Joy, Enlightenment, and Party Crashing ,Gavin Edwards, Robert Sikoryak

“When you become an adult and get to pick your pleasures, they should be worth picking.”

4. Change Your Thoughts — Change Your Life, Living The Wisdom of The Tao, Wayne W. Dyer

“Stop chasing your dreams. Allow them to come to you in perfect order with unquestioned timing.”

1. Tao Te Ching, Lao Tzu

“By letting it go it all gets done. The world is won by those who let it go. But when you try and try. The world is beyond the winning.”

Thanks for reading!

Follow me for more on Taoism, Wisdom, & Inspiration

Namaste!

A Dog Walks Into a Funeral Home …? Have you ever heard such a thing?

“I’m suspicious of people who don’t like dogs, but I trust a dog when it doesn’t like a person.” — Bill Murray

If you think about man and dog at a biological level, they aren’t that different. We both need water to drink, food to eat, and have warm blood running through our veins. Both species rely on instinct for survival. We have emotions, we like to play and we need companionship. It’s no wonder humans have been in love with their four legged friends for centuries.

Growing up my family always had dogs. My mom was one of those people who had the bumper sticker saying, “ The More I Learn About People The More I Like My Dog”. Her love for dogs was endless, deep and genuine.

My mom passed away Mother’s Day 2023. Later that week, it was time to make arrangements for her celebration of life. The thought of planning a funeral, making decisions and plans for her final rest was daunting. I remember feeling the pit of my stomach in the back of my throat as my family arrived at the Funeral Home.

The process would be a little easier after we met the organizations’ newest associate. I invite you to read the thank you letter I wrote to Millie, the therapy dog who helped heal our hearts in a time we needed it most.

Dear Millie,

My name is Emily, I hope this letter finds you well. We met in the spring of 2022. You might not remember me since you were just a young pup when we met, I will always remember you.

My mom, Marianne passed away on May 8, 2022. You didn’t get to meet her, but you were in the room with my family as we said our goodbyes, holding her hands and kissing her goodnight for the last time. I wanted to take a few moments to personally commend you on the work you do. You are in a very noble line of work , my dear. I don’t know your official job title, but I’d guess it would be along the lines of a ‘comfort companion’. Your presence with our family that day left a profound impression to say the least. It takes a really special kind of person to be in your line of work. You should know how truly special you are, Millie.

Let me tell you the story of how we were introduced. My brother Justin and I had arranged a meeting with Rich and Matt to plan my mother’s funeral. Accompanied by my husband, Dan Evans, niece Lauren Unger and brother’s girlfriend, Christina, we gathered around the meeting table. As you can imagine, planning a funeral for my mom wasn’t exactly the family get-together I had in mind on a warm sunny spring day. I felt completely overwhelmed. I was shifting my weight trying to get comfortable in the seat of the chair, my mind was racing, and I was fighting the tears welling in my eyes. After making our introductions and going over some initial business, Matt asked if he could introduce us to the newest associate who would be helping take care of us that day.

A few minutes passed by, then the door at the end of the room opened as you poked your head in. My entire focus shifted onto you. In that moment, you appeared to us as if you were dropped right from heaven. I thought of my mom’s connection to dogs and her ‘dog theology’, I could almost hear her saying something like

“A dog knows when he is needed and will appear in the most mysterious way ”.

Thinking back, I can see my reaction in slow motion. You presented yourself to the room with poise, peace, and compassion. I pushed my chair behind me as I stood up to greet you. . I felt tears rolling down my cheeks. I felt the heavy heartache in my body followed by a sense of relief. What big brown eyes you had! What a sweet face! Those paws were still too big for your body! You licked my face and you washed away my tears. Before I knew it, you and my niece Lauren and I were sitting on the floor with you. You climbed into our laps, and licked the wounds that the human eye cannot see. The hurt my family carried was especially deep that day. If it was even for just a few minutes, the pain of losing my mom didn’t hurt so badly.

If you had met my mother, you would quickly learn that she spent many years studying religion, faith and god. Mom would say DOG is GOD spelled backwards. Mom wasn’t just fond of her four legged friends, she loved dogs! The past twenty years or more, there were always dogs in the family. She even had a magnet on the fridge that spoke to her fondness of dogs as it said “The more people I meet the more I like my dog”. Mom recognized our dogs as gifts from god and a world beyond any human comprehension.

My mom showed me that we can learn a lot from dogs. What have I learned from a dog? What did you help teach me that day? Dogs provide relentless love. Dogs don’t ask questions. Dogs don’t judge. Dogs accept you as you are- broken pieces, tears, bad breath.. A dog can lift the burdens of a broken heart by being present. Dogs have courage to face any challenge. Lord knows, you were by our feet when my family was facing our own challenges. You had such a profound effect on us that day. Your presence was more comforting than words can describe.

Thank you, Millie, for doing what you do.

Sincerely,
Emily

Life is better with dogs.

Who wakes up one day and decides they want to be a songwriter? I mean really, now. Life is a journey already, for which no instruction manual is given. On that note, I went through some major life changes after an ugly divorce. Long story short I ended up deciding to head south out of Kenosha, Wisconsin and drive to Nashville, Tennessee. I had been in a rut, all it took was one day to explore what else this great country of ours had to offer.

I fell in love with the music. I had a fire inside that was instantly reignited. Over time I began singing on Broadway, eventually meeting my second husband, and somewhere along the line I started writing songs.

This story is about two people who fell in love, decided to start a band, do something crazy, and write a little mountain music…

Carolina Time, A Lyrical And Musical Adventure

Carolina Time Moves a Little Slower! Let’s stay here just a little while longer!

Let’s take a look at the lyrics and story behind “Carolina Time” written by Emily Frances and Dan Evans of MidWest Coast, (that’s my husband and I!)

It was our second trip to North Carolina, sitting on the back porch after a day of exploring the Nantahala Outdoors Center, local breweries, Mountain Layers captured our hearts (and taste buds), we strummed and hummed out came “Carolina Time”.

The lyrics tell the story to a ‘T’. We found it, we fell in love, we made new friends, we didn’t want to leave, we left, we realized it was a state of mind that made us so happy.

You often hear about songs that were written in 20 minutes, this was not quite that situation. Carolina Time was born in the mountains. The idea of Carolina Time is that you can put the song on and drift away to the mountains! We want everyone to experience Carolina Time because it really IS a state of mind. (It’s a great focus for meditation happy place to go to!) We won’t ever turn down a Carolina Adventure!

Read the lyrics here and link to listen below!

Carolina Time

Floating down the river on a hot summer day

Found us a brewery and drank our cares away

Met some folks, so I think we’ll stay

Say goodbye city life , had enough anyway

Carolina time moves a little slower

Carolina time brings us a little closer

lets stay here just a little while longer

Say goodbye city life, we’re on Carolina Time!

Headed ‘cross the state line, back to Tennesee

Ain’t in a hurry, too bad it’s time to leave

make ourselves face reality,

Say goodbye to mountain life, so long Carolina Time

Carolina time moves a little slower

Carolina time brings us a little closer

lets stay here just a little while longer

Say goodbye city life, we’re on Carolina Time!

Sippin on some moonshine on a high rise balcony

might not be a mountain or pine tree in this scene,

but for now, it’s the best it’ll be.

’Cause it’s not a state line, but a state of mind you see!

Carolina time moves a little slower

Carolina time brings us a little closer

lets stay here just a little while longer

Say goodbye city life, we’re on Carolina Time!