Tammie's Thoughts

(Martina with Tammie)

If you don't know who Tammie Ekkelboom is, you don't subscribe to the Martina McBride Internet Digest, and you don't join us in our weekly chats!  Tammie is, by far, the biggest Martina fan that is out there!  I asked Tammie to share her Martina thoughts with us, and she has graciously accepted!   Here's the first in what I hope to be a long series!  Great work,Tammie!!

Its two oclock in the morning. I cant sleep. The El Nino storm continues
to pound its way through California as the rain pours angrily outside. I
dont complain. Instead, I crawl out of bed, light a few candles, and turn on
some music. Jim Brickman. His "Picture This" CD plays softly, allowing a
peaceful combination of piano and rain. Serenity dampens the air as my mind is
filled with some of my sweetest memories. Martina Memories.

Do you remember when Martina first entered your life? Im sure most of you
probably do. You probably remember that certain song that touched your heart
or maybe it was the first time you saw Martinas smile. However it occurred,
Im sure its something that youll never forget. Thinking back to that
moment, did you ever think Martina would influence your life so much? Did you
think that she would change it or impact it in the way that she has? I know
that I never did. The first time that I saw Martina in concert was in
December of 1993. While her stage presence and her voice completely floored
me, when I had the chance to get her autograph and say hello, I walked right
by. Who knew? :) Now here it is some years later and the changes that have
happened are unreal. I feel Ive been walking a magical journey with Martina
right along my side. Physically, of course shes not really there.
Spiritually, shes always with me.

Martinas music has proven to be quite an influence in my life. I know Im
not alone in this, for songs such as "Independence Day" and "A Broken Wing"
have reached the lives of many. When I try to describe why it is I love
Martinas music so much, I come up with a collection of answers. I think
first and foremost is that the music is honest. Its real. It literally
reaches into your soul with invisible fingers and stirs up feelings. It moves
you. It touches you. Its about life. Weve probably all heard the stories
about how picky Martina is when it comes to selecting songs for her CDs. I
appreciate that in her so much because she gives us music with substance and
value in return. There are so many trashy songs out on the radio today, so to
hear Martinas honest music is very refreshing. Secondly, I love Martinas
variety. Im not speaking of the natural progression from "The Time Has Come"
to "Evolution", Im speaking of the way the music on every disk is unique.
For example, take a look at Ms latest, "Evolution". She really takes you on
a ride with very pleasant scenery. When I listen to "Happy Girl", I envision
children, laughter, smiles. I see beaches, angels, and bright blue skies with
a sun shining so bright you have to shield your eyes. For more personal
reasons, I see two best friends ice skating. Its a beautiful place. Later
down the road, during "Wrong Again", I see rain. I see looming thunderclouds
hanging over a winters day. I feel bittersweet sadness. But before the song
is over, I see a rainbow shining through and I smile. Im inspired once again.
Probably my favorite place is the end. The scenery is calm, tranquil,
relaxed. I see a blanket of clouds that I could just sleep on and dream the
whole night through. I feel like I can fly. I probably can. Perhaps One Day
I Will. Perhaps "One Day You Will". The examples of Martinas different
"flavors" of songs is endless. However, Darrens only giving me so much web
space so I cant touch upon them all. :) Lastly, and probably the most
obvious, is Martinas voice. I dont think its possible to really appreciate
the power and strength of Martinas voice until youve seen her perform live.
Theres something that happens, when shes standing just a few feet in front
of you, singing "insert your favorite song here", that will bring you to a
whole new place. Its almost impossible to describe unless youve been there.
Ive seen Martina perform live numerous times and Im still constantly amazed
and impressed even more each time I see her. She truly has the voice of an
angel.

Outside the realm of music, what is it about Martina McBride that draws us to
her? What is it that draws you to her? If youve met Martina, you can
probably answer that question fairly easy. To quote something John McBride
once said about Martina, "Shes as real as the day is long", is a very
accurate statement. Ive met quite a few so called "stars" throughout the
entertainment field and first impressions really do hold their weight. Ill
never forget the first time that I met Martina. It was out by her bus in
October of 1994. I was just standing there, waiting for her, hoping by some
chance she would come out. Miracles of miracles, she did. When I said her
name, she stopped for me and was absolutely in no hurry to go anywhere. We
chatted briefly about the show and got a picture taken. I gave her a card and
she shook my hand. She was *so* sincere and so appreciative of my support.
That first impression has stayed with me all of these years. Im happy to say
that Martina hasnt changed at all. Shes very real. I know for a fact
thats one of the magnets that draw me to her. I think Martinas music, for
the most part, reflects who she is. Shes honest, shes real, shes deep
("Some Say Im Running", "Thats Me"). She has strong values and a lot of
substance with her beliefs ("Independence Day", "A Broken Wing", "Cheap
Whiskey"). Shes a hard worker ("Goin To Work") and very serious when it
comes to the business and her career, but so light-hearted and child-like on
the inside ("My Baby Loves Me", "Happy Girl", "Wild Angels"). Let us not
forget that shes very caring and sweet ("One Day You Will", "Beyond The
Blue"). Martina is the real thing. With her, I sense that everything is
genuine. There arent any masks or great disguises that she wears. Her
smiles are real and shes not just putting on a momentary show. Martina has
allowed us, the fans, to escape to a very personal place with her. Shes
opened her heart to us and shared that through her music. Shes given us
access to her and willingly spends time with us without being pushed or
rushed. She welcomes us warmly and treats us with a huge amount of respect.
If youve met Martina repeatedly, youve probably noticed the eye contact she
always makes with you. She wants you to know that you have her attention and
that shes listening to what you have to say. She honestly appreciates our
support. For all that Martina gives to us, I think its important that we give
something in return. We should always regard Martinas wishes, her honesty,
and her privacy. We should always show our support for Martina by calling and
requesting her latest single to our local radio stations. Most importantly,
we should always respect Martina for the wonderful person that she is and feel
thankful that shes a part of our lives.

Martinas influence on everyone varies. To some people, shes just another
voice on the radio. To others, shes the queen of country music. And yet to
others, shes the light at the end of the tunnel. Whichever Martina is to
you, Im sure its something you cherish greatly. Its not very often that we
have such wonderful influences in our lives. People who are so warm and
giving, people who really care about the welfare and safety of others.
Martinas influence in my life has been abundant and I couldnt be more
thankful for the lessons that shes taught me. I find it so amazing that an
one individual can touch so many lives through the power of music. Martinas
place in my life has been somewhat theraputic, allowing me to get in touch
with who I really am and what I really want. She's taken me to many wonderful
places and has given me memories that will never fade. When someone asks what Martina means to them, the answers vary greatly. I think it's wonderful that
Martina reaches so many people in so many different ways. I believe it's true
Martina Magic.

The rain is slowing and my eyes are getting heavy. Martina's image floats
across my mind and I smile, knowing that I should go back to sleep. Lazily, I
get back up, blow the candles out, and turn Jim Brickman off. I crawl back
into bed and reach over to make sure my alarm is set for the morning. When I
do that, guess what song is on the radio? You guessed it, "even if the sun
refused to shine, even if romance ran out of rhyme...you would still have my
heart until the end of time. you're all i need, my love, my valentine."
Martina continues to be the sun that shines in many lives. She has the hearts
of loyal fans all around the world. She is loved deeply and touches us all.
For me, Martina has taken me on one of the most fantastic journeys in my life.
I adore her, i respect her, I admire her. Her magic remains a mystery, but
quite honestly, I wouldn't have it any other way.

~tammie ekkelboom :)

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