June Book Review: "It's A Long Story; My Life" by Willie Nelson

If you were a follower in June, then you might remember the book I chose to read.  Willie Nelson’s autobiography came out late May/early June and I decided to tackle it.  I did not have much background on him other than he was from Texas and he smoked pot.  Man, did I learn a lot about him!  When I began reading this book, I thought it would be great for aspiring musicians.  He chronicled each “failure,” each time he was told “no,” and each time someone tried to change his ways.  But better yet, he also discussed each time he got back up.  It did not hit me until the last couple of pages, this book speaks to any new business owner or entrepreneur.  His desire to become more didn’t just pertain to musicians.   That same desire could be in a small time photographer who dreams of shooting magazine covers or a fashion designer who dreams of her clothing line gracing models on the runway.  It spoke to me as a small business owner.  To make it in this world, it’s nice to have the advice of others.  But you also have to stay “you” and not let anyone change what makes you “you.”  Willie did things his own way and did not allow people to change him.  This book sends a major motivation message without even trying.  He’s just telling his story.

Back to his story…he was married…several times.  I like his honesty with the ending of each marriage.  He admits he ran around on his wives, cheated and was hardly ever home.  Most celebrity “tell all” books paint that celebrity in bright light.  They are sure to make themselves look good.  Not Willie.  He laid it all out there.  The ups, the downs, the in-betweens…just honesty.  You see throughout the book how much family and faith mean to him.  It makes you realize he’s not any different than the old man next door.  You begin to understand why he has the fan base he has.  What’s not to love about an 82 year old man who admits his faults and loves his family?

If you have not read it, you need to.  Even if you’re not a Willie fan, it’s still a good read.

There’s my quick, to the point review of “It’s A Long Story.”  If you want to know the details, you will just have read the book.

 

Hugs y'all,

Melissa

Texas Tuesday- The Tennessee Edition

Our group of crazies headed North right after the kids got out of school in June.  Kids got out on Friday...Red had two basketball games on Saturday and by Sunday morning, we were packed and loaded in the truck.   Our ultimate destination was New York but our first major
stop would be Nashville.  Chief heard about the George Jones Museum that had opened earlier in the year in downtown Nashville.  What 8 year old boy has the George Jones Museum on his bucket list?!  Mine does!  He played the Possum  old cassettes and records non-stop until we left. 

I will say we picked the worst possible night to arrive in Nashville.  We got into town about 7:30 that night (the museum doesn't close until 10 or after).  It was Sunday but it was drunk people galore!!  It's never good when your kids are watching people getting put into their cars by their friends because they are sooooo wasted.  It was only after we got to our hotel later that night that we discovered it was the start of CMA Fest.  Needless to say, we did not do much sight seeing on our 2 hours in Nashville.

Now to the main reason for our stop in Nashville...the George Jones Museum.  It was pretty cool.  When we walked up, the hubs asked these 2 men where we entered the actual museum.  Now, I am not sure if these 2 were hired by the museum or if they just did this for the fun of it.  I am not calling  them short... but I am 5 foot 4 and I was a good 6 inches taller than them. Their neon orange rimmed glasses (they both wore them) wasn't even the best part. They looked similar to Weird Al Yankovic and wore black t-shirts that read "BANG THIS" in big neon orange letters.  I wish I had gotten a picture of them but to be honest, I was seriously flabbergasted and slightly confused by them.

We entered through the doors into the gift shop.  At the entrance is  small open-air lounge with a band playing.  This museum has 4 floors. The actual museum is on the 2nd floor.  You can rent the 3rd floor for a wedding reception or other event.  The rooftop houses the restaurant and bar.  It has an amazing view!!  It overlooks the Tennessee Titans Stadium.

The museum exhibit was put together by George Jones' wife, Nancy.  She handpicked items that were personal to the Possum such as contents of his wallet.  I have a Costco card just like George. 

There were items such as the chair he sat in while he watched Sunday Football and his own personal barber shop setup.  It was a very well put together exhibit that showcased his personal side as much as the entertainer part of him.

Here's Chief with George Jones' truck that sits in the gift shop.  He feels that it is important for you to know there is a "moonshine maker" in the bed of the truck.  (Yes, my sweet son read my blog over my shoulder as I type.)

 

If you've gotten to the end of this post and wondered why I made this a Texas Tuesday post, know this...George Jones grew up in Saratoga, Texas and raised in Vidor, TX. 

 

So the next time you venture through Nashville, be sure to put this one on your list to see.  You won't be disappointed.

 

Hugs y'all,

Melissa