Behind the Seams

Like most people I know, I’ve been stunned by the recent outbreak of violence in the middle east and though I’ve sat down to write numerous times, it has felt odd to find any inspiration whatsoever on the topics in which I usually ponder. In these moments I learn how little I know about these conflicts and I hope that the news sources and information I seek is valid, despite how easy it is to be drawn into propaganda and the choosing of sides. Long ago I decided every person is a whole being, and no matter what their belief, they never deserve to be tortured or killed. My sensitive self has spent many hours contemplating the horrors people are going through and my heart breaks for the suffering of children who know not why they are persecuted. So I am pausing quite a bit to send peace to these regions that are under strife and praying that the violence will cease.

“Christian, Jew, Muslim, shaman, Zoroastrian, stone, ground, mountain, river, each has a secret way of being with the mystery, unique and not to be judged”

―Jalal ad-Din Rumi

Despite being land-locked, the fall season in middle Tennessee has a certain magical light about it and a drama involving the sun’s later risings in tandem with the shortening of days. As I drove home from work today and lightning streaked across the Ellington Parkway, the western sky with its fiery sunset cast a spotlight on the changing leaves underneath grey skies. For once I didn’t mind being slowed down in rush hour traffic so I could witness this fully and be in it. For the first time this week, I felt a sense of happiness to be awake enough to appreciate the show nature was putting on. It cheered me up as I thought, we are all one in this world.

My friend Stacie Huckeba is someone I am lucky to know in this life. I met her years ago at the old Family Wash - the one on Greenwood and Porter - the OG Wash. She probably doesn’t even remember, but she made me laugh so hard with her stories that night I vowed to myself I would find a way to be her friend. She is also a photographer of the highest caliber and the past few years she’s been deep in the world of working for our queen Dolly Parton. The book she has poured her entire being into over the last 2-3 years is finally out! It’s called Behind the Seams: My Life in Rhinestones and it goes in DEEP DETAIL all of the outfits of Dolly and Stacie and another pal of mine Madison Thorn literally photographed all of her clothes and shoes and whatever the heck else from her archives. It was a mountain of a job and it is truly a work of art.

I’m so proud of her accomplishments and all the work she’s done. I love when my friends such moving things. They continue to inspire me to keep going and keep reaching for the stars. I have some irons in the fire and I’ll be making a few announcements soon so stay tuned and keep making art. I love you

xo m

https://thenashvillian.com/stacie-huckeba-and-madison-thorn-dolly-partons-behind-the-seams-my-life-in-rhinestones/