The Road You're On What's playiing right now? Nanci Griffith from Other Voices, Other Rooms singing "Across the Great Divide." What a fine voice and beautiful song. She is taking a year's break and enjoying the time to read, research and relax. I still kick myself repeatedly for not approaching her in the Nashville airport that day several years ago. Yeah I know you don't know the story. Here it is.
I was on my way back to Austin and at the Southwest counter there was a couple in front of me. Staring at the back of her head I just had this feeling that it was Nanci Griffith. She turned and spoke to the man who was with her. My heart skipped a beat and I was just struck by humility or studpidity or whatever. It was my hero Nanci and as it turned out, her road manager. She left to go to the restroom and I chatted with him for several minutes about what a fan I was. We talked about albums, songs and shows where I had seen her int he past. I guess I wanted him to know that I knew all about her and her music. But I made up my mind that her privacy is real important and that I would not bug her. (I just have to let you know that now I am listening to her and Townes sing Tecumseh Valley. It sounds like Champ Hood on violin. Gosh what a great, great song. Okay back to the non-story.)
About 15 minutes later Nanci returned and took a seat not far from where I was sitting. They chatted quietly and shortly we all boarded the plane. They were far from where I sat and I didn't see them again. Lost opportunity - so close but so far. You don't often get opportunities like that and I think maybe just go for it should be the rule. Otherwise here you sit, years later and ruminate about the conversation missed.
Oh, there will always be roads not taken, that is not what I mean. You take one and not another for what seems to be a good reason. Then old hindsight bugs you about your choice. What the hell, Give it up and do it different next time. Gosh it was great to see her just a foot in front of me and I respected her need to be a regular person. I expressed my appreciation to someone who was close to her and if he chose to share it with her or not is not really a problem for me. You see there are all kinds of reactions to our choices.
What you do affects others, way beyond what you know. Live life honestly, fully and with honor. Your story will be heard, your actions will have impact and will help others in ways you can't even imagine. Trust me, this is true. Love life and the people around you. Tell them so. This is RiverDogs signing out to the tune "Speed of The sound of Loneliness." Out for now.
6:36:41 AM 
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