Rosie Writes!: Can't Quit Thinking About Tennessee

Have you ever had one of those experiences that was so absolutely wonderful that it just seemed to remain in your head even after it was all over? That is what is going on with me now. Let me share.
Last weekend I went with my friend, Brenda Brown, to spend a weekend in Franklin, Tennessee, located just minutes from Nashville. The event was a weekend hosted by Patsy Clairmont, known to some of you as one of the major speakers at Women of Faith. It was called, "On the Porch With Patsy". Patsy actually invited us to spend time with her at her home where she has not only one amazing front porch, but one in the back as well.

We began our event at the Drury Hotel Friday night where Patsy took the time to introduce each of us. It was amazing how many things we had in common, especially those of us who are/were in the education field. Patsy made us all feel so welcome and we were somewhat starry eyed for being in the same room with her.
The next day we were guests at Patsy and Les' home where we were welcomed with a beautiful day, blue grass musicians, hot cider, and of course: the porch! We had our individual picture made with Patsy, toured the house and the "man cave", walked into town for shopping. Since Brenda and I had shopped the day before, we returned early so we could just "sit on the porch" and to our fabulous surprise, Les, Patsy's husband rode up in his golf cart, and we got to visit with him. He is an amazing man to talk to and we felt so lucky to hear stories from him about his life and his 52 years of marriage. When everyone returned, we went into the house for a lovely luncheon where we got to know each other better. Patsy showed us some of her art and made us feel so warmly welcome.

We were shuttled back to the hotel, then picked up again later to go have dinner at The Factory where we were entertained by Cindy Morgan, Andrew Greer and other fine musicians. The highlight that night for me was that Patsy sat at our table. Somehow we got to talking about hearing loss and I shared that I had just received a hearing transmitter but my batteries had died. At that time, Patsy handed me a battery! Turns out she wears them herself and this also turned out to be the subject of part of her "talk" that night. It was one of those God Moments that I felt He planned out to help me as I adjust to a new world of hearing. (By the way, I saved the battery, and am going to frame it to remind me to "listen" to the Lord always.

There are way too many details that followed and all of us who attended would have our own story to tell. As for me, I continue to think about the weekend daily. Patsy's words are carved into my heart and soul. Right now I am reading, Twirl, and journaling as I go. As I type now, Cindy Morgan is playing on my CD in the background. She is singing, "It Is Well With My Soul." To me, this is what I feel Patsy was trying to teach us...Rest in the Lord, be still, and all will be well.

Patsy Clairmont has a sparkle and charm about her that makes us all want "to be like her"! We all left thinking that we were her best friend. :) What a gift to be able to have people think that when they leave you.
I cannot end this blog without mentioning Danya Clairmont. I watched this young lady all weekend as she stayed two steps ahead of all that was going on. She is remarkable, simply remarkable at what she does, never drawing any attention to herself. Thank you, Danya, if you are reading this.

And to you, Patsy, if you are reading this, thank you for making me see that there is so much more life to live, that each day is a possibility for joy, big or small, and that to let the first word I say each morning be "YES!"