Who I Met Today

Nashville Based Blog Exploring People, Their Stories, and What We Can Learn From Each Other

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Dustin Williams, Violin Maker in Nashville, TN

Meet Dustin Williams – Violin Maker

As we wander through the charming, historic Music Row building with the rickety staircases and old-world architecture, Dustin Williams proudly explains, “Everything we have here we fully expect to last 200 years.” The older they get, the more valuable. The more they are played, the better they sound.  “We are lucky to be the caretakers of these beautiful instruments.”

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Introducing Patty Russell and Her Groom’s Cakes

On a day when the bride and her mom tend to handle the details, I could not wait to tackle the assignment of helping my son select the groom’s cake for his upcoming wedding. Sitting down with the baker at an upscale Italian bakery in a trendy section of Brooklyn, we explained what we wanted.  The gentleman, who had been baking panettone and cannoli and biscotti in this neighborhood long before

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Jim Laurent and His Brahman Cattle

Jim Laurent is relaxing with a book in the straw-filled “home” he and his wife share in the cavernous exhibit hall.  Their area is neatly swept, and a crockpot of chili is simmering on a cloth covered portable table.  The background noise is a constant and comfortable lull – goats, pigs, and cows bellowing to get attention. One of the largest and richest rodeos in the world, the Houston Livestock

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Chris Pence – What Does a Sound Engineer Do?

Since moving to Nashville, I spend more time listening to live music in a variety of venues around town.  After all, this is Music City.   Aside from raw talent and lots of practice, I never really think about what else makes for an outstanding show.  According to Chris Pence, a sound engineer with country and pop bands, “When everything at a show sounds great, the artist is wonderful!  But

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Barbara Heilman and UnbuckleMe

Eager to care for her brand new granddaughter on occasion, Barbara Heilman’s first order of business was to go shopping for a car seat.  She couldn’t operate the model her daughter, Becca Davison, already owned, and she wanted something easy to use.  However, when Barb and Becca returned from their shopping trip, Barb was frustrated and slightly panicked.  She didn’t have the strength to unbuckle any of the car seats

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Brian O’Connor – Good Dye Young and a Farm with a Purpose

Thirteen years ago, Hayley William’s hair stylist was out on leave, and Brian O’Connor was her next available option. Making small talk as she sat in his chair, Brian asked Hayley the basic questions about what she was doing and where she was working. Laughing now, as he recalls their initial conversation, Brian said he secretly rolled his eyes when Hayley told him she wrote and sang songs.  Of course

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Xima Lee Hulings and Walking Papers Studio

Showing me around her meticulously organized and overflowing art studio, I have a hard time keeping up with Xima Lee Hulings.  Amidst pens and paints and textiles and even a blow torch, she talks about her life and paintings and projects in her rapid-fire, exuberant way.  Inspiring and educational, she motivates me to make a mess and create something.  Because, as Xima laughs out loud and says, “Life is an

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Meet Mary Hance – The Tennessean’s Ms. Cheap

I have talked about my mid-life move to Nashville – no friends or family here,  kids grown and gone.  Arriving in town, I read everything I could get my hands on about happenings in our new city.  I was searching for ways to meet people and create a sense of belonging.  Now it is two years later –  Mary Hance willingly agrees to meet with me, and I feel like

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A Ride Along With Officer Allen Cantrell

The sergeant-in-command directs me to the room where roll call is beginning.   Reminiscent of police tv shows, the two sergeants discuss the priorities for the day to the 30 or so police officers gathered.   A murder suspect was apprehended overnight, so locating him is no longer a high priority item for these day shift officers.  As I sit at my table and look around at the quiet and

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Tim Halperin – Songwriter, Vocalist

If at first you don’t succeed…Tim Halperin’s first American Idol tryout was a bust.  A few years later, he borrowed a buddy’s laptop, pulled up a seat, and sang a cappella for a webcam audition. This time around, he ended up in Los Angeles on a wild, musical ride.  As we discuss Tim’s  2011 American Idol adventure, his strong faith is evident.  A finalist during season 10,  Tim truly believes

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