I may have missed a week or two, but I think it was worth the wait…

1. Love Does.

If you haven’t heard of Bob Goff, you need to look him up. The man lives life with a passion like no one else and loves his family and complete strangers with the same overwhelming care and energy - at least this is what I hear. Bob is on my list of people I hope to sit down and chat with over a cup a coffee one day. I am so intrigued by his amazing ability to love and invest in so many people day after day.

Recently, I got a deeper look into Bob’s life and outlook on faith, love, and living life to the fullest when I received my pre-release copy of his book Love Does. I flew through the pages of this book, only stopping at the end of each chapter to think a little deeper about what I had just read. The book is a collection of stories from Bob’s life that help illustrate his ideas about faith and the lessons we can learn from both the little and big experiences or relationships that we come across throughout the years. I caught myself laughing, crying, smiling, and definitely thinking from chapter to chapter. 

Don’t miss this book. It’s got something for everyone and will leave you thinking about the relationships and opportunities you face every day. Bob does a great job illustrating the idea that you can “Discover a Secretly Incredible Life in an Ordinary World” and that love is an action that changes things in a big way.

Thanks for this book, Bob. Hopefully one day I can thank you in person over a cup of coffee and some conversation.

2. Puddles and Photos.

Sometimes you just have to take a look around you from a different angle. London-native Gavin Hammond does this pretty darn well, venturing around with his lomo camera and capturing city shots off of reflections in puddles. His impressive black and white photos take full advantage of the rainy days in London.

3. birdAve Shoppe.

I ordered these prints from birdAve Shoppe a few weeks ago to add to my collection for my Ohio and Nashville wall in my house. I came across these while looking for a Miami print on Etsy, and decided I had to get one for each city I’ve lived in. I couldn’t be happier with them, and the ordering and delivery process was a breeze. I would definitely recommend checking out their online shop for gifts or even just to treat yourself to something new for your wall.

4. Bobbie’s Dairy Dip.

Every town needs a local ice cream stand. You know, the one that you stand in line for much longer than you ever expected with a wide variety of characters on summer evenings just so you can get a dipped cone or that perfect milkshake. When I moved to Nashville, I was concerned because I wasn’t finding one of these hometown must-haves.

No need to worry, though. I recently made the first of many visits to Nashville’s very own Bobbie’s Dairy Dip, and man does it live up to all expectations. Not only that, but the vintage signs, lights, and classic food menu all add to the greatness of the usual ice cream stand. 

My other favorite thing about Bobbie’s? The fact that you’ll feel like you’ve been taken out of Nashville and placed right in the heart of a small, classic American town - for you FNL fans, think Dillon, TX (check this place out and tell me that the whiskey store across the street doesn’t resemble the Landing Strip).

All this to say, if you’re in Nashville and haven’t been to Bobbie’s - you need to take a drive down Charlotte and get yourself a delicious summer treat. 

5. This Is Oregon.

If this video from This Is Oregon doesn’t make you want to get outside and explore, I’m pretty sure nothing will.

Pretty cool, huh? Now get outside. 

I’m changing it up this week. I’m replacing the typical Friday Five with one single suggestion. This is something that I feel deserves all 5 spots on the usual list.

If you’re on Twitter or Facebook, chances are good that you’ve seen something about the film Blue Like Jazz that hit select theaters last weekend. If you already know about Don and the book, I’m probably a little late with this suggestion, and that’s ok. This is for the rest of you. Take some time this weekend to find a theater playing Blue Like Jazz and check it out. My only other suggestion - take someone with you. You’re going to want to talk about this film when the credits roll. 

The great thing is, you don’t have to just take my word on this. Watch this video and you’ll get an idea about what makes this such an important story for everyone to take the time to see.

{This Is My Story - Trailer from Rhetorik Creative} - Watch the full version here.

#ThisIsMyStory. I’m grateful for Don Miller and and the beauty of a story that allows you to think, draw your own conclusions, and experience the truth and love driving a story that is relatable and honest.

1. Derek.

If you haven’t seen this video, find some time to take a break and watch the entire story. I’ve always been a strong believer of the power and true magic of music, but Derek’s story takes that belief to a whole new level. A man who has what seems to be an endless list of limiting disabilities, including the inability to distinguish his right hand from his left or simply recall how old he is, has an incredible ability to recall, recognize, create, and transform music on the piano. Music is the one thing that is certain for him and it is an incredible miracle to watch him play. 

The other beautiful thing about Derek’s story is his passion and love for people. Meeting and talking with others with an outstretched hand brings him an undeniable joy and he is entirely comfortable in a group of new people even though he is unable to see the faces in front of him. I admire his unconditional love that he shares with strangers and friends alike.

I’m going to stop here and let the video and Derek’s music say the rest. Be ready to walk away with a new outlook on things.

2. Jessie Parker.

The first thing I noticed about Jessie Parker was how genuine she is. Not long after meeting her, I was introduced to her music. That same genuineness is front and center  in her voice. There is a simplistic beauty about it that will stop you in your tracks. Jessie’s new Mountain Spine - EP  perfectly highlights her vocals and will stay with you long after the songs end. And there’s her lyrics which have a transparency about them thanks to her poetic songwriting that will catch your attention and leave you thinking. Take a listen and hear for yourself. And be sure to keep an eye out for more from her. Big things are ahead for this lady!

{Can’t get enough of this song.}

Thanks for sharing your music with us, Jessie.

3. #whatshouldwecallme

I’m pretty speechless about this one, which might have something to do with the fact that I’m currently laughing out loud at this. Just go take a look…

4. Cinemagr.am

If you’re an Instagramer (n.), this app might just be your new addiction. For me this one is more about browsing than posting, but either way you are likely to spend quite a bit of time checking out the Harry Potter-esque images. Here’s my first that I took of my brother last night at Fido… Pretty weird, huh?

{Created with cinemagr.am}

I also just realized that #whatshouldwecallme is basically a bunch of Cinemagr.ams gone wrong…

5. Play ball!

It’s that time again. Time for the crack/ping of the bat, hot dogs, Cracker Jacks, a night at the park, and all the simple things about baseball. Whether you enjoy it for the sport or just the all-American summer tradition, there’s something special about baseball season. For me, it’s about family. I’ve grown up with the sport - whether sitting on (or under playing in the dirt) the bleachers as a little girl watching my big brother pitch, going to Toledo Mud Hens games, or watching the Cleveland Indians with my grandpa who never missed a broadcasted game, baseball has been a regular part of every spring and summer.

Take a night and go to a game - major, minor, or even little league - and it’s bound to be a memorable night.

{Go Tribe!}

1. Cause A Scene Music Blog.

Nashville’s music scene can be overwhelming at times, for musicians and fans alike. As fans, we’re constantly taking in new sounds and learning about an up-and-coming band or the newest singer/songwriters. At the same time, one of the coolest things about Nashville is the accessibility to all of the talent, and the fact that, as fans, we can help support new talent that we love.

Recently, Larry Kloess decided to help local (and some not so local) musicians and began working on a way “to champion the artists that make us come alive and believe in the transcending quality of music.” Larry created Cause A Scene Music Blog to help expose those artists and bands who are on the verge of something big but somewhere just below the radar. In addition to the blog, he has organized an exciting series of house shows that allow these artists to play for an intimate audience of Nashvillians who are anxious for new sounds. Larry is on to something big and has come up with a great new way of bringing musicians and the people waiting for their new favorite bands together. 

 You can check Cause A Scene out more on the blog and on Facebook.

2. Loft Resumes.

So this week I helped one of my best friends back in Ohio with a project. She was working on her resume for a job interview with a non-profit. It may sound boring to most, but I love this kind of project. Maybe that’s why I was a technical communication major, or at least now I can tell myself that my love for wording, conciseness, user-centered language and design are normal. The added bonus to this project was that it was for a non-profit where a little extra flare in terms of design would actually go somewhere with the potential viewer. I’ve heard my friend say more than once this week, “Molly, I don’t know why you like this stuff…”

So, after finishing the review on her resume, I was pretty excited to come across this site while reading through my daily collection of blogs - Loft Resumes. Seriously? People are getting paid to do this?? Gosh. Sign me up!

I’ve gotta say, this company is doing it right. For those who can afford to present a more non-traditional resume, this is awesome. Beautiful, clean, and effective design that knocks down any preconceived idea that a resume has to be black and white and follow a standard template. 

Nice work, Loft Resumes. 

3. The Garden Brunch Cafe.

Welp, I’ve found another spot to add to my “best-dang-brunch-in-Nashville” list - and this time I have my brother and sister-in-law/their friends Scott and Susy to thank. If you’re in Nashville and are looking for a place to eat Friday, Saturday, or Sunday between 9am and 2pm, this is your place. Phew. 

I got to try the Cafe out a few weekends ago for my birthday brunch and I’ve been craving it everyday since. I’m a sucker for any privately-owned cafe, and this one is doing it right. The restaurant is in an old, remodeled house near Germantown that immediately makes you feel right at home, and then you get your food. Holy deliciousness. 

I ordered the Fiesta Omlette (turkey sausage, green peppers, cheddar, onions, and jalapeno peppers) with cheese grits. Yup, I went all southern for this one. And let me tell you - for someone who usually doesn’t like the southern staple, these were the perfect addition to the meal. 

Other suggestions - Banana Foster Pancakes (above), Spinach Omlette, and their Eggs Benedict looked pretty amazing. I think it’s safe to say, you probably can’t go wrong with the Garden Brunch Cafe, unless you don’t go at all. 

4. Connect F1

As Williamses, my brother, Seth, and I have grown up with a dad and uncles who LOVE Formula One racing. It has never seemed abnormal for Dad to wake up super early (sometimes in the middle of the night) on a Saturday or Sunday morning to watch a live race that is happening on the other side of the world. Schumacher, Button, and Vettel are just a few of the names commonly overheard in day-to-day discussions, and we even have a cousin whose middle name is Senna after the famous F1 driver. 

So, needless to say, it is no surprise that Seth recently decided to have some fun and create a one-stop-shop for connections to all F1 drivers - ConnectF1.com. Seth has been busy sharing the site with some of the top names in F1 and multiple F1 publications and has received some pretty great feedback. If you’re an F1 fan, or know anyone who is, go ahead and share it/post it/tweet it - you know the drill.

5. Get pumped up.

I’m especially thankful for my friend Jess this week because of this video she captured at the Y last week… 

Nothing like a little fist pumping and rocking out during your early morning work out. After much discussion and consideration, she decided that You Spin Me Round was the most plausible jam to be playing in his headphones - what do you think?

Happy Friday, y’all!

No, I haven’t forgotten. This Friday Five is well overdue, I know. I decided to wait on posting this until I actually had a list of things worthy of a spot on the Friday Five that I really wanted share with people rather than simply throwing together a list for the sake of sticking to a routine. So, here it is - and I think it’s safe to say it’s back to stay. 

1. Whiskey Wit {Kwesi Kankam}.

Between my constant addiction to browsing all sorts of music and my move to Nashville, I am very rarely without a new artist or band to add to my daily soundtracks. Recently, though, I was excited to come across a pretty amazing new sound from an old friend from high school. Kwesi Kankam has an impressively unique sound and has created something special in his recently released Ran Away From Me EP.  It’s cool to see someone who was known in my Ohio hometown as a star athlete (but who also was usually known to have a guitar with him) go on to develop such an impressive sound in this collection of songs. Congrats, Kwesi! Maybe we’ll see you here in Nashville soon.

2. Food52.

As if I didn’t have enough recipe/cooking sites to follow already… Food52 is one of my new favorites (thanks to Charlotte Turtle via Lauren Mechetner). Not only is the site packed with hundreds of mouth-watering recipes, but there are videos, polls, contests, and other fun stuff to make the whole experience interactive. It plays up the socializing and sharing that people love about food and cooking and has created an online space that people can be a part of a sort of community. I’m thinking this site might get me to take the dive and start sharing some of my favorite recipes… 

3. RedBall Project.

Have you seen this? Kurt Perschke, an artist who works in sculpture, video, collage and public space decided to start a project that would travel around the world and get people thinking outside the limitations of their everyday surroundings.

I thought his outlook on the project was pretty cool: 

Through the RedBall Project I utilize my opportunity as an artist to be a catalyst for new encounters within the everyday. Through the magnetic, playful, and charismatic nature of the RedBall the work is able to access the imagination embedded in all of us. On the surface, the experience seems to be about the ball itself as an object, but the true power of the project is what it can create for those who experience it. It opens a doorway to imagine what if? As RedBall travels around the world people approach me on the street with excited suggestions about where to put it in their city. In that moment the person is not a spectator but a participant in the act of imagination. I have witnessed it across continents, diverse age spans, cultures, and languages, always issuing an invitation. That invitation to engage, to collectively imagine, is the true essence of the RedBall Project. The larger arc of the project is how each city responds to that invitation and, over time, what the developing story reveals about our individual and cultural imagination.

I think the project should probably make its way to Nashville…

4. Beaver Brook.

I want to go here. Now. 

5. The Headlight Sessions.

I’m pretty excited to share this project. Matt Hoffman, a friend from Cincinnati, has been working for a local Toyota dealership as an internet product specialist. A few months ago, he had an idea that he felt could really give the dealership an edge over their competition in the city. After pitching the idea and receiving the green light, he began to assemble a team to make his idea come to life.   

On Wednesday Matt officially released the first video in The Headlight Sessions. These videos truly are something awesome. Be sure to check it out, share it, and be on the lookout for more - whether you’re in Cincinnati or not. This is an awesome opportunity, not only for Performance Toyota and Scion in little ol’ Fairfield, Ohio, but for Matt. He’s taken on a challenge to make a traditional job something that allows himself to grow and use his talents and passion to benefit the company. I’m excited to see where this goes and how quickly it catches on - locally for the dealership and hopefully beyond.

Thanks for sharing, Matt!

So, after another unexpected week off, I’m back. Last Friday got away from me before I could post thanks to some exciting news. I was offered a position at Vanderbilt working for the university’s News and Communications office. This is such an answered prayer after a lot of change and reorganization has caused my current position to look a lot different than when I started back in June. 

More than anything this news helped me realize how lucky I am to be surrounded by the community I have here in Nashville. I don’t really like a lot of attention for things like this, but my friends were so supportive and excited for me when they heard about the job. We went to dinner and they told me over and over how cool it was that I got the job. They helped me realize that it’s not every day that an opportunity comes along like this - just like it’s not every day that you find a group of friends who so quickly become family. 

So today I’m thankful - for Nashville, new jobs, friends, and for a new Friday Five of great things. Happy Friday, y’all! 

1. Roost Blog. 

Want to see some pretty fantastic things? Go here. Enjoy.

{Thanks, Renee!}

2. Mad Libs.

Yup. You read right. Those funny word games from your pre-teen years are making a comeback - at least in the crowd I’m hanging out with. Who knew these things could be so funny? Lately a lot of us have spent evenings with glasses of wine and laughed until our stomachs hurt thanks to the rediscovery of Mad Libs. Sometimes they get a little inappropriate or gross, but they’ll be bound to keep you entertained. Who knew, right?

So, the next time you have a group of friends coming over, don’t forget the Mad Libs. 

3. Sure Ink.

Pretty excited to share this one. One of my Nashville favorites and closest friends, Jess Cohen, has officially opened her Etsy store - Sure Ink. Jess is a woman of many talents - painting, drawing, graphic design, prints, etc. There’s not much the girl can’t do. Needless to say this Etsy store will be the first of many things to come. Keep an eye on the store for new projects and if you’re in Nashville definitely be ready for a gallery show or two from Jess. 

4. Cha Chah.

This one is long overdue. Gosh. I’m getting hungry just thinking about Cha Chah’s brunch. Phew. If you are in Nashville and are looking for a unique meal packed with flavor and fresh ingredients, this is your place. 

Arnold Myint, head chef at Cha Chah, PM and Susy Wong’s and Top Chef contestant creates some of the best dishes I’ve tasted in Nashville. If you make it to Cha Chah for brunch, make sure to take a few friends and share a few different dishes. My suggestions? 

• Smoked Turkey Hot Brown - House Smoked Turkey, Bacon Gravy, Roasted Tomato, Fried Egg
• Pumpkin French Toast  - Honey Cream Cheese, Candied Pumpkin Seeds, Maple Syrup
• Cha Chah Skillet - Farm Eggs, Pepper Potato Hash, House Bacon, Chickpeas
• Drink Special - $10 Sangria Pitcher (w/ red wine)

If you are free Sunday from 10:30 to 2:30, you now have plans. 

Cha Chah

2013 Belmont Boulevard

Nashville, TN 37212

5. A reminder.

This past week has reminded me of one thing - that things will always work out and unfold the way they are meant to, most likely when you least expect it. I find myself trying to plan and figure things out so often that I forget to just sit back and let things happen. When I finally do, I always end up less stressed about the little things and am usually surprised by something great. Things always work out the way they’re meant to, I truly believe that. The more we try to control or plan a situation the less the situation can play out exactly how it’s meant to. So this week I’m embracing this reminder…

And it’s back! Here’s the first Friday Five of 2012…

1. Front Porch Ministry.

A Nashville friend recently posted something about this amazing family and their organization in East Nashville. Their story is pretty inspiring. I’ll let their video speak for itself.

If you’re in Nashville and want to get involved, let me know. I’m planning on contacting the Hazelips about volunteering soon.

2. Why Men and Women Can’t Be Friends.

My friend Kristen shared this video on Facebook a few weeks ago and it has come up in multiple discussions with different people since I first watched it. Such a funny demonstration of the idea of “friendships” between men and women. What do you think?

3. Have I mentioned I have talented friends? Meet Micah Lanier, y’all.

Micah is a graphic designer and illustrator who has a pretty awesome style. He works as a graphic designer at Lifeway Christian Resources but also has his hands in on other projects (Little Robot Creative and AH HA Creative) as well as some freelance work.

Micah recently designed a print inspired by the television show Breaking Bad and decided to create a series. Definitely check out his work and keep an eye out for more prints on society6 and Etsy.

{Print: Walter White from Breaking Bad.}

4. And another… Steku.

This isn’t Stephanie Kunze’s first Friday Five - you may remember her from her first appearance here with Loveshout. But this time she’s back as SteKu and has earned her spot for something much different - her music. This girl has beatz, y’all. She is working hard to get started as a DJ in Nashville - so be on the look out. 

Work. Dance. is SteKu’s first song - be ready for this track to be on repeat in your head!

{Work. Dance. by SteKu}

5. Pay it forward.

I found this article on one of my favorite sites this week - a twist on paying it forward. I might have to try it out this weekend. Gotta love simple ideas like this to spread some love to strangers and brighten someone’s day.

1. Lists of Note.

This is another great procrastination site that you might actually learn something from, or at least have fun browsing. We all make lists for different reasons and purposes, and this site features all sorts of fun examples. Gotta love a good list!

2. The Belcourt.

This is one of my favorite spots in Nashville. The theatre is a non-profit venue for movies, music, and performing arts events. They even have a bar so you can have a drink while you watch a movie. 

I was excited to write about the theatre this week because today starts their week-long run of the Christmas classic It’s A Wonderful Life. Nothing better than seeing a classic at the theatre!

Definitely check out the theatre if you’re in Nashville and haven’t gone to a movie or performance there before.

3. Trader Joe’s Gingerbread Cake Mix.

Looking for a good holiday treat to take to that Christmas party or family get-together? This is it. Such a great and super easy mix for some of the best gingerbread I’ve had. All you need is a box of the mix, an egg, some vegetable oil, and water. Brought this stuff to my office holiday party and everybody couldn’t get enough.

I’ve been brainstorming some new twists on the recipe including bourbon and eggnog - maybe even some eggnog icing? Thanks as always Trader Joe’s! 

{yet another homerun from Trader Joe’s}

4. Society 6.

Still looking for a cool Christmas present for your best friend, mom, great aunt Sally, boss, barista… anybody? You need to check out this site. All sorts of fun, original ideas that come in all sorts of forms. Personally I am in love with all of their iPhone cases. The artists featured on the site can sell their work in a variety of art prints and other products. Check it out!

{so many fun cases featuring the artists’ work - something for everybody}

5. Mas Tacos.

This last one is dangerous to write because my mouth is already watering as I start to think about the fish tacos at this Nashville original. Mas Tacos is, as Theresa the owner/taco lady herself calls it, a unique taqueria stand. This food spot is located in East Nashville and everything about the experience is one-of-a-kind. The location is somewhat hidden in a discrete store front and is always packed, but no one ever seems to care. Waiting in line is part of the experience and leaves you that much more satisfied when your order is up.

Things you don’t want to miss out on: 

• Fish tacos - one of my favorite meals in Nashville - offered every Friday.
• Elote - mexican grilled corn that you will crave after your first try.
• Horchata with iced coffee - a twist on the usual horchata. So stinkin’ good!

{The famous fish tacos - best in Nashville.}

This week’s Friday Five is a random collection, but it was a pretty natural selection and I’m excited to share this week’s picks. Maybe the cold weather that hit last night and the frosty morning I woke up to today was the motivation I needed. It’s finally feeling like December in Nashville, y’all! So go ahead, curl up with a blanket and your favorite cold weather drink and enjoy…

1. More Love Letters.

This is pretty cool. Such a simple idea that has a huge impact. Check it out. Maybe write a letter. Or just encourage someone you see everyday. 

2. Afterlife Parade.

Looking for some new music? Yeah, I figured you might be. Afterlife Parade is a Nashville indie rock band made up of seriously talented musicians who not only produce an amazing sound, but some pretty thought-provoking lyrics, too. I’ve been listening to a mixture of the band’s album and their frontman Quinn Erwin’s Christmas album. Definitely check them out. You can get some free downloads from Brite Revolution here, and if you like that you can find the rest of their songs on iTunes.

**Update: Today the band announced that in honor of the holidays they’re giving their albums away free through December 20th here. Perfect timing!

{One of my favorites from ‘Rebirth’ - Black Woods, White Beach by Afterlife Parade}

{‘Winter Exhales’ - My favorite song from Quinn’s Christmas album}

3. Foalio.

Foalio is a new website that is co-founded by yet another talented Nashville friend, Scott Anderson. If you are an artist of any sort, you need check this site out. 

The idea. If you’re an artist you need a place to put your work and resume so it’s seen, right? And if you’re looking for an artist you need a place to find them, right? How about jobs for artists? Foalio has it all. Honestly, even if you’re not an artist, the site is a fun place to just browse the work that people have posted. 

Scott and his co-founder Nick have created an awesome space for artists to come together, share their work, and be recognized for it. Pretty cool, if you ask me.

4. Thoughts from Will Smith.

Good ol’ Jamie Clayton posted this one on Twitter this week. If you have some time, sit down and listen to Will. He’s got some interesting things to say and is one smart guy. 

One of my favorite thoughts:

“If you are not making someone else life better, then you’re wasting your time. Your life will become better by making other people’s lives better.”

5. Warby Parker.

If you wear glasses, or even sunglasses for that matter, and are looking for a new pair you’ll want to see this. Warby Parker has been around for a while, so you may have heard of them, but this week I finally decided to take everyone’s word for it and order my 5 free home try-ons. That’s right - free. You select the frames you want to try on, and they send them straight to your front door. It gets better. They supply the return postage for free, too. You get 5 days with the frames - show them to friends, family, strangers, whoever. When you’ve made up your mind send them back and order them if you decide on a pair. Sure beats standing awkwardly in a store trying pair after pair on debating if they’re the right ones or not.

But wait. There’s more. For every pair of glasses Warby Parker sells, they give a pair away to someone in need. Check this out: 

Can’t get much better, huh? Well yeah, it can. Warby Parker does all of this at a set cost - $95. If you’ve ever ordered prescription glasses you know that is one heck of a deal, especially to supply someone else with a pair, too. 

So, here’s to making “four-eyes” cool. All in the comfort of your home. With feedback from whoever you want. And helping someone in need. All at a reasonable price. Thanks, Warby Parker.

It’s that time again - the most wonderful time of the year.

I. Love. December. A lot. Christmas music, colder weather, music, blankets, snow (or at least a chance of it if you live in Nashville), red and green, Christmas lights/trees, family, walks in the cold, peppermint… So, here it is. A sort-of-December edition of the Friday Five…

1. A few homemade gift ideas.

Some simple but great ideas for little gifts to surprise someone with. Maybe a co-worker, your favorite baristas at the local coffee shop, a neighbor - just to let them know they’re appreciated. Find all the ideas here.

2. The Art of Dancing Advent Calendar.

I found these guys and their sweet dance moves last year and have been excited for their return. Forget the traditional Advent calendar and just dance - or watch these two bust a move - every day from now until Christmas! You can watch the daily videos and last years series here.

{2nd December - ‘Jailhouse Rock’ by Elvis Presley from lewisnluke on Vimeo.}

3. Yet another talented Nashville friend - Jamie Clayton.

If you had told me I would be posting about Jamie Clayton a few months ago, I would have laughed and said, “The guy who hates Ohio? Yeah right.” Today, though, I’m happy to share Jamie’s photography skills with you. This red-headed Charleston-native has a pretty amazing eye and definite passion for photography. He’s a pretty good friend, too (even though he’s from SC…).

So, go ahead. Check out his site here. And if you meet him in Nashville, be sure to tell him how great Ohio is (even if you’re indifferent).

4. Dave Barnes’ Santa Dance.

Not sure what it is about Christmas and dancing, but it makes for some great videos. This one get’s me every time. Even in July when you just need a good dose of Christmas cheer. If this is the first you’ve heard of Dave, go check out his albums - especially his Christmas album. Super talented singer who is pretty hilarious, too.

Maybe Dave and the Art of Dancing guys should partner up for a special Christmas Day video…

5. In the spirit of giving.

The season of giving is upon us and that can look like all kinds of things for different people. Some people might give their time, a meal, maybe a sweater, but an old article from NPR tells the story of a very different take on giving. A friend shared this one with me this week and we both agreed it had to make it in the Friday Five.

A Victim Treats His Mugger Right

“I figure, you know, if you treat people right, you can only hope that they treat you right. It’s as simple as it gets in this complicated world.”

Makes you think, huh?