I Have Talented Cousins.....

You know I have been 

bragging about my 

cousin, Nathan Stoops,

who has become a fixture

in this American Idol Season.

It came about because Lauren and her

parents came to a concert that Nathan and

his band were doing in Nashville.

He said it was pretty low key so they 

invited Lauren up on the stage to 

do a song or two.

He was so impressed by her that he

offered to write music for her and 

kind of took her under his wing.

When she made it big on American Idol

and had the opportunity to bring someone

on to play with her she called Nathan.

Isn't that cool?

Well, this week Nathan has been in 

dress rehearsal for the finale.

I am not sure if he will play both

tonight and tomorrow or just 

one of those nights....

but he is reporting that the 

shows are going to be 

amazing.

He was watching a dress rehearsal yesterday

that really got him excited.

Of course he couldn't say who he

was watching....

but he says that it will be "EPIC"!

Personally, I have been so disappointed

by much of the "professional talent" AI has

featured this year and have even

turned the channel because of the 

content and moves of the 

"professional musicians" 

whose music they are trying to sell.

Hoping that the finale has more class.

I know that whatever Nathan does will 

be wonderful.  

Because he is an amazing fiddler!

Another talented cousin

is PJ.

PJ's blog features her craftiness.

The art gene came to her honestly.

My Aunt Lin is extremely gifted in all 

things artistic.

An update to a lamp that belonged to our Grandmother.

PJ also has a very huge heart.

She recently gave items to 

a fund raiser auction and was thrilled

by the money raised.

Genuinely...

'Cause that's just the way she is.

PJ and her husband, Tim, will be moving

soon....you see he serves our country.

He is in the Navy.  

In my book that makes him a hero!!

It was months of waiting and hearing

of a possible new duty station 

being anywhere from Florida

to Japan to Virginia to California.....

they are now committed to move

to California in a few months.

Bummer!

Virginia would have been so much closer.

But I suspect they will love California.

NOW...Here is the deal.

PJ is offering a giveaway of my candles.

She is a customer, herself,

and is celebrating her 50th follower

at  My Life: Planned in Pencil.

So...we invite you to stop by,

meet her, 

become a follower,

and enter to win a 

$25 gift certificate to 

Good Neighbors Candle Co.

A winner will be announced

on Friday.

These two are not my 

only talented cousins.

I have many....

but for today this

will have to do.

Smile....