Blogging Makes Me Happy!

I have always loved to write. Some people write and keep their writings to themselves. I have always been the opposite. I have always loved to share my writings with everyone. I wanted their opinions good or bad. Now of course the good is what I have always thrived for but I also know that constructive criticism builds a better writer it also builds a tougher skin.

My writings, for most of life, well until my twenties at least, were always in tablets and diaries. Then I discovered the internet. I started sharing my poetry on forums at first. Then after a few years and actually after I discovered singer/musician Taylor Hicks I discovered the joy of blogging.

Blogging makes me happy because I can share my thoughts and opinions with millions through the World Wide Web. I have made a lot of great friends because of blogging, friends who share the same taste in music and other things as I do.

After a while I discovered I could also make a little bit of money with my blogs. I love writing, making friends and then discovering ways to make money doing what I love to do anyway this makes paid blogging one of the best ideas ever. Sure there are some places that are a joke and you need to avoid, but there are others that truly are worth any bloggers time to check out I mean gee we write all the time anyway about what is going on in our life or the life of the subject of the blog in my case. Might as well make a few bucks doing it.

I have read others opinions about how paid blogging is so bad. That isn’t so if you just watch the company you get in with. I love to write and I love to make money. Paid blogging is a win-win for me.

Blogging makes me happy because I can write about anything I choose, just so happens for this blog I choose Taylor Hicks. Paid blogging makes me happy because I can pay a bill or two, buy groceries or just have some fun with the extra income coming in.

Some ask will I ever stop blogging. The answer is no. Now if you ask if the subject matter will always be the same that I do not know. We never know what may spark our interest in the future but I know one thing I will always be blogging about something or another. Because blogging makes me happy and paid blogging is an extra plus as it pays the bills and gives me some extra money for fun and relaxation.


Please watch my video below Blogging Makes me Happy and let me know what you think.

A Taylor Hicks Themed Weekend Packed with Music and Fun

May 9th and 10th this coming weekend will be one of great fun for the Soul Patrol. Harmony for The Soul is hosting the first National Soul Patrol Convention and A Soul Affair Music Festival. There will be lots of great music and activities to do to fill both days. If you haven’t yet purchased tickets they can be purchased here http://www.harmonyforthesoul.org/EventTickets.html

Also on May 10th another event will be happening just happening 45 minutes away from where the Soul Affair is scheduled at Sloss Furnaces.

Governor and Mrs. Bob Riley Present a
Benefit for Hannah Home Shelby
Saturday, May 10th 7:00 p.m.


At a private horse farm in the Hwy 119/280 area
Taylor Hicks will be in concert

BBQ Buffet by award-winning Chef Clayton Sherrod,
Delicious Dessert Bar by Jefferson State
Culinary and Hospitality Institute,
Live Auction of diamond earrings, rounds of golf, beach trip, dinner with Governor and Mrs. Riley at the mansion, and more....
Dancing and Entertainment By Chris Porter & The Back Row Baptists.



Tickets are $100 per person-A limited number of tickets are available.

Tickets are available by calling 205-975-ARTS (205-975-2787)

Taylor will be going on around 8:30 and will do a "soulful acoustic set". They will make "will call" arrangements to pick up tickets if you're traveling from far away. The exact location of event is private, and will be on the tickets. If you are picking tickets up there, they will give you more info when you purchase the ticket. Dress code is "decent casual" (nice jeans okay, nothing ripped or cut off shirts, etc.). Cameras will be allowed. The will call window will be open for later arrivals.

The weekend is going to be filled with lots of Taylor related fun a perfect weekend for any Taylor Hicks or just a fan of great Soul music. So if you want to get away for awhile and have a blast check into these events now.

Off Topic – If your carpeting needs some refreshing get a steam cleaner

Whomp at the Warfield

I hate not having HD Net offered through my cable company. I so much want to see Whomp at The Warfield. It is airing again. It was on earlier tonight and will be on again at 2:00 AM ET. I envy everyone who has been able to see the concert and those who were there in person for the actual concert. I keep patiently waiting hoping it will surface so I can buy it soon but so far no luck.



Off Topic – If you interested in getting in shape check out ellipticals

Taylor Hicks Postage Stamps

Most American Idol fans by now have heard that you can now get postage stamps with your favorite American Idol on them. They started being released 4 weeks ago. This week starting Tuesday May 6th you can get your very own Taylor Hicks Postage stamps. There are 4 different poses on a sheet of stamps. Next weeks Jordin Sparks stamp will be released and the week after this year’s winner will be on sale. There is a limit of 2000 sheets per state. I will be getting my set but my dilemma is whether to use them to spread the word about Taylor or to save them with my other collectables. I imagine I’ll do some of both. Click above to get your stamps.





Off Topic_ Go here if you are interested in term life insurance

Taylor Hicks on American Idol - Let's hope it isn't just a rumor

We all have all been craving to see Taylor Hicks again. We need our Tay fix and we aren’t afraid to admit we need that fix. Taylor has been here and there from singing the National Anthem to being in Kentucky for the Kentucky Derby. There are events coming up this weekend but we crave more and more.

It is rumored that Taylor may be appearing in American Idol wither this week or next and the fan boards are all excited at the chance to see Taylor perform once on again on the American Idol stage. I have not been watching AI this season but I will tune in if Taylor is on.

Hopefully Taylor will sing a new song from his upcoming CD and announce a date for it to be released. For all of you nay sayers or say Taylor can not sing or looks goofy please get a hearing aid and eyeglasses. If you already have these than please get to the doctor quick, because they messed up your prescription.

Just a little something

I have a funny story to relate. Last night I played some DVD’s I had made of Taylor appearances. Of course I was talking about each performance with my husband and kids. Yes for once they sat with me to watch. I ooh and ahhd at times. Halfway through, my son told me to take a shower to cool off. My husband said she better not, she better take a bath she may faint in the shower. My daughter was laughing and said go get Pat’s (the neighbor) shower stool. They think it is so funny to tease to me about Taylor but oh well least they watched with me.

Taylor Hicks and Seach Typos

It is amazing how much you can find out on the internet with a typo that you make in search. Earlier today I was looking for workout equipment because I want to loose a few pounds. I typed in home gym equipment and the phone rang before I clicked search. I got busy doing things after the phone call and a little later I decided to type in Taylor Hicks to see what new information might be out that I have missed. Well I forgot to delete out what I typed in before so Taylor Hicks was typed beside gym equipment and I clicked search. The first site that showed up in search was

1. Soul Aerobics: Taylor Hicks' Weight Loss | american idol, Celebrity ...
Check with your gym to see what cardio dance/aerobics ... Soon: At-Home Laser Hair ... No Equipment Necessary: Lying Butt Lifts. Health Confessional: Share ...
www.fitsugar.com/275142 - 87k - Cached

So I clicked the link and found something I had not seen before.

If you've been following American Idol at all (and even if you haven't) then you probably know who Taylor Hicks is and you've probably also noticed that he has slimmed down a bit.

People are always buzzing about how AI winners end up losing a bunch of weight and Hicks is no different. MyFoxMilwaukee is claiming he lost about 20 pounds since he first appeared in the spotlight. How did he do it? Well, Soul Aerobics of course. Hicks, like many performers, credits his weight loss to dancing around on the stage while performing on tour. So while you may not be American Idol material, you can still achieve the same results by taking cardio dance classes such as the NikeWomen Workout or even by doing dance workouts at home like the Bollywood DVD workout. Dancing is a great way to burn a whole lot of calories all while having a good time. Check with your gym to see what cardio dance/aerobics classes are offered.

You can see the video of the full report on Hicks' weight loss and his so called Soul Aerobics on MyFoxMilwaukee.com. Who knows, maybe Hicks will have his own workout video soon

And here is the handsome picture that is there.




I love typos :)

Taylor Hicks Media - How to save it

My computer is so full with Taylor Hicks music from his two pre-idol CDS In Your Time, Under The Radar and the new CD Taylor Hicks, plus videos from every television appearance, live concert shots, interviews, just anything you can think of. Plus I still have the season finale of American Idol the year Taylor won and pictures that take up more space than I would have ever have imagined. I decided it was time to start saving these of CD and DVD and get my computer cleaned up some.

This is turning out to be a huge task. I have already filled 3 CDS and haven’t even made a dent in what I have. I am sure that almost Taylor Hicks fan has the same dilemma. I also have started thinking about how easy CDS and DVDs seem to get scratched and you end up loosing the data on them. I think my best bet is to use those usb flash drives memory stick thingys. I found a site where you can get them personalized with your company logo. I think you have order at least a 100. I do not need that many but it gave me an idea to look around and see if I can just a couple with what logo I want on them. It would be cool to have some with a pick of Taylor or Soul Patrol written on them to put on the media of Taylor Hicks that I have on. They could also make great gifts for other Taylor Hicks fans. If anyone knows where I can get something like this done please let me know.

Just a Thought

I may regret writing this blog entry at a later point in time. For now though I just feel the need to post it. I was looking for information in books and online about domestic violence for a piece I am working on and I found something very familiar about the signs of domestic violence.

You are probably wondering why I am talking about domestic violence on a Taylor Hicks blog. Well some of the descriptions describe what American Idol has done to Taylor Hicks and/or his fans by the way they constantly say America got it wrong when Taylor won instead of their chosen golden boy. So many things they have said and done fit the domestic violence descriptions. Below are some of the descriptions I found that I think relate.

Dominance — Abusive individuals need to feel in charge of the relationship. They will make decisions for you and the family, (we are Taylor Hicks supporters and they think they can make our decisions on what we should or shouldn’t support) tell you what to do, and expect you to obey without question. (we know Taylor didn’t obey without question and AI does not like that) Your abuser may treat you like a servant, child, or even as his possession. (AI does seem to have a contract that treats the Idols as their possessions)

Humiliation — An abuser will do everything he can to make you feel bad about yourself, or defective in some way. (Saying America got it wrong with choosing Taylor Hicks is saying they do not think he was good enough which means defective and I am sure that can’t make Taylor feel good) Insults, name-calling, shaming, and public put-downs are all weapons of abuse designed to erode your self-esteem and make you feel powerless. (If they think they can make Taylor feel powerless maybe they think eh will go away. We all know Taylor will prove them wrong)

Intimidation — Your abuser may use a variety of intimation tactics designed to scare you into submission. Such tactics include making threatening looks or gestures, The clear message is that if you don't obey, there will be consequences. (The consequences in this case.. ruin career or decrease the momentum)

Denial and blame — Your abuser may minimize the abuse or deny that it occurred. He will commonly shift the responsibility onto you: Somehow, his abuse is your fault. ( They would like people to believe Taylor not selling millions and millions of CDS is because America got it wrong and Taylor isn’t good enough.)

I usually try and stay only posting the positive news and information about Taylor but I decided this time I would post a little of what I truly think and feel. I do not even watch AI anymore because I do not like the way they treated Taylor and his fans. I am one of those fans and I do not like someone telling me I got it wrong when I choose what I like.

Obviously millions like and admire Taylor Hicks and know he has the talent and determination to pull through no matter what AI might want people to believe. If America got it wrong then maybe AI should just cancel the show right now because America will probably get it wrong again. Why on earth would they want to take the chance for America to think they know what they like again just to discover we aren’t capable of knowing what we like?

Ok that’s my vent for the day.

New Florida & Country Music Stations on HD Radio

We all have am/fm radio. It is been around for many, many , many years. Some of us also have heard of and may even have satellite radio. Now there is another option to radio reception. Digital radio this is a ground antenna based radio it is a digital version of FM & AM.

There are several cool benefits. They also have new country music stations. They offer iTunes tagging which is great because if you hear a song on the radio you want to download you hit the tag button and the song is able to be downloaded via itunes. That would be great to get any Taylor Hicks songs we hear or any other artist we like. They also have Florida High Definition Radio stations or any area you want.

With digital radio you will have crystal clear sound and it is a free service. You get More free music, news, sports and weather, New genres, new music formats, Artist name and song title on your radio screen via text-on-the-screen and much more.

Sounds great to me and I can’t wait to get it. A better way to enjoy the music I like not just the music the radio stations want me to like.

Racing to Hear Taylor Sing

It is time race time in Talladega and Taylor Hicks will be singing the National Anthem. Sun, April 27, 2008 The race begins at 1:30 PM CST to be televised on Fox. The race is at Talladega Super speedway in Talladega, AL. Go to the website http://www.sportstravel.com/nascar/aarons-499.php.

Here is more info

Taylor Hicks Donates Autographed Harmonica for 23rd Annual Event
TALLADEGA, AL. – Alabama’s own soulful singer/songwriter and 2006 American Idol winner, Taylor Hicks, is supporting the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind by donating an autographed harmonica for the upcoming live auction at this year’s Race Fever. Autographed during the 2008 Alabama Music Hall of Fame Induction Banquet and Award Show where Hicks received the 2008 America’s Music Award, this “Taylor-made” item is sure to “Make You Proud” when you “Take it to the Streets”. Woo!!!!!
If you have not bought your tickets for this great event which includes a down-home Southern barbecue dinner and live and silent auctions, you’d better hurry. This fundraiser for the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind is set for Friday evening, April 25th at the International Motorsports Hall of Fame SPEED Channel Dome at the Talladega Superspeedway.

Tickets are only $60 per person or $450 for a table of 8, and include admission to the event, an all-you-can-eat barbecue feast, the chance to meet dozens of NASCAR drivers including one of our hosts, Darrell Waltrip, and an opportunity to bid on remarkable race memorabilia, vacation packages and other items donated by businesses and friends of AIDB. Event tickets and sponsorships are available online at www.racefever.org.

Race Fever is the largest source of unrestricted funds for the AIDB Foundation. Through the five campuses and nine regional centers throughout Alabama, AIDB serves thousands of children and adults who are deaf, blind and multi-disabled in all 67 counties of Alabama. To learn more about Race Fever Night to benefit AIDB Foundation, log onto www.racefever.org, or call (256) 761-3317.


Off-Topic check out Branson property.

Alabama Music Hall of Fame Awards

I never watch public television. However I sure wish I could get Alabama Public Television. I could get a Taylor fix because Alabama Public Television will be airing the Alabama Music Hall of Fame Awards show in the month of April. The dates this will are April 14th, 19th, 20th and 24th. With all the capabilities with electronics and such that we have I know the Soul Patrol will see that there are some videos of this posted for those of us who not able to watch it.

If You Ask They Will Come

We have all discussed being able to find Taylor Hicks CD in our local stores. I have two copies of my own that I bought for myself when it was first released and at that time I also bought one for a friend and my sister.

I saw it in Wal-Mart for a few months after but it was usually hard to find. For the past few months know matter how hard I looked for it I couldn’t find it. I was going to buy a copy for a friend of mine. I also have not been able to find his book Heart Full of Soul for awhile either.

Well yesterday we went to Wal-Mart to get some new patio furniture. My kids as always went off on their own to play games and such. A few minutes after they went off on their own my daughter came running in to the lawn and garden section. She had Taylor’s CD and book in her hands. “Look Mom I found them for you, they are here again.” She was so happy she found what she knew I had been complaining about not being in the store anymore.

Needless to say I bought the CD for my friend and the book also. She didn’t say she wanted it but I figured might as well give her something good to read. I went in look in the CD and book sections. There were only two books left. I didn’t see anyone around to ask when they got them. However when I went back to electronics there were about a dozen CDS and I asked the clerk when they got them in. He said they had just got a small shipment in the other day because a few people had called in requesting them.

So if there is an interest being shown then the stores are getting more in. It made my day to know some had requested the CDs. I will go back and check in a few days and see how many is left.

Love, Loss, Distraction - Music

We all have friends in our life that we loose contact with over the years. We often think of them and wonder how their life is? That is how it was with me with my friends Sam and Sheila. I met them when I was almost 21 years old. They were my neighbors and seeing as we were the only ones in the neighborhood that were around the same age we became fast friends. My husband had walked out on me and my 1 year old son so their company was one I treasured. They also had a son my son’s age. The boys loved having someone to play with.

We even moved into together to share expenses. After awhile they moved out of state. I remarried a great man and we lost contact for a little while. My husband had gone to school with Sam and eventually we found each other again.

Sheila was someone I could tell my secrets to or discuss any problem with. Sam was the guy who would not let you be sad or depressed. He would do anything he could to cheer you up and it worked. If you needed something and Sam could help you he would be right there to do that.

About 5 years ago I lost contact with them again. I thought of them often and wondered how they and their kids were doing, but I knew no way to contact them. Last week Sheila found me on myspace. She sent me a message saying she needed to tell me something. I saw on her myspace that her daughter is expecting a baby. So when I gave Sheila my number I figured she was calling to tell me that.

Sheila called and asked how I was doing. I in turn asked how they were all doing. I got the shock of my life when she told me that she had lost Sam last March. I was so shocked I started to cry and then fought to get myself under control and asked her what had happened.

She had to compose herself to tell me. Sam was only 40 years old and he had never had heart problems that they knew of except an occasional slight pain. He went to play basketball with her cousin and on their way walking back home he had a heart attack and died. We never know how much time we have on earth but such a sudden death of a person, a young person on top of that is so unexpected. I the blink of an eye Sheila’s and the children’s life has been forever changed.

Sheila and I talked about some other things and Taylor Hicks got brought up. Sheila informed me that Sam loved Taylor Hicks. That may not seem like such a big deal however to me it is. Not many around me understand my support of Taylor. But now I know I had a friend who got Taylor. It saddens me that I didn’t get to talk with Sam about Taylor.

Sam may be gone but he will live on in Sheila’s Memory and that of their son and daughter. Sheila and Sam were married many years. There was a lot of love in that marriage. I know Sheila was devastated to loose her Sammie. I told Sheila she needs to find things to get interested in to take her mind off her loss at least for a little while;

I then did some self assessment. I think part of the reason I am such a huge fan of Taylor Hicks is because he is my distraction for the bad things in life or in times of turmoil. I lost my Dad in March 1999 (March is a sad month). I have never quite gotten over the loss of my Dad, but when I saw Taylor Hicks on American Idol I not only loved what I heard and saw, I knew my Dad would have loved Taylor to. Whenever I am feeling depressed I put in one of Taylor’s CDS or go online and watch a video. This is a sure way to put a smile on my face at least for a little while. We all need a distraction that takes us away from the stresses of life for a little while.

Just my Thoughts

We need a new Taylor Hicks CD, concerts, Concert DVD or something to get Taylor Hicks’ fan base back on track. It seems there is always some kind of turmoil or another going on everyday. Fans of other artists are attacking Taylor fan boards disguising themselves as a Taylor Hicks fan. They are doing this to destroy the Soul Patrol. It is obvious to all that pay attention that the goal is to bring the fan base down and hopefully in turn it will bring Taylor’s support down which in turn will assure his career goes down in flames. The Soul Patrol needs to unite and support Taylor and all things Taylor while he is out creating music for his next CD. The best way to do this is to ignore those that are out to destroy the SP. Ignore anything negative. I know that is easier said than done. It is human nature to defend what you care about. But in this case it just keeps it going. People that are out to disrupt, cause trouble and belittle Taylor and his fans are the same as a bully. They will keep at it as long as there is someone to fight with.

But just like a bully if they are ignored (yes I know Kick a bully’s ass and he will stop… this is online, kind of hard to kick a virtual ass don’t you think?) if they are ignored no matter what they say then they soon grown tired and bored and move on to something more interesting.

There is another way to look at it. Like they say any publicity is better than no publicity. If someone is talking about something whether it is good or bad it will create interest. Yes bad publicity may cause some problems but it will also create a interest and people that choose to use to use their own mind to decide what they like, dislike, agree with or disagree with may just decide that “Hey that Taylor Hicks is good.”


Arguing with someone set on causing trouble is like running on treadmills instead of riding a bicycle, thinking you will arrive at your destination. Ok I know lame comparison but the whole idea of causing trouble in a fan base and to a artist who has never done a thing to you is about the lamest thing a person can waste their time doing.

Bucky Covington

This blog is about all things Taylor Hicks. I am a huge supporter of Taylor. I think he is very talented and his career has just begun. I do however support a lot of artists. One such artist is Bucky Covington. Anyone who knows me knows that I like Bucky almost as much…no change that… Bucky Covington is country music, rocking country music so I would say I like him just as much as I do Taylor.

Last summer I saw Bucky twice. Went for a third but got upset at some things that happened and left before the concert started. I could still kick myself over that. You can vote for Bucky Covington’s song a Different World for the CMT Music Awards.



So if you like Bucky go vote for him and if you haven’t heard him check him out.





Off Topic Completely: If you are interested in luxury ocean front properties check out Corpus Christi real estate

Snore No More

In the last few years I have started snoring. This is a problem faced by many people. My husband says it is so bad he can not even sleep with me. I admit my snoring has even woken me on occasion. Recently I got the Anti snor Therapeutic Ring. I was very skeptical about this working. How could a ring possibly stop my noises when I sleep? I have used the ring about 12 nights. My husband has not been able to sleep all night in the room with me for a couple years. Since I started using the ring he did manage to stay in the bedroom all night a couple nights. He said my snoring as quieted a little but not enough. So I cannot say for sure if the ring works or not. I am sure results will be different for different people. I may have some sleeping disorder and have an appointment to be tested. Since my husband did spend a couple full nights in the bedroom I am assuming it must work some. I have had a couple people I know that tried it and said it worked for them. Like all products for people who snore it is just up to each person to find the product that works for them or go to the doctor and see if their are health problems causing the problems.

Baby Shower

My niece is having her first baby. I promised her that I would get a crib. I was supposed to get it this weekend. But a blizzard came in and kept must of Ohio at home over the weekend. It is Sunday and the roads are just now starting to be cleared. Thank God for the internet I found a site online and ordered her an Emily crib. This is this is the brand crib I used for my own kids. They are very nice cribs and hold up quite well. It cost me a little bit more this way because I used the two day shipping but at least she will have the crib in time for shower. I also got her a Taylor Hicks CD. I figured new Mommy might enjoy some good music and the baby might to.

Skin Needs Sun

Here in Ohio we just had a blizzard this weekend. We got about 8-10 inches where I live. I am so ready for spring. I can’t wait to be able to get outside and enjoy the warmth and the sun. Lord knows my skin needs some sun badly. My skin has become some light it looks as if I may have done some skin whitening. If I don’t get some sun soon I may appear see through. Yes I am exaggerating but come on I have had enough winter to last through two future seasons. One day it could be 60 degrees and the next we could have 3 inches of snow. That I am not exaggerating about. This has been a long and strange winter.

Personalized Car Items

A few months ago I as searching online for personalized steering wheel covers. I found a site that let you personalize almost anything for your car with anything you chose. From steering wheel covers to floor mats, seat covers and even third brake light that would say whatever you wanted when you put your brakes on. I can’t seem to find the site again right now. But I am also a huge Elvis Presley fan and I found a site that sells Elvis Presley Steering wheel covers and seat covers. I just wonder if there is a site that sells decals for car spoilers. I will keep searching I know with all the information on the web and all the products that are sold I will find a site for that soon. If not maybe my neice can paint a saying on my spoiler for me. If you are interested in a Elvis Steering wheel cover it is here http://www.autoaccessory4u.com/elprauac.html