Absolutely love coming home. To me it will always be home. There is just a special feeling and vibe Nashville has. There is magic in the air and it’s bursting with creativity.
I had the opportunity to be creative again when I was invited to do a singer songwriter night at the Commodore on West End. It’s a place where lots of locals go and some very talented writers and musicians. I had the honor to be on stage with some of my dearest friends.
Sandra Lee who is so talented and very well connected and is an absolute blast to be around. We have been friends for 20 years! When we get together it’s always an adventure. She sang one of her songs called “Girls will be girls”. It’s about 2 women who are always up to something. 2 hot messes. Wonder who she was talking about :)
Another was Joe Webber. He was my Bass player and band leader. We had worked together 25 years; touring the country and parts of the world. Oh do we have some stories to tell. Some crazy things we have experienced. Whenever we get together you will find us telling stories and bursting out laughing.
Being up on stage again and singing to an audience after so long was a Rush! But what was even better was just being present. Watching all the people and singing my heart out with some of my besties on the stage and some in the audience; including my precious daughter. She enjoyed just hanging out watching all the activities and taking videos.
We then drove downtown Nashville and she was amazed with all the lights and people everywhere. I guess i took for granted that she had been there. I know I had taken her downtown but I guess she was too young to remember. Just seeing her eyes light up was an ending of a great night.
Even though Nashville is such a big city that looks like Vegas it still has its charm, and that is all the beautiful people that make it unique and one of a kind…
Editor's note: see clip from her performance here on Heartland Journal Rumble Channel https://rumble.com/v5jj5a2-gigi-butler-performing.html
Caramel Pecan Bars
INGREDIENTS
- 1 1/2 cups old fashioned oats
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1 1/4 cups brown sugar
- 3/4 tsp baking soda
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 3/4 cups butter softened
- 1 package (14oz0 caramels
- 1/2 cup whipping cream
- 1 1/2 cups semisweet chocolate chips
- 3/4 cups chopped pecans
In a bowl, combine the first five ingredients; stir in butter and mix till crumbly.
Set aside 1 cup for topping.
Press remaining mixture into a greased 13 in x9 in pan.
Bake at 350* for 10 mins. Meanwhile, combine caramels and cream in a heavy saucepan. Cook over low heat until caramels are melted. Stir often.
Sprinkle chocolate chips and nuts over hot crust; top with caramel mixture. Sprinkle with reserved oat mixture. Bake for 350* for 20 minutes or until topping is golden brown. Cool completely before cutting. Enjoy!
Editorial comments expressed in this column are the sole opinion of the writer.
recipe courtesy of Gigi Butler Copyright 2024 Heartland Journal, LLC
