Beauty...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
At least that's what some people say.
But you can be the judge of course
of what you see day to day.
It's not one's outward beauty
that stirs a sense of doubt,
but it's what you do for others
that brings one's beauty out.
Perhaps if you take a second glance
and look way deep inside,
You'll visualize a different view
one's deepest inner pride
It's sometimes second nature
to be most concerned of wealth
but if you take the time to look within
You may find beauty in yourself.

2006 -- Lori Franke with Miles Station

Lori Franke with Miles Station are excited about the upcoming year - 2006!! We'll be venturing out and playing at new venues around the area. We hope we can count on your support and find you coming along for the ride. If you need additional information about our schedule, please go to www.lorifranke.net or www.lorifrankewithmilesstation.com.

We thank you for your continued support!!

A Word About My World...

Today, my world is moving at a rapid pace. While I don’t have a lot about which to talk (which is surprising to those who know me!), I would like to comment on the emails I have been receiving lately. I’ve come to realize over the past few years that while we watch the news and get a first hand account of all the bad things going on in our world, I’ve discovered within the last few years that so many great people do exist. I run into them every day. For some reason I can’t help thinking about a day that has passed recently, and I do my very best to stay positive and upbeat, as it can become a sad day for me: December 7, 2005. Many think back to December 7, 1941, the day Pearl Harbor was bombed. I think of that as well. But I also know it to be a day in my personal history that’s very meaningful and memorable: December 7, 1970 is the day my brother was born, and just 26 years later he died of leukemia. May 25, 1988 my little boy, Andrew, was born and December 7, 1991, just 3 ½ short years after his birth he died after experiencing complications from open-heart surgery. Really I would like to say that I feel blessed to have had them both in my life, for they are the very reason I appreciate the many things in life that I can do: run, laugh, hope, see, etc., many of the opportunities I took for granted. I came to realize how important such little activities could be after spending time in several childrens' hospitals, visiting with children who were admitted, all of whom were so strong and courageous. How they caused me to rethink my thoughts: to not feel sorry for myself when I didn’t want to get up and go to work, for instance. I continue to think about those little ones, and I again feel so blessed…

I didn’t write this to make anybody feel sad; I wrote this to remind myself that life is too short to not go for my dreams or participate in endeavors I love, or tell the people who are important in my life just how important they are! Life is too short not to do many things! In the words of Tim Nichols as sung by Tim McGraw “Live Like You Were Dying” is certainly a place to start! …And that’s what I’m continuing to do…

New Year's Eve at Ameristar - St. Charles

I would like to thank all the people who came out to see us at Ameristar Casino-St. Charles. Lori Franke with Miles Station had an awesome time performing for a wonderful crowd of people.

We will be performing at various venues in future, so please feel free to come on by and enjoy some good, fun-lovin' country entertainment!

www.lorifrankewithmilesstation.com
or
www.lorifranke.net

Once again, thanks for your support!!

With Much Appreciation,
Lori

2006 ... Almost here

Well another year has nearly passed us by, and here I am gathering my thoughts on the year. I continue to say that I've learned so much, but the truth is I've learned so much during the course of every single year that has passed. The year I enlisted in the Marine Corps was probably the year that I learned the absolute most, for I left Calhoun County a kid and returned an adult. I left a somewhat insecure teenager who had no idea what I wanted out of life and came back a grown woman who through the challenges of Marine Corps boot camp learned that pride is earned through much effort and hard work, and I knew I had a long way to go.

But 2005 was a year filled with many learning opportunities, many of which were challenging and fulfilling all at the same time. The truth be told, I'm not only talking about my experiences in the field of music but also in my profession, as I completed my administrative certification and became employed at a private post secondary institution, a new job that has given me much satisfaction; however, learning many of the new responsibilities can prove to be trying.

Other than a new job and starting out with a new band, I have been blessed over and over again and am so thankful to God for that. My children are healthy, my husband is supportive and wonderful, and I have been provided for in so many ways. To Him I will always be indebted. Now my daughter Korrie is pulling on my shirt and saying "Come here, Mommy" so with that I must sign off. I wish you and yours the very best for the coming year in the hopes that all your blessings are secure and that a prosperous and healthy New Year is in the works for you!

With much appreciation,
Lori

Merry Christmas Everyone!

We wish so much for you!
We hope this year is special and that all your dreams come true.
For Santa’s on his way to bring you
All that you request.
For he wants nothing less for you than the very, merry best.
So this note is sent with greetings,
Wishing, hoping with such might.
That you are blessed with many things: morning, noon and night.
A delightful day, a wondrous week,
A month that’s filled with cheer.
We are praying that you have a healthy, prosperous year.
And don’t you fret about a thing,
For all you need is love.
Just do the right thing every day and model God above.
Remember, yesterday is gone
And tomorrow’s not far behind
So spend your day in happiness and be merry with your time.
But for now our thoughts are with you
As we celebrate Christ’s birth.
Please thank him much for giving us the best darn life on earth.
And keep your heart an open door-
Your mind so free from fear.
As we wish you Merry Christmas and a Happy Brand New Year!

With Love, Lori

Making promises or saying the word "never" can both be problematic...

Well I've done it again. I know what I said, and now it's up to me to say what I mean: I'm sorry! I said I would continue this blog, writing religiously, presenting some inspiring words of wisdom that will keep me motivated if no one else. The thing is...when I make these promises I generally end up breaking them. Darn it! Darn it! Darn it! I even put my obligation of the blog in one of the three planners I own. The problem is I forget to look at my planners simply because I have a datebook on my computer that helps keep me organized. Well, I'm on my computer every single day, so it just made sense to look at my computer for those very important "things to remember," the problem being that I generally make appointments in my planners when I'm out and about but then forget to add them to my computer datebook. Duh??? Am I a blonde or what?? Okay, I really didn't mean to offend anyone, especially those intellectual blondes that I know exist!

Okay, now that I've said I'm sorry for failing to keep my word about keeping up with my blog, I would like to add to it: I'm sorry to all those people who have helped me achieve what I've achieved only to turn my back on them. I absolutely admit my faults and realize now more than ever that communication is the key -- the lack thereof will certainly create problems and hopefully the initiation of conversation through relationship-building processes will begin to fix the problems I created. Many people have assisted me in my musical endeavors and I was responsible for making bad choices along the way. Now I feel stronger and am certainly more capable of making choices that are to everyone's benefit.

I feel extremely fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with the various professionals in the music business. I'm proud of where I've come from and where I'm going. I hope I have the opportunity to communicate my sincere appreciation to those who've stood by me and helped me along the way. To you all, I thank you!

A blogging I will go, a blogging I will go, I'm so embarr -- i -ous, a blogging I will go!

Catch ya later! But I refuse to PROMISE to be back tomorrow or say I will NEVER not write again, but I can't PROMISE such a thing as it's not something I would ever (NOT NEVER, though) say!

Catching up!

I'm really glad to be back in the swing of things. I've been so busy with the responsibilities of a new job, taking over the management side of my music endeavors, and then trying to be a mom and wife. Life certainly provides new and interesting challenges, which is what makes everything so worthwhile. While I love to express myself on a daily basis, I rarely have time to do just that. My promise to myself is that I will make an effort to write in my blog every single day. It certainly helps me unwind. So for now I have a little five-year-old who wants to know if I'm ready to watch her do a front flip down in the basement. We also have to read some books, and I have to hear her count to 100, as she is one of the smartest children in her class, you know. She was just welcomed into the "I can count to 100 club," which is a privilege!!

I will be back tomorrow to add to this blog. Now I have internet at home (Yes, the high speed kind!), so I can write for a while, a very long while...

Bye for now!!

Making the decision to have a child - it's momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.

-- Elizabeth Stone 

A New Song...

Do You Know

Oh baby, I will never say good bye
We’ll be together till the day I die
You hear me now
I’ve made a vow
To love you forever

And as I hold you every single night
And kiss your lips unto the morning light
Love’s so sublime
We know with time
It only gets better

Do you know what you do to me
When holding me close
If you could only see
The sparkle in my eyes
You’d realize
How I feel with your touch
Oh I love you so much
Don’t ask me why?
With you I’m so alive

I said I’d love you more each passing day
And that I’d never let you get away
You mean to me
More than anything
I’m so glad I have you…

If I could only give you everything
I’d give you back my precious wedding ring
And give instead
Those words I said
I do, I do, Oh I do

DO WE, AS REGULAR CITIZENS, TRULY HAVE POWER???

I will apologize in advance for ranting...now I will begin.

My blog allows me the opportunity to address issues that are bothersome to me, as the following situation does because it truly relates to just how powerless we the people are when is comes to state and big corporation issues: Do we truly have any power at all?

I have brought my unique situation to the attention of Human Resources personnel of my former employer, all of whom could not assist me or make the situation I am about to address right, so I wrote a letter to another "more powerful" representative that covers the situation about which I'm not very happy:

I became employed at another post-secondary institution on August 1, making July 29 my last day at my former employer. I accumulated over 300 hours in vacation but have yet to be compensated for those hours due to an error in paperwork. While I find the paperwork error unfortunate, it really has little to do with the fact that I am still waiting on the money owed to me. I wouldn't make a big issue out of it except for the fact that I made a purchase, counting on my vacation compensation to cover this expense. Now here it is two pay periods later and I have received nothing.

I spoke with an employee who states that payroll has already been submitted for the August 31 pay period and because the error was not caught until I brought it to the attention of payroll personnel, they would not be able to submit a check to me for said pay date, and could not cut an individual check. Thus, I would have to wait another pay period to receive this compensation. In the meantime, my debt is racking up interest and finance charges that I will ultimately have to pay. To this end, I thought I would obtain an expert opinion, after all this was money I earned but had not received in due time. After speaking with a representative from the Department of Labor, I was informed differently: She stated that it reads "Employees are entitled to any compensation owed to them either on the last day of employment or the first pay period proceeding the last day of employment." In this case, I will receive payment on the fourth pay period proceeding employment, which is ridiculous. My options are to give my employee the opportunity to cut a check or to submit a wage claim with the Department of Labor, which I would rather not do but will if it's my only option. But most importantly, if I were to submit a wage claim it would take 6-8 weeks to process and could take up to a year if there are any problems. How will this help? I will be paid the money before 6 weeks, but I should have been paid at the very least one week ago. So there it is, perfectly understandable. I lose and there’s nothing I can do about it except wait for my check for more than three additional weeks.

Previously, I had made three calls, leaving three messages with requests to return my call, but had NO ONE return my calls. As an alumnus of this institution, I certainly expected better. I asked for someone to get back to me and this is the reply I received.

Lori,

As I understand the situation, your department head for some reason did not file the paper work on time. When you made Human Resources personnel aware of this error she personally worked with the department secretary to get the vacation monies paid out. That money will be paid out on September 16, 2005. Regretfully, mistakes like this happen. The important thing is that you be paid what is owed and that is in process.

Signed: Employment Representative

Once again, if mistakes were made on my end, if I forgot to make a payment on the due date to this place of employment, I wouldn’t hear the words, “Oh you made a mistake, so no problem. Just pay us when you get paid. We understand, regretfully, that mistakes happen.” No way!! I would receive a notice that reads “You have been removed from all class lists for failing to pay your tuition on time. You must submit payment and then attempt to get back in all your classes, but more than likely, they’re full! Sorry!” Funny how things work, huh?? So the question truly is..."Does the regular citizen really have any power at all?? That's my question of the day!

Okay, back to the music, as it's the one thing -- other than my family, friends and fans -- that make life truly a blessing.

MY SILENT MIND: PART III

Work is...WORK!

Why is it that no one told me that one must know many things before entering the world of work with women? Working with "stereotypical" males (whatever that means), I have become accustomed to a climate of men, many different kinds of them in fact. Men who think about women all the time, men who think about women some of the time, and then men who think about men, which was rare, but did occur on occasion. Not only did men participate in conversation about women but they had the ability to converse about other interesting topics – sports, politics, weather, construction, etc.-- emphatically believing that this was the world to which I truly belonged. But then the unforeseen happened. 1997 - I got promoted by a man in August and then in December, demoted by a woman, a very small woman who apparently saw little value in me as an employee. It’s so peculiar how one can be so valued as an employee, deserving not only a promotion but a considerable raise in salary and then to be equaled to a speck of dirt, inconsequential to my profession, my department, and my workplace. It was at that point my experiences with women in the workforce began. Thinking that my association with women would only get better, I became enlightened very early, finding that either women did not like my type of woman, one who possessed the very attributes they possessed - confidence and the like -- or they simply didn't like me – the person. Although I’m not sure if I will ever learn the truth about why some people, mainly women in management, did not like me or like to work with me, I will have learned much about myself: who I am, what I want out of life, and what makes me tick. Okay, I don’t want to drag out the focus of this blog or try to astonish one with answers to these revelations, for I have none, but one point to ponder does roll from my tongue:

I really don't want to spend my life thinking or talking negatively about others- men or women. Life is too short to spend so much time wasting time, generalizing about the nature of women in the workforce versus men, as I've experienced it so long ago. And navigating from one thought to another attempting to escape from this forte of endless negative thinking about a former workplace experience, I HAVE worked at letting go – taking with me my pride, among other things. So I did, in fact, move on! The promotion of positive thinking continually encircles me, and I refuse to allow others to invade and desecrate my spirit. This bubble that I have created has become interesting; I can only breathe in and out- listening to my heart ring out, a hoisted spirit that is found in translation of hopes and dreams that have not been met…yet. For this power of positive emotions will not be lost-deeming that the concrete contrast between what I’m currently doing and what I want to be doing is not that distant. One must relate such emotions by moving oneself in the direction of truth and belongingness, creating a draft of pleasantness that will invite only pleasure, regardless of the cost. Reaching for what it righteous is an actualization goal that will prove to be life altering. I am only in search of me. And besides, that unfortunate employment incident was many years ago and I have found a renewed sense of accomplishment and an understanding, after having since experienced a great female boss. I realize that those few negative situations were just unique and unfortunate, leaving me now with no room to generalize about management of the female sex, as I do know better. And most importantly, I've learned what not to do as a manager from the bad ones and what to do from the good ones. Experience is good, a key factor in knowing and understanding.

My Silent Mind: Part II

1985 - Welcoming myself to my knew life – a country girl in a college town, surrounded by people who didn’t recognize my talents, appreciate my vibrant personality, or understand the woman (okay, girl who longed to be a woman!) beneath the girlish figure: my tall silhouette mirrored the image of a stick. At first I didn’t want to admit it, even though I knew it. My body was one of which others envied, especially my elders (and remember this was 1985 and not 2005???). They would comment that I should model, for I had long legs that traveled all the way to there. What? Where the hell was there? So naïve was I. My slender figure was also mentioned, stating that I could wear anything, for my clothes would simply contour my slim, fit body, shadowing the make-up of such a physique. Of course I would turn red when such a thing was mentioned, and only one thought ever came to mind: When am I gonna get some boobs? I heard jokes from – You’re a pirate’s dream, a sunken chest – to – I need a flat surface; lean over, no, the other way. 11 years old and I was hearing jokes about a chest line that didn’t exist and for the record never would. While looking back now the topic of a nonexistent chest line seems so petty; however, at the time it was truly devastating for me!

My Silent Mind - Part I

Silently mind-wandering, reminiscing about my life--what I have done, what I haven’t done, and the goals I have and haven’t achieved – sometimes I find myself thinking about the same ‘ole things. Then I remember the words my grandma left me with… Walk tall and keep your legs crossed. Of course every single time I encountered this humorous spirit she offered this same advice. I would like to say it sunk in, I devoured it and lived with it every single day of my young life, committed to its premise. But I can’t. Too many promises and experiences later, I can regretfully admit I’ve broken every rule in the book. I’ve been here and back and here and back again. But I’m still standing, waiting for the day my fairy tale will come true. But before I can confidently tuck my hands into a sweet and ripened pocket, I must pay my dues and illustrate to the many what I’ve done to deserve a freakin’ break. Perhaps no one owes me a thing, for I was born in American – the best damn country in the world—a place where we as the people are truly free to do, to be whomever we choose to be. And so I choose to be…uhr… uhr…Honestly, I don’t know what the hell I want to do with my life? And that became the question of the day, of the week, of each year of my life, until I discovered that what I really wanted to do with my life was something of impossibility. So of course I settled. My dad emphatically influenced me in a manner like no other. Simply stating what he thought was the best path for me to take, he informed me that I WILL go to college and I WILL like it. He was right and wrong, as most dads are in the mind of a teenager! I DID go to college, but I DIDN’T like it. I wasn’t ready to invest my future in a future that wasn’t for me. School bored me; it literally brought me to my knees, causing me to constantly reflect on what I should be doing out there in this great world of ours. Although I didn’t know what I should be doing, I knew it wasn’t what I was doing. And my silent mind breaks...

The Importance of Surrounding Oneself with Great People

Independent Country Music Artist

I began my day retrieving my email, as I always do, and in my inbox was a quote, one I get everyday for I subscribe to both the Positive Quote of the Day and the Personal Achievement Quote of the Day listservs. Both are great listservs to which to belong, but sometimes they really touch on what's truly related to one's life, as my personal achievement quote by Mark Twain does, as it reads,

"Keep away from people who try to belittle your ambitions. Small people always do that, but the really great make you feel that you, too, can become great."

What a great way to say that those people who really support your endeavors, those who are on your side, willing to pump you up when you feel like you're going down, are those with whom you must associate. I've found in this business (the music business), it doesn't matter how little you are, once you get out there and begin getting some media, some will try to knock you down. I've made it my duty to find only those who are great, those with great attitudes, great families, great situations, are those with whom I will surround myself. I do believe in the business & political worlds the great leaders say to surround yourself with good people and they will make you look great. Well, that's my goal. And I know I'm headed in the right direction.

While the many outstanding citizens of yesteryear, those who have made an indentation in our world's history in a positive manner, have provided guidance to those of use who look to model people for advice on how to become a better person, I follow their example but, most importantly, I follow the examples of my friends, colleagues and family members I respect, in particular my mom and dad. They taught my two simple rules: Treat people respectfully and hard work will give you great satisfaction!!

I believe I will take their advice, continue surrounding myself with the great folks of the world, and think positively. One never knows what the road ahead holds for us now do they???

To all my beautiful friends -- inside and out...



Beauty is in the eye of the beholder
At least that's what some people say.
But you can be the judge of course
of what you see day to day.
It's not one's outward beauty
that stirs a sense of doubt.
But it's what you do for others
that brings one's beauty out.
Perhaps if you take a second glance
and look way deep inside,
You'll visualize maturity
and one's deepest inner pride.
It's sometimes second nature
to be most concerned of wealth,
but if you take the time to look within
You may find beauty in yourself.

Training on trying, and trying again...

Here I am again - another day, another dollar, right? Well it's become a notion that's more than necessary as I begin another day celebrating life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. I use that more and more often these days, as I find myself reflecting on the Iraq experience for the men and women over there doing what they can to help the Iraqi peoples. Unfortunately, CNN sends me breaking news, so I open my email to another 14 Marines as well as a civilian interpreter killed. While I know that US soldiers are doing so much good (I learned this from a US Army soldier who had returned from Iraq after serving two tours.), I dread to hear of young men and women losing their lives. Thank goodness I'm a Christian and truly believe they're in a better place, but I really do hurt for their families and friends, so I will continue to pray for those who are making every effort to keep the peace in the hopes that the peoples of Iraq will get their freedoms and the terrorists will get exactly what they deserve: You can infer from here!

On the other side of the world, in the good 'ole United States, Shipman, Illinois in particular, things are going well. The band - Miles Station -- and I are beginning to show great strides in the making of a country unit. I look forward to the next few weeks as we will practice until our show becomes tightly knitted. Additionally, I will keep all informed as to what's going on and how we are progressing. To some it might be extremely boring, but to others the excitement roars!

Until then, I say we "Country ROCK on!!"

Independent Country Music Artist

Independent Country Music Artist

Today was day one at Blackburn College as Director of Teacher Education and Clinical Placements. While I'm extremely excited about beginning a new position, I am challenged once again by the learning of new material, particularly college rules and policies. There's nothing like a good challenge, however!! In addition, I'm glad to be taking on multiple roles. Most recently I was working at SIUE, recording a CD, going to school, and being a mother and wife. Now I'm working at Blackburn College, marketing a CD, learning new songs, practicing with a true blue "ball-busting" band, planning a class reunion, participating in individual gigs, and continue to be a mother and wife. There's nothing like being busy, huh???

Okay, my plea to the world outside of my mind is to get others to sign on and talk to me, ask questions, tell me jokes, give me advice...(Never mind on the advice; I need no more, please!!), or simply mumble a sweet tune. Anything...Something...Before my mind explodes....

Now that the dramatics have been expressed, I must sign off and continue working... I'll be singing you later! Bye for now...

Remainder of 2005 Schedule

August 11, Litchfield, IL - Summer Nights (benefit for Charlie Co. - "Army National Guard"
August 12, Springfield, IL - Illinois State Fair (One Particular Harbor) 4:00 pm
August 16, Sedalia, MO - Missouri State Fair (Touchstone Energy Stage) 4:00 pm
September 2, Chesterfield, MO - St. Louis Fair & Air Show (Budweiser Tent) 7:00 PM
September 10, Wichita, KS - McConnell Air Force Base (Welcome Home Celebration)
September 11, Hutchinson, KS - Kansas State Fair (Lake Talbott - 1:00) (Gazebo - 5:00)
September 23, Hillview, IL - Great River Road Opry 7:00 pm
October 1, Godfrey, IL - Godfrey Fall Festival 7:00pm

Always looking for Gigs!

www.lorifranke.net

Renewed Spirit

I now have a renewed spirit, as I've found that people really do read blogs, so now I must write as if I have an audience in mind. Really, I thought blogs were helpful for one to get off one’s mind what one must in order to feel a sense of relief. But now I know better, so I am writing for all! I hope that I do not provide information that is mundane and ordinary, for it’s my goal to excite and bring out the spirit of life in all, so here it goes… I’m so enthusiastic about what’s been happening these last few weeks. I have been working with the greatest musicians EVER: Chris Hammann on Bass, Brad Little on Drum, and Larry Ford on Rhythm Guitar. The first day of practice I was astounded by all that was accomplished. These guys were rockin’ it from the get-go. They had met and had themselves in order prior to our first practice together. Talk about professionals!! We are now searching for a fiddler/steel guitarist/keyboardist, and have a young man coming for our next practice to take the lead on guitar. I’m thinking positively as I know he will be wonderful as well!! We have some very important gigs approaching, so we will continue keeping the country jam alive and well in our awesome practice barn. I’ll keep everyone informed as to what will come in the future. In the meantime, thanks guys for giving your all, thanks Mom & Scott for helping with the kids, thanks Deb for continuing to market us and all you do, and thanks friends, family and fans for supporting us!! You're awesome, you are!! So for now, “Country-ROCK ON!