Insta Weekend

I went a little Insta-crazy with the Instagrams over the weekend.  Are you following the adventures of @mindygledhill on Instagram? Because it just doesn't get more exciting than this:

"The Undie-Grad"

My little sister, Lindsey, graduates from the U of U with a degree in photography.

"Ryan Innes Rocks Out"

 Opening up for Peter Breinholt at our first concert for this season's 

Rooftop Concert Series.

"Me and Peter B."

"Pair O' Potties" 

(in the Green Room at the Rooftop Concert Series)

"Secret Treehouse Meeting" 

With Libbie Linton and Spencer Harrison. Their upcoming record is going to BLOW YOUR MIND.

"Visit with Gramps" 

Griffin nearly destroys the hospital in a single attempt to visit Grandpa Mike, who hasn't been feeling so good lately.

"Backstage Surprise!" 

I got an email from the little girl in the pink pants on the front row, inviting me to see her dance class perform in a recital to my song, "Whole Wide World." I surprised them all with a backstage visit after their performance (which made me cry, just for the record). Smiles all around.

"Nephew Mayhem"

Visited my sister Amy and her boys, Enzo (center) and Noah (right).

TONIGHT!

I am one of the founders of the Rooftop Concert Series: A rather large and amazing outdoor concert series (if I do say so myself) on the top of a parking structure in the historic district of my town.  Tonight we kick off the season with Peter Breinholt.  My husband and I fell in love to Peter's music.  We even sang his song, "What About" at our wedding dinner.  Don't be surprised if you see us smooching during the show.  Hope to see you there!

Vintage Spring Sorbet

Since the birth of my third son last August, I have been exhausted. Sleep deprivation has a way of stripping the life from you and leaving you to forget the capable person you once were.  Motivation has been a scarcity in these parts for quite some time.  Hence, I have morphed into quite the recluse, emerging only for groceries at the corner store in my pajamas.  The downward spiral of no sleep and isolation can only go on so long, however, before you realize that you MUST GET OUT.  

Luckily, I have had an event called the Vintage Spring Sorbet booked on my performing calendar for over a year.  It rolled around last weekend and turned out to be just what the doctor ordered: A weekend of sunshine, visual delights, culinary indulgences, conversations with women and all against the setting of California's serene Central Valley. Behold, a little Instagram Essay of my adventures:

Drove through miles of nut farms and vineyards to Catheys Valley (population 300).

Basked in the warm glow of Teresa Andersen, creative mastermind behind the Vintage Spring Sorbet. What a lovely, gracious woman she is.

Griffin Beau Gledhill also attended, naturally.

Spencer Harrison flew in from Washington DC to play guitar for me.  If ever there was a good sport, it would be Spencer.  He was a big hit with the ladies.

See what I mean?

The props, décor and vendors' wares were enchanting.

One word to describe my heart at the end of the day?
Complete.

A million thanks to all the beautiful women whom I had the pleasure of rubbing shoulders with.

Everyone Needs a Brittany

It's no secret that the only way I could manage to make music and be a mom to three kids is made possible by our Brittany Jaynes. Yes, I said OUR Brittany because we want to lay claim to her for the rest of her mortal days. But surprisingly, Brittany actually has hopes, dreams and aspirations beyond helping out the Gledhill family here at home. Can you even believe that? Hence, she is leaving us today to go off into the world and work a real job. And this is the part where I dramatically burst into tears . . . WAAAHHH!!!!!!!

Brittany has been the most perfect nanny, organizer, assistant, and everything-else-you-could-ever-need-provider. The moment that I discovered Brittany washing and folding our unmentionables without me even asking her to, was the moment I knew she had superhuman powers. I honestly don't know how we could ever replace her. But we are on the lookout for someone to fill her position. If you know anyone who adores obnoxious little boys, likes to answer emails, clean house, change diapers, file papers and receipts, fold laundry, and is perfect in every way, then have them email me at mindy@mindygledhill.com.

Brittany, we love you. Thank you a million times over for the impact you've had on my children and myself. You deserve all the blessings that life has in store for you.

Lost Friend Found

Meet Suna Marquardt, my dear childhood friend from Eureka, California. This is us in the 6th grade. I even developed this picture in our elementary school dark room.

Several years ago, we found each other again on Facebook. I was elated, to say the least. This is my friend who I had sleepovers with, played on the basketball team with, talked about boys like Nick Cox and Tyson Beauchamp with.

Last week, I met up with her in Anaheim, California (where she now lives) while we were on a family vacation at Disneyland.

Tah-dah! Here we are now:

Isn't Suna beautiful?

It's an amazing feeling to be in the presence of someone you haven't seen since you were 13 and feel like you've never even skipped a beat. Suna is as bright, authentic and as lovely as she ever was. Since I last saw her, she has accomplished so much including graduating from the Long Beach Police Academy, marrying another police officer (Jason García) whom she met at the academy, and having three boys – something we share in common. When Suna had her boys, she admirably bowed out of her career in law enforcement and started a business she runs from home called "Quality Connections Living Services." She helps people with developmental disabilities to maintain their basic life skills such as grocery shopping, financial responsibilities, medication management, etc. In other words: She is Wonder Woman.

Suna, I love you. It was so amazing to see you again. Let's make sure that we don't wait 18 years to do it again.

Sundance on Saturday!

This is what my Saturday will be devoted to. I'm so proud of how the music scene in Utah has flourished over the last several years.

It's so very exciting to see how this organization has grown and the resources it is providing musicians here. The Soundcheck Series Expo at Sundance is going to be amazing. You can still register today at www.soundcheckseries.com. See you there!

Monster Lashes

Last month, I took myself out to get eyelash extensions for my birthday. The idea was to try something fun and new. But me, oh my, them suckers was so huge, they'da reached out and snatched you up for supper! They annoyed me so badly that I ended up yanking them out one by one over the following weeks.

Moral of the story: To thine own eyelashes be true.