1. I don't like it when my hands are wet. I have to dry them off immediately. I also don't like when other people's hands are wet and they touch my things. Sorry :) Just being honest.
2. There were 2 Lindsey Jones' at Belmont when I was a freshman in college. I kept getting her $400 Victoria's Secret bill in my mail box.
3. I'm a not-so-closet Amy Grant fan.
4. My ideal evening is dinner and a movie.
5. I'm not a big iTunes fan. I like the tangible cd...so that's what I buy. I like to see the pictures and read the names and the lyrics...
6. My wing span is 5 feet and 1.5 inches (my height it 5 feet and 1.25 inches).
7. I still sleep in a twin bed. The same one I've had since 6th grade.
8. I am a sucker for new gum flavors. I think I've tried them all. Blue Cotton Candy Bubble Yum, anyone????
9. I once got in a car accident and the guy I hit asked me out on a date.
10. One time (probably around the age of 6 or 7), I was on a bus to the woods for Vacation Bible School Camp...I think a boy made me mad and I sprayed him in the eyes with bug spray. Don't mess with me. I think that would be considered "children's mace." I could be making this up...but for some reason I really think it happened. Sorry, Mom.
11. I can't sleep if it's quiet so I drown out the silence with the world's noisiest fan.
12. If I weren't a singer I'd be a history teacher (thanks to Mrs. O'Bryan...I loved her).
13. I'm shallow. I love clothes, shoes and shopping. If you want to give me a gift...those would be good things.
14. I LOVE finding things on sale. Nothing gives me more satisfaction than knowing I got the best deal.
15. I'd take a cookie over chocolate any day (though, it would be nice if it was a chocolate chip cookie).
16. Someone once told me that I tell the world's worst stories. But I love sharing all the details.
17. I used to stand in front of my mirror in my bedroom and play music and pretend like I was making a music video. I even had wardrobe changes.
18. I love my friends. I don't know how I've gotten so lucky.
19. I would never move to New York...but I kinda want to...but not really...but kinda...but I won't.
20. My family owns a farm in Kansas. I think we make soybeans. Which is appropriate, considering I am semi-lactose intolerant.
21. Mexican food is my favorite. Yay for cheese!!!
22. My boyfriend is awesome and he is 7 years older than me (currently he is 8, but not for long) - we like to bowl. We each have our own ball AND our own shoes...and I have a pink bag for my ball!
23. Lilys are my favorite. And my dog's name is Lilly Vanilli. She thinks she is a human.
24. My first job was for Dean and Deluca in Kansas City (yes, like "Felicity") - my boss would always tell me to go make the beverage cooler look "sexy."
25. I LOVE birthdays. I think they're a big deal. Actually, I love all holidays, especially: Christmas, Easter, Valentine's Day, 4th of July, Halloween AND my birthday. I think I just love the feeling of the day being special and set apart from all the others.

Hey Guys -

Just a quick note to say that Little Blue Dress is now available on iTunes for only $4.95. Or you can still buy a hard copy at http://cdbaby.com/lindseyjones2 - hope you're all doing well!!

Lindsey

So, it's been a long time coming, but I finally have a new cd. Little Blue Dress! Back in July, I played a show in Nashville that Andy Osenga headlined (The Normals, Caedmon's Call) - he is phenomenal, by the way. Andy and I struck up a conversation afterward...I was looking for the perfect producer, and Andy delivered. I have always admired his work, so I felt pretty lucky to be working with him. I still can't believe I got to. We recorded the whole month of September and included some INCREDIBLE musicians on the project (Ben Shive- keys, Paul Eckberg - drums, Jeff Irwin- bass, and ANDY OSENGA-guitar and some killer trombone) - then the amazing Mitch Dane (Jars of Clay, JJ Heller) mixed it and Stephen Gause mastered it...and before I knew it, I had a new project. This record is a lot more pop/rock and much more music driven than anything I've done before...I love it. It's perfect. Oh, and did I mention I have a new guitar? Her name is Jezebel. And she's electric. In the meantime, I needed new pictures and I'd been wanting to work with David Molnar for quite some time. His pictures are beautiful. So, it was pretty exciting when he agreed. The shoot happened on a cool October day - we spent most of the day cooped up in my house, but we made it out to the walking bridge beside Briley Parkway just as the sun was going down. The only dress I hadn't worn that day was a blue one, so I put it on...and the dress, along with the incredible sunset would later inspire the artwork and the title. In conclusion, I think everyone needs a copy of "Little Blue Dress." Tell people about it. Invite me to play in your town. You can buy a copy now at www.cdbaby.com/lindseyjones2 - Soon, it will be available on iTunes, too!!! Here are a few links I think you should have: Andy Osenga: www.ilikeandy.com Mitch Dane: www.mitchdane.com David Molnar: www.davidmolnarphotography.com Sam Tinnesz (fellow songwriter and friend): www.myspace.com/thesafelight Wes Pickering (fellow songwriter and friend): www.myspace.com/wespickering Julianna Zobrist (my sweet friend!): www.myspace.com/juliannazobrist

So I was chilling with my friend Jason at US Toy in Kansas City. We were looking for a magician's cape. Anyway, we ended up in the costume section of US Toy and I came across the skimpiest little costume I'd ever seen...it was all furry and brown and laced up in the front. There were some little furry boots and a headband with some ears on it. It was called a "Furry Loin." I didn't really know what a furry loin was, but it kind of intrigued me for that very reason. So I called Jason over. He also thought it was weird because he'd never heard of a furry loin before. We kinda laughed about it for a minute. Then it hit me. Furry Lion. It was supposed to say "Furry Lion."

If anyone is interested in being a Furry Loin for Halloween, there is one left in a size Large at the US Toy on State Line by 435 in Overland Park. I believe it is $59.00.

In thinking through all of my past blogs and a majority of the songs I've written, I've realized that I'm most inspired when I am sad. I'm sure no one would argue that there is nothing like loss to make you completely self-aware and reflective. And though the past two and a half years of my life have been by far the most challenging and tough, they have also, without a doubt, been the best.

It's also strange to think that though I have been a Christian now for almost 10 years, that I am just now starting to understand our God. Maybe it's that I'm just now starting to really listen. A certain chain of events brought me to this place…a new best friend, heartbreak, heartbreak, college graduation, lack of direction and more heartbreak. I distinctly remember riding in the car last August with my friend to a four year old's birthday party. We were talking about how confused I felt about life in the wake of graduation. He said I could be sure that God had me right where God wanted me to be. And it was then that I came to the realization that I had never for one moment had to fully need or rely on God…until that day. Up to then I had my parents, their financial support, direction (up through college), and more amazing friends than ANYONE deserves to have. I was blessed. But the lack of direction that started the day after I received my college diploma…the "now what?" spiraled me into complete confusion as to where to turn for comfort. God, of course. Right? But how…I didn't even know I'd never done that before. I was a Christian, for gosh sakes.

I started listening last August. It is now February. And here's how good the Lord is: Slowly, but surely, everything has been stripped away…my personal dreams for my future, my best friend, my job…and you better believe I am listening now.

"For you created my inmost being; you knit me together in my mother's womb. I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well. My frame was not hidden from you when I was made in the secret place. When I was woven together in the depths of the earth, your eyes saw my unformed body. All the days ordained for me were written in your book before one of them came to be." (Psalm 139:13-16)

I've known that verse forever…but I didn't understand it until now. God planned everyday for us before one of them even happened. He knew my heart would be broken…but He also knew what He was doing when He gave me a heart that loves completely…He knew I would get hurt, but He created me to be the way that I am. I'm not allowed even for one second to feel that there is anything wrong with who I am (though, let's be honest, I'm sure I will). And one day my heart and my life will be a blessing to someone special. As for now, I can use the heart He's given me to love the friends He's placed in my life…I'm not kidding when I tell you how unbelievable my friends are...my family, too. And listen to His timing: A week after all this went down He whisked me away to Australia for a month. Can you believe the timing of this?

So I am now sitting on a twin bed in Melbourne, Australia…much like the one I have at home in Nashville, TN (so there is at least one resemblance of home for me here)…and I am still mourning over the past. I cannot seem to get over the fact that a chapter has ended in my life and I'm not in control of it…yet somehow I know that this lack of control is the best thing that's ever happened to me. Because it's not enough to listen, I also have to actually do what I'm being told. And today His Word for me was pretty clear:

"Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing! Now it springs up; do you not perceive it? I am making a way in the desert and streams in the wasteland." (Isaiah 43:18-19)

The other good news is this…He says:

"Fear not, for I have redeemed you; I have summoned you by name; you are mine. When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior; I give Egypt for your ransom, Cush and Seba in your stead. Since you are precious and honored in my sight, and BECAUSE I LOVE YOU, I will give men in exchange for you, and people in exchange for your life." (Isaiah 43:1-4)

Those words have comforted me so much. He truly does nothing without a plan. The hardest part of receiving is letting go (of my ideas, my plans). Because do I really want only what I want knowing that there's something greater? I don't think anyone would knowingly settle for less than the best. Hebrews talks about how "faith is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see" (11:1). And Abraham,

"By faith….obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going….For he was looking forward to the city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God." (Hebrews 11:8, 10)

I want the life whose architect and builder is God. So until then, I suppose, trust is the key. I think trust is the second part of listening…trust is what we are called to do…trusting that because our God is faithful and good no matter what, that He will do all the things He promises in Isaiah 43 and more.

And I am thankful that I am weak because His power is made perfect in weakness. So to quote myself: "We fit, we fit."

Joni Mitchell was right...you don't know what you got 'till it's gone. Thursdays in America. Do not take Thursdays in America for granted. Thursdays in the US mean "Ugly Betty," "Grey's Anatomy," and "The Office." Australia is a little behind on the times. And though they do show "Ugly Betty" and "Grey's," it's on Sunday...and they just started their new season, so I already know what happens...ugh. Thursdays in America...cherish them.

Two blogs in one day...can you believe it??? I can't. But here is another thing I'm pretty psyched about. I am playing at the Curb Cafe alongside Laurianne Cates, Steven Clawson and Justin Caldwell on January 12th after the Belmont Homecoming game (against Lipscomb). Basically, I like all of these artists and am very honored to be a part of this night. SO you should come. I believe tickets are $5 in advance and $10 at the door...and it will be a good show...probably around 9:30 or so (whenever the game ends).

For more information go to:
Belmont Alumni Concert

Lindsey

Ok. So you're never gonna guess. I got an email from a guy on myspace this summer from the UK who asked me to send him my cd...I vaguely remember something about a magazine, but I can't really remember anymore because it was such a long time ago. Regardless, I sent him one and I got an email from him this week informing me that the review was in this month's edition of Maverick...a country music magazine in the UK!!! And the best news is that it's not a horrible review, though it is honest and short. :) So that sort of made my day. I don't know if there's a way to paste the review in this article, but I am going to paste a link so you can visit the magazine site...

Maverick Magazine

It says:

"Nashville-based singer/songwriter Lindsey Jones has been playing writer's nights and working alongside other Music Row songwriters for the past few years. She has now released the seven-song Bullet EP (3 out of 4 stars). A neat mix of pop-country, it hardly sets the world afire, but it is a competent recording that shows that when she comes up with that killer song, she'll be more than ready to capitalize on it. I particularly enjoyed the acoustic styled 'We Fit,' with subtle dobro and haunting harmonies."

Alrighty, well, continue to spread the word...if anyone has a show opportunity I should know about please tell me!!!! Merry Christmas!!!

Lindsey

I think it's about time that I post a new blog.  I want to do this more often, but I really don't feel like I have anything too interesting to post. 

I was kind of thinking I could tell you about my dog, Lilly.  Lilly Vanilli is really her name, but I have a hard time remembering to say all that everytime I call her so now she's pretty much just "Lilly."  Anyway, she is quite possibly the cutest thing I've ever seen.  Lilly is half shitzu and half cavalier king charles spaniel...she kind of looks like a shitzu with cavalier coloring...way too cute.  And her personality is amazing...she is just the sweetest dog.  I mean sweet.  She is a lover.  But Lilly has OCD.  Obsessive Compulsive Disorder.  She is a licker.  And I've tried everything I know aside from the bad tasting lotion you can put on to make her stop (I've not tried this because you would have to lather your entire body and everyone that ever came over to the house in it)...but nothing has worked.  For Lilly, licking is like breathing.  If anyone has any suggestions I would greatly appreciate them. 

One other random topic:  love.  It feels sort of strange to post blogs on such intimate things, but I am beginning to think more people should.  I am very confused about love.  It seems as though no matter what people say or how much people try to prepare you for the reality of a relationship, you just don't know...until you do.  And I'm guessing that there are a thousand other women (and men) just like me that believe that love is like the movies.  This is messed up.  The other day my friend and I were talking about how hard love is...and no one really ever talks about that...people only talk about the good stuff...leaving the rest of us to think that either our relationships are totally screwed up or that our expectations for love are extremely unrealistic.  We decided it was the latter :)  And in the end the things that we have to work for and that we have to work on are the richest.  That's kind of exciting, isn't it?  It is soooooooooo worth it.  Maybe I should write a song.  I can just hear everyone now saying "stop writing songs about this person, Lindsey."  hehe.

One more thing.  A post-graduation thought.  I'm a college graduate now, have I mentioned this?  Whereas before I had no free time, I now find myself with too much.  "Lost" is my new addiction...I'm almost done with the second season just in time for the third to start this week (and I am devestated about the turn of events...when did Locke become so controlling and weird?  and when did Sawyer and Charlie decide they needed to be weird?  everyone is so weird on this show...i suppose that's what happens when you're stranded on an island).  But, anyway....I have no idea what I will be doing tomorrow...and two months ago I was having anxiety attacks over this...but then my friend Lindsay shared the wisest peace of wisdom I've ever been given:  1 Peter 5:6-11

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under God's mighty hand that He may lift you up in due time.  Cast all your anxieties on Him because He cares for you.  Be self-controlled and alert.  Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.  Resist him, standing firm in the faith because you know that your brothers throughout the world are undergoing the same kind of sufferings.  And the God of all grace, who called you into His eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will Himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast.  To Him be the power for ever and ever.  Amen."

Amen.  So I'm waiting.  That's what I'm doing with my life :)  Yey.  

Lo-J 

(have I ever told you that people call me Lo-J?)

So...if you haven't already gotten a copy...the Bullet ep is officially available on iTunes...just search "Lindsey Jones" - in fact, the whole record is only $6.93 or something...I mean, that's a good deal...of course, you don't get the packaging which is about 23.7% of the fun in the first place...so for those of you who agree with that, you can get your copy of the cd, packaging and all at www.cdbaby.com...anyway...I really appreciate everyone's support.  And if anyone is interested in booking me in their town, PLEASE contact me.  I'd love that.  Ok...go to iTunes now.

Lindsey