Merry Christmas

Today I celebrated my 25th Christmas, and what a great day it was! In looking back over those past 25 holidays, I tried to pick out what I remember most from those days and what helped to make Christmas my favorite holiday. I came to the conclusion that the answer was much what the answer would be if I asked the question, "what made today so special?" There are a few answers I could share, one talking about the "reason for the season" and the birthday we are celebrating on December the 25th, however I am going to save the more spiritual thoughts for another day.

Today the answer to that question is going to lie in 3 words: family, friends, and music. These three things have always been a part of my life and have always made holidays (and most every other day) special. 

I had the opportunity to sing with my family in a Christmas Eve concert my family does every year. This year I sang a song my Dad has written, however I wanted to share with you the song I sang last year. The song is called, "Red, White, and Blue Christmas" written by some good friends of mine in Nashville. It focusses on our military and their sacrifice, especially at Christmas time. Click on the link below to get to the song.

Red, White, and Blue Christmas

"Red, White, and Blue Christmas"

Written By: Brad Hull and Tom Worth

Just got home from midnight mass, we sang "Silent Night" with candles burning

Father Ryan said a prayer, for you and all those over there serving

The kids have hung up stockings, they're in bed, but still awake

They're getting all they asked for, wish I could say the same

Oh we got Drew a BB Gun, you know he's always wanted one

I'm not sure who will show him how to use it

And I hear good men are losing lives, but that's not the only sacrifice

It's moments like tonight that you're missing 

On this red, white, and blue Christmas

Now's the time that you and I would exchange our gifts and kisses by the fire

But Jimmy Stewart in black and white is the only thing that breaks the night time silence

And as I write this letter, it's starting to snow outside

We've both got our battles, and I'm fighting mine tonight

Oh we got Kiley a kitchen set, but it's not put together yet

If you were here, it'd only take two minutes

And I hear good men are losing lives, but that's not the only sacrifice 

It's moments like tonight that you're missing 

On thie red, white, and blue Christmas

Now I know that I should wrap this up

Just know that we miss you so much

But I'll sign off for now, with hugs and kisses

On this red, white and blue Chirstmas

Have a red, white and blue Christmas

New Song!

This post is going to be short and sweet! 

One thing I love about living in Nashville is the opportunity I have to meet and work with amazing singers, songwriters, and musicians. I have written more songs in 2011 than the rest of my life combined, and it has been SUCH an amazing, and fun process! I have had people ask me when I am going to put out a new song ... so here it is!! I wrote this song earlier this fall with a VERY talented singer/songwriter named Nikki Fernandez. I played it at a writer's round in Nashville and thought I'd share it with the rest of y'all. I hope you like it! 

Dear Whiskey,

(Click on the link for the video)

Last Christmas I was surprised by a present I had to wait almost a complete year to enjoy! 

A trip to the 2011 CMA awards!

I spent January-November 8th in anticipation of November 9th and FINALLY the day came! 

I started by picking a date (and why not choose the guy whose parents gave us the tickets right?!) ;) 

... and after hair, makeup, and a few dresses (for me anyway) we were ready to go! 

The first stop was somewhere I had never been 

before, but had heard a lot about ... 

After an AMAZINGLY DELICIOUS dinner of salads, vegetables, and different kinds of steak and shrimp (sounds like my kind of meal!), we headed through the BITTERLY cold streets of downtown Nashville to the Bridgestone Arena for the show!

The show was amazing, but how could it not be, when you have performers like ...

Blake Shelton

Brad Paisley

Carrie Underwood

Chris Young

Eric Church

Faith Hill

Grace Potter

Jason Aldean

Keith Urban

Kenny Chesney

Kenny Loggins

Lady Antebellum

Lionel Richie

Luke Bryan

Martina McBride

Matt Nathanson

Miranda Lambert

Natasha Bendingfield

Rascal Flatts

Sara Evans

Scotty Mcreery

Sugarland

Taylor Swift

The Band Perry

Thompson Square

Zac Brown Band

... what a list! And I'm sure I'm missing some! 

We had a great view of the stage, so we didn't miss a thing!!

What a GREAT night and an AWESOME concert! Definitely a night I'll remember! 

It was fun to see the show and almost equally as entertaining to see 

the mix of people who were in attendance!! 

I hope y'all were able to see it (in person, on t.v., or online), definitely worth looking up!

Thanksgiving

"In early Autumn of 1621, the 53 surviving Pilgrims celebrated their successful harvest, as was the English custom. That 1621 celebration is remembered as the "First Thanksgiving in Plymouth."

Thanks to those Pilgrims 390 years ago, I was able to drive to Maryland, from Nashville, and celebrate Thanksgiving with my family! And what a GREAT Thanksgiving it was!

My family has many holiday traditions. The first Thanksgiving Day tradition is to watch 

The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade!

I always love seeing the balloons that return year after year, and the new ones that are added each year!  My family also loves to see (and hear) the entertainment (esp. the musical theater snippets). 

Breakfast is a MUST while watching the parade and the Cinnamon Rolls we had this year were DELICIOUS! We also had a little additive this year ... Orange Rolls! I have always loved them and much to my surprise, my sister made a special trip so I could have them this year! What a great family I have!


After the parade, we got ready and headed to my Uncle's house for dinner. It's always nice to be around family, especially around holidays. I spent Thanksgiving with family I don't see very often, so it was an extra special Thanksgiving. Thanksgiving dinner is my favorite (I'm a sucker for Turkey I must say). Here are my favorite Thanksgiving dishes ...

First ... the Thanksgiving Turkey ... need I say more?! Probably not, but I will! I LOVE Turkey, and the best part is usually there are a bunch of left overs, which means ... turkey sandwiches for the next week!! Happy Thanksgiving!  

Next ... Corn Pudding. Corn what now?! It's the best thing! I love it (though I must say I didn't try it 'til a few years ago because I was afraid I wouldn't like it). It's a family tradition, and it's amazing! If you haven't tried it before, or have never heard of it - it's pretty easy to make ... go try it!! 

Last but CERTAINLY not least on my list of favorites is pie! I have always been a cake person myself, and the traditional pumpkin pie has never been my favorite. So what's a good alternative you ask? Chocolate. (The answer's ALWAYS chocolate)! Ok, I also like Apple, but this year ... I went for the chocolate pie, thus it made the blog! 

Though these are the dishes that made my list of favorites, I also love: Mashed Potatoes (as long as they are real potatoes. Don't get me started on the potato pearls or flakes ...), Sweet Potatoes, Green Beens, and Rolls. Who could NOT love Thanksgiving dinner?!

This Thanksgiving was especially great because we turned it into a vacation. On our list of stops, we went to the Holocaust museum in Washington DC and also made a trip up to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (where the Declaration of Independence was signed, and where the Liberty Bell was hung and remains today). Looking back, the Thanksgiving weekend of 2011, for me, was centered around freedom and that is DEFINITELY something to be thankful for!

The Grand Ole Opry

The Grand Ole Opry has been entertaining Country Music fans since 1925. 

Country greats such as: Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, Johnny and June Carter Cash, Patsy Cline, Vince Gill, Patty Loveless, Alison Krauss, and Willie Nelson have graced the stage of the Opry and have recently been joined by artists like: Dierks Bentley, Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Alan Jackson, Josh Turner, and Carrie Underwood.  No matter what night you go, there is sure to be a great show!

The Grand Ole Opry concerts are broadcast live on WSM-AM (and Willie's Roadhouse XM Satelite Radio channel 56, and Sirius channel 64) on Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, but there is nothing like GOING to a show at the Opry!







Last week's blog was about my birthday, and I forgot to mention one of my presents were two tickets to the Opry! It was a such a great show, so I thought I would share a little bit of it with y'all!

First you had Little Jimmy Dickens (a well known member of the Opry) ...

Followed by Steel Magnolia (who won "Can You Duet" a few years ago ...)

Then a killer line up of ...

David Nail

Rascal Flatts

and Blake Shelton

I have videos, however they are not uploading, 

so the pictures are going to have to do for now! 

Outside of the Opry there are two guitars, which after the show are flooded by fans wanting to take a picture.  

We had to join the crowds and get our pictures too. A night at the Opry just isn't complete after all until you have them in your camera!

My night at the Opry was SO fun! I hope y'all get to go sometime. It's totally worth the trip! I have heard the Opry described as a big family and they seem to love to share the stage with the other members of the group! So you never know who you'll see and what guest appearances might happen on the night you go.

When the candles blow out ...

Birthdays have always carried mixed feelings for me! (We'll get to that later) First - let me tell you why this was one of the best birthdays I've ever had!! 

(Then we'll get into the epiphany I had ...) 

But first things first!

The celebration of my birthday started with my roommate taking me out for dessert! It was way too big, and way too delicious, but hey - it's my birthday so it doesn't matter, right?! 

Later on that night, 

a very special guy 

decided to make me dinner! 

Mmm, my favorite!

Ever since my first birthday I have always had the same cake, and in fear of not having that this year, I made my own. Little did I know after dinner there would be a cake ... so we had two!! Better more cake than no cake! I was once told that everyone should blow out a candle on their birthday ... it's totally true!! EVERYONE should blow out a candle on their birthday! That's one of the things that separates your birthday from the other 364 days of the year!

 I was once told that everyone should blow out a candle on their birthday ... it's totally true!! EVERYONE should blow out a candle on their birthday! That's one of the things that separates your birthday from the other 364 days of the year! (P.S. This year I learned that even though I sing all the time, I apparently still need to work on my lung and sustaining power)! 

 The next birthday celebration happened the next day. My friends and I have a tradition to go out to dinner for birthdays after our bible study class - so we did! Here are some of my friends who came out that night! What a fun group!

After dinner, 7 of us girls decided to go back to my friends condo and watch a movie, "She's the Man", eat these delicious cupcakes, and do what girls do ... chat, for hours! A great ending to a great night!

I have been blessed with two of the BEST girlfriends ever! 

We decided to go out and have some GREAT Japanese food to celebrate! 

 Then my girlfriend surprised me with ... 

AMAZING CUPCAKES!

Over all it was an Incredible day ... week actually. One I was not expecting to have. Birthdays have always carried mixed feelings for me. I was torn because it was my birthday and I should be enjoying it, but yet I was another year older ... and what really constitutes a GREAT birthday? People always say "Happy Birthday! I hope you have a great day!" But what does that mean? As I have gotten older the more I have begun to realize that the day your birthday falls on is just another day. Work goes on, school continues, and things happen. And since people can't really drop everything when a birthday comes around ... what SHOULD be done on a birthday to make it feel special. Yes it's  day you were born, but why should it be special/important to anyone else?

These questions continued until the day of my birthday. I was getting countless messages on Facebook wishing me a "Happy Birthday", friends were texting me, however it didn't seem the day was very special and I couldn't figure out why. I realized it was because of the attitude I had (which I described above). Soon I realized the reason birthdays are a big deal to people, and should be a big deal to people, is because that is the day YOU were born. Without that day, you would not be here. Granted you would have been born on a different day, but then the dilemma starts all over again. So, the reason why people say "Happy Birthday" and the reason YOUR birthday is special to THEM is because they are glad you are here. They are glad to have your friendship and to know you. Without you there would be a lot of things that would be different in the world, a lot of people that would be different in the world, more than you would/could probably image. 

So ... I would challenge everyone to take this year to see the reasons why people are grateful YOU are here. We often see the best in others and only the worst in ourselves! Everyone has the power inside of them to do great things if they only let themselves, so let yourself! That way next year on your birthday you'll be grateful for the day you were born, because you are grateful for you!   

Thank you for the people who made this year's (and every year's) birthday great! Until next year ... 

The quirks and perks of Nashville!

... Living in Nashville ...

Since it's been about 4 years since I have lived in Nashville, there are some things I forgot about this beautiful city. Well, some things I forgot, and others I just didn't get the opportunity to experience the last time I was here. 

#1. Cicada's! 

 For those who don't know what a Cicada is ... lucky, lucky, lucky! They can be classified as locusts, however they have a hostile takeover every 7 years! (and when I say hostile ... I mean hostile). They are not the best of fliers, however they have no hesitation about flying INTO you at amazing speeds, land on you while make creepy and disturbing noises. I don't know if they have any real point or if they add anything to society, but they are EVERYWHERE ... and when I say everywhere ...

 

 what happens is, they attach to trees (hundreds on each tree), and make noises ALL DAY long! For those who have not been to the South, there are hundreds and thousands of trees, which means the hills are alive with the sound of cicadas! They shed their shell, which then falls to the ground (which you can see here). The shells then collect, by the pile full, around the bottom of every tree. At the end of the summer they will burrow back into the ground and come back in another 7 years! I can't wait!!!

#2. Lightning Storms

 One thing I had forgotten about Tennessee was the incredible lightning storms they have here!  I was driving home last night and there were the biggest flashes of light on either side of the road. The amazing thing is the lightning hit at least almost every 5 seconds. It was crazy to be in the MIDDLE of a lightning storm with bolts of lightning surrounding us on every side!

Soon after the lightning, thunder loud enough to shake my house could be heard (and felt). It was crazy! The thunder also rang through the air far longer than I have ever heard. Insane! The craziest things about the weather here is how fast it can change. One minute it could be barely sprinkling and the next, the wind is between 50-75 mph and the rain is coming down so hard, people have to pull over to the sides of the road because it's coming down in SHEETS! 

Last night was nuts, but a good reminder of how fast the weather here can change, and to be honest, kind of a cool experience! 

Though Tennessee has its quirks, it also has its perks. 

I love it here and could not imagine being anywhere else! 

Stay tuned ... there is more to come! 

Alabama Tornado Relief

On April 27, 2011 312 tornados were spotted across several southern states in the United States. 226 occurred within a 24 hour period, killing at least 337 and reducing neighborhoods to rubble. This tornado storm was the second deadliest in US History and now holds the record for the most tornados ever recorded in a single day.

My friends getting ready to get to work!

40 of my friends and I had the great opportunity to drive 3 hours South of Nashville, Tennessee to Cordova, Alabama to help in the effort of cleaning up the town. I don’t know if we were prepared for what we saw: Roofs were torn off, homes were of their foundation or destroyed completely. Trees that once were located in the back yard had fallen THROUGH the house and now were resting in the back yard and the front yard (by way of the middle of the house). It was crazy and nothing like I’ve ever seen. Well as the saying goes, “A picture says a thousands words.” so here ya go!

This house looked like a bloomed flower.

The walls literally just fell out from the center!

This dress reminded me of the impact these

storms had on so many people's lives!

We ran out of room in the car, so we got put in the backseat!

It was AMAZING how many donations continued

to come in while we were there.

One day we spent hours and hours bring them into a building,

unpacking and sorting them. If you would like to know how to donate -

please go to http://www.redcross.org/

Thank you to all the volunteers from the Red Cross

and the rest of America for donating your time and money

to the people of Cordova and throughout other parts of Alabama!

Anna Kaelin Showcase

Anna Kaelin Showcase

Links!

Hey guys I wanted to update you on links!

Anna Kaelin fans on MySpace!

Anna Kaelin Friend Page!

Anna Kaelin Facebook Music Page!

Anna Kaelin Facebook Fan Page!

Anna Kaelin's Blog/Vlog!

Anna Kaelin YouTube Channel!

Anna Kaelin album on iTunes!

Anna Kaelin link for ReverbNation!

I will update more as they come!

July 3rd Concerts

Mormon Times/Deseret News Article

There is an article in the Mormon Times/Deseret News about me. It came out online yesterday, and will be out in the paper tomorrow. Here is the link.

http://www.mormontimes.com/article/15625/Inside-Mormon-Music-Anna-Kaelin-makes-her-own-musical-road?s_cid=search_queue&utm_source=search_queue

Have a GREAT weekend celebrating what a great country America is!

July 2nd Concert

Life is NOT too short!

I have decided I need to write more here! I have had an amazing weekend and an awakening week so far. Why not write about it!

My weekend included: Performing, music, interviews, boating, good friends, and family!

I have been blessed to be able to do what I love, and I don't show enough appreciation for it. Many people are in jobs they feel they "need" to do, due to finances, etc. however very few are able to truly do what they love. Last Friday was spent something like this: Radio interview, released my first single from my first album, newspaper article interview, press conference, t.v. interview, concert. What an amazing day! I stood on the stage that night in the perfect warm, Utah summer weather, with a member of my band on each side and thought, "It doesn't get much better than this!"

The next day, I must say, I was a little nervous because I was headed to the lake! Don't get me wrong, I LOVE the lake, however for those who know me I am always freezing, and I don't like not doing things well. Here I was about to encounter both! I made a decision before reaching the lake that I would not worry about either, and just have fun. Within a few hours I found myself in the lake face-planting more times than I ever have, but never having so much fun! There is something about doing things you didn't think you could, or would ever do. I have found we often don't give ourselves credit and often sell ourselves short. Who is to say we won't be good at something unless we try it first? And even if you fall on your face a million times, one time you are bound to stay up. I now can, happily, add wakeboarding to something I like to do. Who would have thought?!

The beginning of this week has been a little rougher than my weekend needless to say. Monday night the friends, family, and acquaintances of Sophie Barton were hit with devastating news. This beautiful, talented, smart, and incredibly nice 17 year old passed away suddenly. It's news like this that makes you realize the importance of the people in your life, and the blessings you have. You never know when today will be your, or someone you love's, last day. I think we often take life for granted. There are so many things that can go wrong during the course of one day, and luckily we don't focus on them, however I think sometimes we forget them all together until one of those things happens. Last night made me realize life is too short to not realize what you have when you have it. Life is too short to worry about the small things. Life is too short to put great importance on the less important things in life, and life is too short to take it for granted!

This morning I found out that my Grandma was in the hospital, and starting tonight was in need of care, by her family, 24/7. It was amazing to me to see the number of family members who came and spent hours with her, caring for her, loving her, and being there when she needed them the most. It again reiterated the point that life is not to be taken for granted. There are people around you every day that you may not notice, until you need them. There are people you love, but may not hear that you do until it's too late.

This weekend has taught me so many things:

Life is too short to not realize what you have when you have it.

Life is too short to worry about the small things.

There are people around you every day you may not notice, until you need them.

There are people you love, but may never hear you do, until it's too late.

Life is too short to put great importance on the less important things in life.

Life is too short to take it for granted!

What great lessons to learn, and luckily not too late! I hope to live every day like it's my last! Life is NOT too short to: try new things, though you may be scared of them; to tell people you care, and not hold back; and most of all to realize the blessings you have, and spread them around!

June 19th Vlog

June 18th Vlog

Define: Best

I had a conversation with a good friend the other day and it got me thinking about why people sometimes act the way they do. It seems people, in general, are focused, and even obsessed, with perfection. The number of plastic surgeries performed daily are skyrocketing, but even more than that, the number of people comparing themselves to others is a problem which continues to affect society. During the course of the conversation my friend said, "but I'm not the best". The thought of "compared to who?" popped into my mind. 

        Too often I find people, and even myself, comparing our actions, thoughts, successes, and failures to those around us. The truth is, you never know what is going on in other people's lives and what you see on the outside (what you are comparing yourself to) may not be accurate. The best we can do is take it one day at a time. Who cares if YOUR best today is not as good as YOUR best yesterday? It is still YOUR best! That's all you can hope to achieve. There is no use in comparing your best in the past to your best now, let alone comparing yourself to someone else. If you truly give your all every day, there is no need to worry about being the best, because you are the best. YOUR best.

       It is very unfortunate that people fail to realize their potential, and often times don't see how amazing they are. Every person, in their own way, can do so much. It is only when we compare ourselves to those around us that we begin to feel inadequate and "less than". How amazing would it be if everyone did their day's best and let THAT define their definition of "best"? I wish, for everyone, the ability to realize their potential, their personal best, and be 'ok' with that. After all "best" is just a word, not an action, or something you can obtain.

2010!

2010 started out great, doing what I love to do - sing. I performed at a New Year's Eve party and it was a blast. Hopefully this will be telling of how the next year will be. Full of music and performing. 

It is amazing how fast time flies as you get older. When I look back on where I was a year ago from today, it seems like it was only yesterday. It is amazing the things you can get done in a year, month, week, day, hour ... and I am going to do better at making this next year count. Making this year be one I remember. After all, you only have one January 1, 2010 - January 2, 2010 - etc. once it's gone, it's gone. 

This reality hit me really hard when I was thinking about the things I want to do better this year. I realized if people really looked at their days, they could do a lot. Time would not be wasted, and more would get done. With saying this however, I also realized it is important to make sure you can look back at the end of the day and when you ask yourself "What did I do today" you have a list of worthwhile things: helping people, being productive, etc. often times our days are wasted in front of a t.v., or computer because we can think of nothing better to do. Those things are out there - we just need to look for them.

I wish the best for everyone in 2010, and hope this year is one full of memories, and will be one you will never forget! 

Another life lost ...

There are a lot of sayings concerning age, "You'll find out when you're older" being one of the most commonly used. Often, however, people are wanting to grow up too fast, know more now, and get to do what the people older than them are doing. When looking at growing up, one may think of: later curfews, different ratings on movies, going on dates, driving, getting married, having kids, having your own house, going to Jr. High/High School/College, moving out, getting a job (but a fun one of course), making a lot of money, etc. however rarely do people associate the responsibility, cost, and sometimes "un-fun" times that come along with some of these things.

There are a few things, in my opinion, which should not be done at any age, and there are a few people, lately, who have proved it. Michael Jackson, Heath Ledger, Judy Garland, Anna Nicole Smith, Marilyn Monroe, Chris Farley, John Belushi, River Pheonix, and now the late Britney Murphy all died in their 20's and 30's (with the exception of Judy Garland who died at age 47) due to drug and alcohol abuse and overdose. These were all very talented people and I'm sure we would have enjoyed watching them live out their lives and careers for longer than a short 20-30 years. 

Drug and Alcohol abuse and overdose, however does not only stick with people of 'celebrity' status. This tragedy can hit very close to home. There is a line from, in my opinion, a great movie "28 days", which says - you never know if this hit will be your last, or if this will be the day you overdose. So goes with anything you do. Eating disorders, addictions, etc. all have the same power, which leads an individual to not know if today will be their last. There have been too many people, especially lately, whom have died far too soon due to these addictions and behaviors. 

I would hope these stories which are surfacing shed a little light on the outbreak and epidemic these behaviors are becoming. I have yet to find a story which told of an individual who participated in these things which, without getting help from professionals, were able to lead a long happy life. There are however hundreds, thousands, and perhaps millions of stories of those who did not seek professional help and died prematurely, without being able to reach their potential and get to experience what they wanted to do in the first place, "do what the older kids are doing". I would also hope these stories, of these tragic deaths, would encourage and perhaps empower people to get the help they may, or may not, think they need. Just because you don't think you are addicted doesn't mean you're not. I'm sure any of the individuals mentioned above would have denied any claims of abuse. 

The best way to prevent abuse, is never to start, however if you have already started, it's best to get out now before there's no tomorrow. Many people start because they want to "do what the big kids are doing", however participating in these behaviors will not give you that chance. I am sure all of the names listed above will be missed, by friends, family, and the entertainment world, however I hope their stories, lives, and tragic premature deaths will lend as a wake up call rather than merely another life lost.

Christmas

I have not written in awhile, however I figure Christmas time is the perfect time to update! 

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. The snow, lights, ice skating, treats, fun, and the opportunity to give to others have always been the highlights for me. Whether the giving is to your family, friends, or someone in need there is always an opportunity to give, and Christmas seems to bring out that service in people. 

One thing, I think, which has gotten lost in all of these activities however is truly why we celebrate this time of year. There are so many things to get lost in: the lights, sounds, and smells of the season, the hustle and bustle of shopping, finals, work, etc. however people tend to want to get lost in those things. They like the feeling of shopping, looking at the change in decoration, etc. but they don't take the time to remember why this time of year IS this time of year. 

The word Christmas used to be seen in every store window, and heard from every mouth wishing their friends and family happy holidays, however now the word 'Christ' has been taken out of the phrase and replaced with an 'x'. That would be like saying "Happy xday" for a birthday, or "Happy x of July", it just doesn't make sense. I think it is easier to abbreviate this holiday for fear of offending someone. There is no need to worry about offending someone with the words "Birthday or 4th" which are associated with other holidays. We need to remember this holiday is being celebrated in honor of the birthday of Christ. 

Yes, there are new decorations, fun activities and treats, and opportunities to give, however let us not forget the person who gave us more than we could ever give away. 

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a happy Holiday season.