An Ol' Broad's Ramblings
Murfreesboro Freedom Fest – 04/16/10
Paula thought it was a real good idea for her and P/H to come pick me up. It was on the way, so it would typically make perfect sense….for most people, but this IS Paula we are talking about here. 
After giving her the info she would need to come straight to the hotel, I get a call. Not quite frantic yet, but I can tell it’s hovering around the edges….just a smidge. She is naming all these places she sees, a large number of hotels, and a Cracker Barrel. Now, logic might say that was the correct exit. Problem was, of all the hotels she named, mine wasn’t in the list. I specifically remember telling her the exit was 81B, several times. Well, after much going back and forth, it seems she heard 78 when I said 81. Yeah, I guess there quite a few hotels in eating places down that way. I remember seeing them all as I came in. Well, 20 minutes later, after much turning this way and that, they finally made it. They were able to find their way to the elevator, and rode all the way to the 3rd floor without getting lost. I was quite impressed! 
After I got my shirt changed into my Smart Girl Politics shirt, we were almost ready to take off. P/H had a good conversation with Jasper, the well traveled bear for a minutes. After riding with Paula, can’t say as I blame her. 
We got my chair and shades out of the truck, and were off. Ya know, I seriously hate GPS. It’s a machine, that talks, with a snotty attitude. If I wanted to listen to a female with a bad attitude, I’d call my oldest granddaughter.
I looked up where we were suppose to go. Very simple. Turn right on the major street out there, drive straight until you see something that looks like a square, with a bunch of people milling around. No, that goofy contraption of Paula’s want to take us on a tour of the whole town. Pfft. Straight. Turn left. Real simple. *shakes head*
We finally made it, found a place to park, and started unloading the confusion mobile, aka mini van. It was too easy. Parking place right in front. Found out our space is all the way on the opposite side. Naturally! Could it be any other way?
We got the gear all set up, without too many catastrophes. It was extremely windy, and our banner decided it wanted to keep flapping, and sliding down the poles. After much grumbling at the thing, we did finally manage to keep it in place. Had the t-shirts set out, Paula doing her spiel of what Smart Girl Politics is all about. She’s quite good at it, so P/H and I decided that we’d send everyone to her. heh. Ok, we did talk to a few folks, but when it comes to actually relaying the message, Paula gets the tiara! Her ability to explain things, coherently definitely over shadows her loss of direction.
Our booth, and one of our ‘smart girl’ visitors. That was one cute puppy.
I suppose it wouldn’t be an event without Abe in attendance. I KNOW that guy had to be hot in that getup.
To be honest, I’m not sure why someone would be dressed up as Abe Lincoln, when he, while managing to do a few good things (sign the Emancipation Proclamation) was also the president who usurped powers from the states (10th Amendment) and gave them to the federal gubmint. Kind of a contradiction for a Tea Party rally, IMHO.
I decided it would be a good idea to wander around to the front of the court house, where the actually festivities were taking place. I was surprised to see so many people crammed in to such a small area. At least they got the shade.
I went back to the booth for a while, and did my best to explain our group to a few folks. No doubt, they thought I was a blithering idiot, so every time Paula thought she was going to catch her breath…..”Hey! Paula! You can explain this SO much better!” LOL Poor woman!
I wandered back up to the front again, hoping to catch Ken’s speech. Well, I only caught the last 30 second or so, and out of context, it wouldn’t make much sense, so I’m not posting it. He definitely has the talent for public speaking. If you ever get a chance to hear him, take it! Common sense is definitely one of Ken’s characteristics. Naturally, he’s a CONSERVATIVE!
I also managed to catch the tail end of Steve Gill’s speech. I guess my talent is getting to the show late?
Then, the speeches were over, and the crowd started scattering. I was surprised because the man who sang at Nashville, Bruce Bellott, had been told he would be singing at the end. I guess the ‘organizer’ decided against it. They could have at least played his CD, instead of the one that was blasting in my ear. Sometimes, egos get in the way, and power goes to a person’s head. It’s a darn good song! The powers that be in Nashville would do well to promote it.
I guess I’m not getting any better with this new toy, am I. 
I didn’t take a lot of still pictures, because, well, honestly, we were pretty busy. It was great to meet so many people, especially those who showed an interest in getting involved beyond the Tea Parties. And that’s one thing that Smart Girl Politics can do. Engage. Empower. Educate.
Kate, Kate, Kate. First of all I feel like I need to give Paula a hug. I thought I was the only one you dogged like that, now I don’t feel special anymore.
Great post. Not too bad with the cam. Funny as usual. Now tell Paula that you’re SORRY, Missy.
Yeah Missy! I want an apology, and a few of your pictures:) I have not plugged mine in yet to see, but I didn’t have time to take a lot of pictures!
I did not get to “attend” any of the events I was at, so thanks for sharing what was upfront!
Some folks need Garmins for Christmas I think…
Now, Barb! You know you are still ‘special’. But if I apologized to Paula, she’d think I didn’t love her anymore. LMAO
Well ma’am. Those are the only pictures I took.
Can’t believe it! Usually I’m so snap happy. I’m gonna blame the sweat that kept running in my eyes, and the sun that made everything look like a dark shadow. 
Pfft! Fred, what she needs is a real MAP! LMAO