LEROY CALDWELL AND HIS WIFE, SHIRLEY, WOULD HAVE BEEN MARRIED 47 YEARS TODAY

from Shirley:
"This morning I went on the porch to have my coffee and talk with Leroy and the Lord.  I thanked God for the 46 1/2 years we had together.  Later today I read 3 letters LeRoy had written back in 1999. and 2010 and also a letter he wrote to John Paul.  He said he would be waiting for us at the left of the Eastern Gate when it is our time to come.  I know he is enjoying Heaven, as there he is everything he was meant to be."

Here are some pics of the tank top dresses we made for Ambassadors to the Nations at the last Sew & Sow.  We’ll be sending 20 in the next week or so and I still have another 25 to make.  

It is so wonderful to know the Sew and Sow ladies are continuing to make dresses for little girls. Here are some of them. They make my heart glad. Love, annie

Many viewers liked the other blog entry about this ministry....

Wonderful way to serve the Lord and to honor a wonderful man, my little brother.
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ROY C BREWER IS MY SON!!! Want to blog a little about him before I take my summer break!

Roy Brewer
		Memphis United States 38117
Contact:		(901) 282-5460 Music for any occasion

Additional Info:

Roy C. Brewer, Ph.D. EDUCATION Ph.D. Musicology, 1996 The University of Memphis Dissertation: Professional Musicians in Memphis (1900 - 1950): A Tradition of Compromise M.A. Musicology, 1992 The University of Memphis Thesis: String Musicians in the Recording Studios of Memphis B.A. Violin Performance, 1985 Memphis State University TEACHING EXPERIENCE Rudi Scheidt School of Music, The University of Memphis, Memphis, TN Music in America, 2007 Music Appreciation, 1999 - present Aural Theory III, 1995 American Folk and Popular Music, 1994 Northwest Mississippi Community College, Southaven, MS Music Appreciation, 2007 - present School of Music, University of Oregon, Eugene, OR Elvis: In Perspective, 2002 and 2003 summer sessions (Created and developed course concept and structure) Flamenco Guitar, 2003 summer session (Created and developed course concept and structure) Jackson Symphony Orchestra, Jackson, TN String Specialist, 2002 taught private lessons, conducted student string ensemble PUBLICATIONS The Encyclopedia of Popular Music of the World John Shepherd, Ed. (2003): Two entries entitled: “Electric Bass Guitar” and “Rockabilly.” Popular Music and Society 26/3 (2003): “The Appearance of the Electric Bass Guitar: A Rockabilly Perspective.” Popular Music 19/2 (2000): “String Musicians in the Recording Studios of Memphis, Tennessee.” American Music 17/3 (2000): “The Use of Habanera Rhythm in Rockabilly Music.” The Tennessee Encyclopedia of History and Culture (1998): Entries entitled: “Vincent DeFrank,” “Noel Gilbert” and “Symphonies.” The Journal Musicological Research 19/2 (2000): Book review: The Late Great Johnny Ace The World of Music 37/2 (1995): Book review: Flamenco: Gypsy Dance and Music from Andalusia PRESENTATIONS Echoes of Elvis: Elvis Symposium, Smithsonian Institute, Washington, D.C., 2010. “Elvis and the Birth of Rock & Roll.” Delta Blues Symposium X: The 1950s, Jonesboro, Arkansas - 2004 “Rockabilly and the Bass: Upright or Electric?” Oregon Festival of American Music, Eugene, Oregon - 2001 “The Train Image in Post War Southern Music.” Society for Ethnomusicology (Southern and Caribbean Chapters), New Orleans - 2000 “Rockabilly Interpretations of Latin Rhythms.” Delta Studies Symposium III: The Blues and Beyond, Jonesboro, Arkansas - 1997 “The Evolution of Freddie King's Performance Style.” Delta Studies Symposium on the Blues: Jonesboro, Arkansas - 1995 “In Search of Africanisms: A Study of Herman Alexander (A Memphis Bluesman Better Known as ‘Alabama’).” Sonneck Society Annual Meeting, Madison, Wisconsin - 1995 “The Musical Saw: Its General History, Performance Problems, and a Study of Two Mid South Sawyers.” Showography Orpheum Theatre, Memphis: Hello, Dolly - 3x (Carol Channing, and others) King And I - 3x (Richard Harris, others) My Fair Lady - 3x Camelot - 4x? (Robert Goulet) South Pacific - 2x Evita Joseph - 2x Jesus Christ Super Star (great, great, band) The Sound of Music - 2x (Marie Osmond & oldest boy from Brady Bunch) Singing in the Rain Carousel (w/ the Guy from Dukes of Hazard) Peter Pan (Kathy Rigby, 1 violin) Chicago - 2x (1 violin) Spamalot (1 violin) Ragtime (1 violin) Annie - 2x (1 violin) Jolson (1 violin) Secret Garden (1 violin?) Sunset Blvd (Petula Clark?) Victor–Victoria (Tennille?) Beauty & the Beast - 2x Titanic (next to the top of bad shows) Brigadoon (easily the world's worst show) Anything Goes (I have no memory of this show) West Side Story - 2x Martin Luther King, Jr. Other Productions in the area: Pippin – Germantown Community Theater Music Man – GTT West Side Story - GTT A Little Night Music – Overton Park Shell (I conducted a small ork) Camelot - Theater Memphis (30 shows!) Wizard of Oz – Some High school in Bartlett? South Pacific – West Memphis Community Theater Scrooge – Overton HS Mel Torme - Some hotel ballroom Robert Goulet (Stage show, Orpheum)- 4x? Burt Bacharach - (we almost got in a fist fight, Hilton) Smokey Robinson - 7x (notorious jerk conductor) Johnny Mathis - 4? 5X? (w/a great, great guitarist) Natilie Cole - Hilton Hotel John Denver - Mud Island (string quartet) Henry Mancini - Mud Island David Gest's All Star Extravaganza Todd Snyder (Memphis, Eugene) Cat Power Tour - (USA & Europe) 2006 Peter Pan - (St Mary's/Buckman Theater) A Mid Summer Night's Dream (TN Shakespeare, 2009 - 21 shows!) Mac Frampton Band (Helena, AR) Television: Various local shows Later, with Jools Hollond - (BBC, London) (Cat Power) Austin City Limits (Cat Power) Late Night with Conan O'Brien (Cat Power) (We were booked to do David Letterman but it fell through the night before) Discography: 1986 Swamp Surfing in MemphisVarious Artists Arranger, Guitar, Violin 1987 World We KnewTav Falco Violin 1989 Free Range Chicken The Country Rockers Fiddle 1993 Memphis Music SamplerVarious Artists Fiddle 1994 Ditch Diggin'Southern Culture on the Skids Fiddle 1994 Ditch Diggin'Southern Culture on the Skids Fiddle 1994 Deep in the Shadows Tav Falco 1996 Cryin' for the FireSteve ReidFiddle, Mandolin 1997 Music Aboard the TitanicCarl Wolfe, Violin 1997 Signs & Symbols Messenger 45 Violin, String Arrangements, Viola 1997 Signs & SymbolsMessenger 45Viola, String Arrangements, Violin 1998 These Modern NightsKitchens & Bathrooms Violin 1998 Singles 1993-1994Various Artists Mandolin, Vocals, Fiddle, Strings 1998 Singles 1995-1996 Various Artists Producer, Strings, Guitar 1999 Loverly Music: The Singles 1997-1999Various ArtistsFiddle, Strings 2000 Rural Electric Mohead Drums (Bass), Mandolin 2000 Rude Angel Lorette Velvette Violin/string arr 2001 Outside the Lines Nancy Apple Guitar (lead), Mandolin, Fiddle, Vocals, Vocals (Background), Guitar, Guitar (Electric) 2003 Memphis Belles: Past, Present and Future Various Artist Fiddle 2004 Songs from the New SouthAndy Tanas Fiddle 2004 Simply Nothing Shawn McDonald Spanish Guitar, Guitar (Nylon String), Viola 2004 Simply Nothing Shawn McDonald Viola, Guitar (Nylon String) 2005 River Road or Rail Nancy Apple Mandolin, Fiddle 2006 Greatest Cat Power Violin 2006 Greatest [Special] Cat Power Violin 2006 Ripen Shawn McDonald Flamenco Guitar, Violin 2006 Moonlight Over Memphis Marti Pellow String Section 2007 Black Snake Moan [Original Soundtrack] Original Soundtrack Strings 2007 Black Snake Moan [Original Soundtrack] Original Soundtrack Strings 2007 Better Questions Todd Agnew Violin 2008 Samedi Soir A Beyrouth Bernard Lavilliers Violone 2008 My Blueberry Nights Original Soundtrack Violin 2008 My Blueberry Nights Original Soundtrack Violin 2008 Roots Shawn McDonald Violin 2009 Say Amen...Hymns and Songs of Faith Ginny Owens Fiddle, Violin 2009 Soulbook Rod Stewart Violin 2010 Shine Nancy Apple Guitar (Electric) 2010 Nothing's Impossible Solomon Burke Violin 2010 Sucker Harlan T. Bobo Violin 2010 35 Years: Bear Family Records Various Artists Guitar, Guitar (Rhythm) 2010 35 Years: Bear Family Records Various Artists Guitar (Rhythm), Guitar

Orchestral Playing, Session Work, Contemporary Music, Improvisation Just sayin'....love, annie in memphis

WHAT DOES PIKE PEAK HAVE to do with POEM AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL BY KATHARINE LEE BATES?

In the summer of 1893 Katharine Lee Bates, as you probably already know, was teaching an English course in Colorado College in Colorado Springs, Colorado. This is how she remembers her inspiration as she wrote the first draft of "America the Beautiful."

            "One day some of the other teachers and I decided to go on a trip to l4,000 foot Pike's Peak. We hired a prairie wagon. Near the top we had to leave the wagon and go the rest of the way on mules. I was very tired.
But when I saw the view, I felt great joy. All the wonder of America seemed displayed there with the sea-like expanse."
 
 

 Our church choir will be singing "America the Beautiful" tomorrow morning.  I particularly love these lines so appropriate for today's America. "God mend thine every flaw. Confirm thy soul with self control." The entire four stanzas are so beautiful...but then you know that, huh?
 

She went back to Massachusetts in the fall and continued teaching. She died in 1929,. I am not sure if she ever saw that sight again...but she surely remembered it well.

Just sayin'.

with love, annie in memphis 
who has been to Pike's Peak 
but could never write anything much..
.but I appreciate the fact Katharine Lee Bates did!! 

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FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND...REMEMBERING WHY I LOVE AMERICA

   

I wrote this recently for MEMORIAL DAY weekend. I think it still applies to the 4TH weekend...so sending it again!!


Yesterday I bought three American flags and put them on the lattice that runs along our porch. This is yet another beautiful day in Memphis, both cool and sunny. The flags are blowing in the gentle breeze.
Now the flags have returned to the porch for the 4th weekend and continue to blow in the gentle breeze......

I am thinking many people who lived during WWII perhaps have a different feeling for our country from ones who were born later.

I was in the second grade when we were surprised by December 7, 1941.  I remember hearing President Roosevelt on the radio; Mother was crying and Daddy looked so sad. His brother, Clifford Grogan Caldwell was a professional soldier and surely would go to war. (He would be part of the Invasion of Normandy and lived to come home. He was our hero.) 

I remember clearly how we loved our country. There was a sense of nationwide camaraderie. Like we all knew each other, almost like being kin.  Our service men were heroes, and we developed an attachment to the ones we didn't even know personally. 

 Of course now I know our country isn't perfect; yet I continue to love "us" and pray for "us"..."My country tis of thee...sweet land of liberty" Indeed! 

Wave on, Flags on my porch...wave on.

with love, annie in memphis

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HANGING OUT IN COLORADO FOR TWENTY MINUTES

    Colorado???What you say? You thought we live in Memphis...Well for the last fifty years we have lived back in Memphis. But when Roy was born and Ben was a toddler, we lived in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Ben taught at Colorado State, his first teaching job since Tulane.
                  
             We were so young...and though near penniless..quite happy. Colorado was such a beautiful place to live. Every weekend we drove up into the mountains and had so much fun...the four of us!  Out parents were not in good health, and when the opportunity came for Ben to work at University of Memphis (Memphis State) we happily came back but leaving a little of our hearts in Colorado. We remained in Memphis....but not entirely tied to it.


Some days, like this one, are truly beautiful in Memphis. It is cool but sunny and the sky is so blue. It reminds me of a day Lydia's Paw Paw took her to the orthodontist. I went along; but Ben waited in the car for us. He simply didn't feel like going upstairs. 

When Lydia and I returned, the car window was open and Ben's eyes were closed.  I remember there was a gentle breeze like today. Then he shook himself and said he had just had a wonderful visit in our (beloved) New Mexico, which we had visited so very many times. He said he felt so refreshed.

 I told him if I lived longer than he, I would do that, myself. From time to time, I would close my eyes and have a sweet trip like he had...and he would be in the visit too.

So I just did that...I was hanging out in Colorado for the last twenty minutes and I too am refreshed by sweet memories of our time there.

Just sayin',
love, annie

MADAM BUTTERFLY AND THE SECRET BENEFACTOR

                         Tulane University (We have not seen Tulane since the hurricane....)

When Ben was in graduate school at Tulane University (1958-1960, New Orleans,) he, Ben Jr., and I lived on the sixth floor of the brand new housing building for married students. I must mention we had a wonderful view of our temporary city!  

One night, when Ben was teaching, I heard a light tap on the door. It was one of Ben's students. He came in, and we had a nice visit. He was only eighteen and looked younger. Some might describe him as a nerd, but I found him completely charming. He really wanted to visit his teacher; but Ben was running late, had papers to grade. The student stayed several hours seeming to enjoy making do with me.

.

We talked about mutual interests...the former chaplain of the US Senate, for example...and worked out way to our love of the opera.
At that time there was a TV Show, about an anonymous benefactor.

Soon we received in the mail a book of Peter Marshall's prayers in the Senate. He was chaplain from 1946 to 1948.
                           Peter Marshall, 1902-1949

No return address. It was inscribed: from your Benefactor.

Then a week or so later, two tickets arrived for us to see MADAM BUTTERFLY. Very good seats. Ben's graduate school stipend did not allow us to buy such frivolous things, so I was excited about going to the opera. This was also signed: from your Benefactor.

                                         It was a magic evening for Ben and me.

I never saw our young friend again. But I am not likely to forget him... would you????  
with love, annie

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MORE FROM RECENT GUEST BLOGGER: DOROTHY FINLEY

Today I got this wonderful e-mail from my couisin, Dot Finley. Recently she was a guest blogger "From One Mother to Another." Some of you will reeeely love reading this; I did. Love, annie

                           

Let me tell you what has happened since I wrote what I thought was ‘my final report “. First my son, John , complained , Mom what did you mean by that title—he found that rather unfriendly! Then a few others said how much they would miss hearing from us---I really thought I was doing everyone a favor by ceasing telling “news” they may not find interesting. After all was said I decided I would write occasionally but give those not interested permission to just delete without reading----with my blessings!

I’ve been thinking about our life style and realizing how my plan for living by the road and being a friend to all has fallen off the tracks. After accompanying Bud to all therapy I just find I don’t have the strength to do the many things I think about. BUT NOW  I’ve thought of a new plan. Let me tell you about it and you tell me if I am “Nuts or Normal” LOL. I guess my thoughts are always concerning the plight of the aged and the children. I’ve heard so many old folks wish for certain foods that they never have but would love to eat again.  I remember Grandmother Finley & her roommate age 90+   in a nursing home in Pecos ,TX wishing for fried fish. I’m thinking that in our little town there are some who would love some old fashioned soups and vegetables or meat suitable for ole teeth to chew!  I’m planning to talk to a woman in our church who works tirelessly with those people, who knows the needs and I would like to be her silent partner . I can cook if I take my time and don’t get stressed. As for the children ---I worry about summer meals for them and food for infants. When we shop I see the prices I wonder how families are eating every day. My friend, Louinen, will know how I can connect with this woman. I know most of you are already at work in your churches so I’m expecting lots of suggestions and great ideas!

I loved my Mother’s Day this year—planned for me by our awesome 3- Sherrie, Kay and John-and executed by Kay and husband Bill. Mmmmm filet mignon and fresh salmon perfectly grilled by SIL Bill and other delicious eats to numerous to mention. We ate most of the day ,welcomed our two GKids, Garrett & Brett from college—UTX Dallas and North TX. Unfortunately GGbaby Maddie not with us.

We are getting a little rain this morning and looking out at the yard and trees is a beautiful sight.  Some people plant gorgeous flowers but we have chosen to leave just our 2 groves of trees in the back and wide span of green grass.

 As a reward we get to see into the pasture that adjoins us and see the cows, horses, deer etc. Every year we see mother deer place their babies safely under out trees while they graze nearby. 

                                                 

Jack rabbits come late in the evening to eat grass, one jack rabbit is very old.

It’s so easy to see Gods work in such a place

Well when I get to the weather I know it is time to end and today I get to wait the hour at S&W Round Rock heart therapy -11to12 and another hour at Georgetown for shoulder therapy.1to 2.  I’m tired already

Dot

CONFESSION OF A 50 YR OLD 10 K RUNNER!!!

I remember that shortly after my 50th birthday, a liquor store in Memphis held a 10 K out near the airport.

Everyone in the family was busy that morning so I drove out there by myself.  In addition to the main prize, there were smaller awards given to winners by age category.  I recognized a woman runner I had seen before...and when I looked on the list I saw there were only the two of us in the 50 and up category. The other runner was 60+, white headed, and wrinkled. 

I thought, "Now is my chance, surely I can beat her." 



              


When the race began, she took off like lightening, and I was far behind her.  

When they presented the awards, I heard "Second place in the category of 50 up, is Ann Brewer."  


Beaming, I stood as everyone applauded.

You won't believe this...I WAS SO PROUD, not at all embarrassed that there were only two of us. I confess I still recall that feeling of pride...shame on me!!

I confess...but I guess to have run 6 miles at all was worthy of some attention...

Now that I am nearing 80, I figure I can remember this story anyway I like. Sometimes imagining a cup...

The recent Boston Marathon was a nightmare....yet before the explosions  I could identify with those runners who finished safely.

For I still remember running as a very positive part of my life..
from 46 yrs to 60 yrs old.
This picture was made in a Memphis in May 10 k a year later.



annie              





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