I have been looking forward to this day for quite some time. It’s the first official day that I’m working out of the luxurious Casa Pena Designs office.
That’s a fancy way to say that I’m working at Heidi’s kitchen table while she’s crouched over her desk-like cubby, in the corner with the weird shadow. But it’s our first official collaboration day, and it’s exciting!
I Always Find Inspiration Outside My Comfort Zone
My comfort zone = my house (+ dogs + refrigerator).
Today, the inspiration began before I even left the city. My normal radio stations weren’t giving me what I needed, so I reached over and grabbed the book of CD’s (I know, I’m old AF) that slid out from under the passenger seat.
I chose at random, and the universe richly rewarded me with the familiar opening of Dolly Parton’s Jolene:
Man, I love this song. It’s so good, and there are so many great iterations of it, like this one:
The fact that she sang it with her goddaughter, Miley Cyrus is almost too much for me to handle. But the time she did a collabo with Pentatonix and nailed it so hard I involuntarily burst into tears of joy, it was too much:
Or how Drunk History shared the origin story of the song. If it’s true, then Dolly Parton finds inspiration everywhere, too!
Dolly Parton is More than Big Hair and Big Talent
While Dolly Parton’s talent easily earns my respect, I’ve loved her for as long as I can remember because there are so many stories like this one, as depicted by Drunk History:
Recently, I was moved to tears, yet again, when I learned of her long-term generosity for the nearly 900 victims of Tennessee wildfires. This article outlines the details, but reader beware: you’re going to fall in love with Dolly Parton!
My Annual Date with Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers
I could go on and on, but I think you get it – I love Dolly Parton. From where I sit, she represents all that is good in the world, and the epitome of this sentiment is captured in my favorite holiday album, Once Upon a Christmas, a collabo with Kenny Rogers.
As per tradition, I’ll be listening to this album, nonstop, from the day after Thanksgiving to December 25th.
Dolly Parton, you are most certainly good design. Thank you for the inspiration today and always. I love you.
big hair, big presence, big influence!!!
indeed! although totally unrelated, this reminds me of the Friday Nights Phrase, which also made me tear up the first time I heard it – Clear Eyes. Full Heart. Can’t lose!