I'm back!

Well, I have returned! Jodi and I flew in yesterday from Estes Park, CO and despite the fact that it was a good trip, I am happy to be home. I promised you all that I would update you and let you know how the trip went and I intend to do just that! I would like to begin by saying that Estes Park is BEAUTIFUL...absolutely an amazing place! If you are looking for somewhere that is peaceful and beautiful, Estes Park is the place to go!

As many of you know, I travelled to Estes Park as part of my prize for a competition that I placed first in - "Cell Phone Superstar". Despite some misfortunes (nothing horrible), Jodi and I managed to make it safely from the Denver Airport to Estes Park, which was good! We both really didn't know what to expect...we went into this trip very open-minded and hungry for adventure, which is what we got! We arrived on Sunday, took care of registration, got our housing, and headed off to the first concert of the week! Each night there was a three hour concert that was put on by various (some extremely talented) Christian Music Artists! I think this was one of my favorite parts of the trip...I really enjoy live concerts!

In addition to attending the concerts, I participated in one of the divisions of competitions as well. I was registered as part of the "Southern Gospel/Country" division and my first round of competition was on Monday afternoon. I was kind of nervous going into this competition simply for the fact that I had NO IDEA what to expect- the setup, the judges, the way it was going to be ran, other contestants, location, nothing...it's great experience though, which is why I did it! My particular division took place in a church that was located on the grounds...it was a pretty church...nice to sing in. There were about 40-50 contestants in my division and only 10 were going to advance to the semi-finals. I entered the church that day very open-minded and without expectation...I was simply going to give the judges and the audience what I had and pray for the best. This competition was interesting because I was competing against a many different forms of performing styles- meaning, some people in my division did a cover song to a CD, some did a cover song while playing piano or guitar and singing, and some performed their own original music. It was hard to really know just what the judges were looking for, but I was myself and again, gave them all that I had. The contestants in my division were split up into two different groups- half were scheduled one hour and the other half the next hour. I was scheduled to perform in the second group (number 7), but I sat through the first group's performances just to see how everything was ran. As each contestant got up to perform, I noticed that it was very different from what I am used to (competition setting-wise). Many of the contestants didn't "perform", but rather stand there and sing- not all, but most. Also, many of them had a song with a very meaningful message in which they discussed before the song started...this again, was new to me. Don't get me wrong, I sing in church (have for years), helped out with youth programs, etc. but I have never competed in a Christian competition before. Much of the focus was directed in different ways...I hope you kinda get where I am going...I guess you kind of had to be there to fully see the differences. Now most of you know what type of music I am trained and experienced to compete with- Country...Jazz...lights...the glitz and the glam...it was different, but it was still a performance and I had to be true to myself. After hearing many of the contestants before me get up and talk about the message of their song and what it means to their life, I started to feel out of my realm a bit. I mean, I love to talk...give me a country song/artist, I can create a good "rap" on stage before the song, but I am very unfamiliar with Contemporary Christian music and much of the popular Christian music out there. Much of what I grew up with were traditional hymns in church- the church I have attended for the past 22 years is very traditional. So back to the competition- I was sitting there moments before It was my turn to sing and I was going to sing "God Bless the Broken Road" and I was trying to think of something that I could say prior to my performance and I just felt like it wasn't natural. I love the song, but wanting to do it simply because of the fact that it talks about God isn't the right reason to choose it. To me, this was a competition...I wanted something that would showcase my voice. I have a deep relationship with God and it is also a very personal thing to me. I am not comfortable with preaching, etc before singing/performing a song...that isn't how I was brought up. Don't get me wrong, I do believe that your talents should be used to serve Him, but I also believe that a Christian can perform other styles of music. So...moments before it was my turn, I choose to be myself and sing the music that will showcase my talent...I sang "Crazy" by Patsy Cline. I was the first person to sing a non-Christian song. It was okay to me...I did it realizing that I probably won't advance...but I felt that others in the competition were there because this is their style of music...this was there passion...their dream...they deserved it. When I was finished with my song, I was surprised with the judges reaction/comments. One judge talked for about 10 minutes...To make a long story short, he told me that I had an amazing voice, but wished I would have chosen a song with a meaningful message...well, okay...I can handle that...I figured it was coming. All was good...I left that day feeling good...it wasn't my thing, but it was good experience. Well, Wed. night comes along and I come to find out that I am one of the 10 people to advance in my division to the semi-finals! What?! I was excited, but confused. I returned on Thursday to the same location...different panel of judges and sang the song (one with a stronger message, but still something that I felt enabled me to be myself) "There You Are" by Martina McBride...now, this is not an easy song to sing...especially when you are at 8,000 ft! The song went well...not my best, but I felt strongly about it...again, I wasn't exicting anything. Making the finals would be awesome, but again, there were others who paid big money to be at this festival and Christian music is their passion and dream in life. Thursday night i was informed that I was not of one of three to advance in my division, but that was okay. Yes, I was upset...anyone would be, but you have to tell yourself that God has a plan for you and that it wasn't meant to be. That belief gets me through life. I was happy for the three who advanced and I moved on with my life and was able to relax and enjoy the remainder of the time in Estes Park. I felt very blessed to have made it as far as I did with not knowing what to expect and it being my first time at the festival and all. It was a positive experience and something that I will always remember.

Aside from all that, I want to let you all know about some important upcoming events!

***I will be singing the National Anthem at the National Night Out Event here in Marinette, WI on Tuesday, August 7th.

***I will also be performing at the "Third Annual Showtime" Event in Manitowoc, WI on Friday, August 10th. I may be posting more details about this event so be sure to check back mid-week...I believe I will be taking the stage around 5:45ish.

***I am also pleased to announce that I have earned the opportunity to open for headliners Rodney Adkins and Joe Nichols at the U.P. State Fair on Thursday, August 16th!!! I got this opportunity through the Colgate Country Showdown competition that I am currently participating in.

***Colgate Country Showdown State Competition- Friday, August 17th - Lac Du Flambeau, WI
(WISH ME LUCK!)

Thanks so much everyone!

Much Love,
Jessica