"Blessings" (the new album) was set to release on July 25, 2010. As is the custom these days, I was kind of thinking of doing something maybe extra special for this 4th project. Maybe a gathering of family and friends, in a community hall perhaps, for a pot-luck and a "listening" to the brand new song collection. To me, this sounded like an idea we could pull off--nothing fancy--just time together with "our folks".
Somewhere along that line, Hubby began to formulate another plan. Oh he shared it with me but I *gently* shrugged it off, saying, "Arend, that will never happen but thanks for even thinking about it--It *would* be something--but it will never happen!"
Oh me of little faith. Never tell a determined Dutchman that he can't do something! I must explain right here that my all-time favourite Gospel Group is Jeff & Sheri Easter (there was a *window* in theri touring schedule from Oct. 30--Nov. 11). I've learned and love their music--sang many of their songs at our own musical spot, "Country Junction" (we closed in 2003). I first heard them right here in our own city, in 1995 I believe. As soon as they started to sing (and I don't remember what song it was) I started to hum along. I loved their presence onstage and their love for God rang true and clear!
I purchased one of their CDs that night, and then started my collection. I have (most) all of their albums now and a lot of the lyrics are tucked into my heart. Songs like, "Weeping Alone", >"Handful of Weeeds", "Thread of Hope"--these all spoke to me in a very personal way, reaching down to the very depths of my soul. And so began an emotional time of healing for me. (But that's another story)
Getting back to my original train of thought (ooopss--so easy to stray sometimes), my Hubby knew how very much I loved the Easters. And so, he embarked on Mission Impossible, at least in my eyes ☺
On June 3rd, 2010, at exactly 3:46 PM, this is what Arend sent off to Beckie Simmins (of BSA booking agency in Nashville): "Hi Beckie, WE are going to have a CD release concert for my wife Barb, named Blessings, her 4th studio gospel recording, in Fredericton, NB Canada. She has a gift from God and would love to have Jeff and Sherri be part of this event. What would the cost be to us?
Thanks, Arend Laagland Winder"
This is exactly as he wrote it. That was it. That was his initial contact with the booking agent for the Easters. I read the e-mail, smiled and said, "That's kind of vague, don't you think dear? I mean, 'my wife Barb'--do you really think they are going to come straight up from Georgia for 'my wife Barb'? Even if we lived in the next town, I'm thinkin they would at least have to know my last name" But I was gentle so as not to hurt his feelings, smiled again and said, "Let me know what happens". He nodded and went back to his book work. And for me, that was that. Bless his heart for thinking of me I thought--that was really sweet oh yes, and wouldn't "Beckie" and the Easters also want to know who Arend Laagland Winder was--just sayin....
Now, at this point, I'm (kind of) starting to picture this whole thing--actually happening. A tiny seed was planted here, even in my doubtful mind. "Could he really pull this off?" Naw, but he'll have a story to tell anyway so just let him be....
And, friends, you will have to wait for "the rest of the story" in another post. It wouldn't be fair to Arend to let it all spill out yet.
I will tell you this: for those of you who know how the story ends,
my goal here is to share the "facts"--as they unfolded. I'm still shaking my head, but hey, God does tell us to be bold doesn't He? My husband took that step of faith, and......
Until next time,
Blessings to *you* and *yours*,
Barb
