Hello! 

Those of you that know me, know that I am not big on Holidays. There are a couple that I celebrate for my own reasons in my own way, but for the most part big thumbs down on them. To me, they are all a bunch of hype, driven by clever marketing, directed at people's needs as human's, and further trying to fill those holes with stuff we don't need so that they can fill their pockets. 

I KNOW!! I'm a grinch....I'm sorry. But, it's the truth. Also, millions of flowers (or billions even?) are murdered each year so they can rot in your vase. OK! Let's delve into the my mind a bit...

Things. We don't need more things. We need less things. I'm sure some of you are going, "but I like all of my things"! My cool shoes, nice car, fancy sunglasses, whatever...

But, just take a moment...think of what really means something to you? If you were in a fire, and could grab only a handful of things, what would really matter? There's a difference between the loads of junk we try to fill our empty spots with and the thinks that mean something to us. For me, those things that meant the most would be my pets, a little box of trinkets I essentially shoplifted from my great-grandparents house after they passed away and have kept adding to with little things here and there that are just little reminders of different people or things (which now talking about it makes me feel kinda like a creepy serial killer, but whatever), a camera (which is now stolen in New Mexico somewhere), my favorite jacket, and my favorite guitar. Ok, and maybe truck keys cause she & I have had some times together, plus I could live in her. But, other than that, everything really is just stuff. 

Ever since I had all of this stuff stolen out of my truck, all people want to tell me is how sorry they are. To me, it was all things. They did steal one thing that was very meaningful to me, my camera, but it could have been worse. I had only a couple of pictures on the memory card, luckily, and I was working on a song so I had brought in my favorite guitar. The rest, is all just things that sure maybe suck to rebuy, but really aren't that big of a deal in the grand scheme of things. I made a decision right then and there in that parking lot that it was not anything that I was going to let ruin my day, night, week, month, etc. I left New Mexico grateful for still having my favorite guitar. Now, I did break down once we were back on the road and I discovered they had found my camera. But, I pulled myself out of it fairly quickly because they clearly needed it more than me, for whatever reason, and it was only a thing. A replaceable thing. (Also, this was my moment where I realized all of my hippy buddhist principles I have been living by for the last year or so have paid off...yay!)

How this ties into V-Day? All this junk that we are buying to show our love to someone doesn't actually mean anything or show anything. Is it the words said when you get that teddy bear that meant something? Or is the teddy bear? Then, why not just say the words? That's my thought process. I just don't get it. Tell this person these words daily, weekly, randomly! Don't do it because you were prompted to. To me, it means more when someone thinks outside the box, be a little rebellious, have your own thoughts rather than those that are shoved down your throat by clever marketing and keeping up with the Jones'. Find what matters to you in your handful of things, and engulf yourself into it. Why wait for a holiday or to be prompted? Why wait for anything? Remember, there are some people who die waiting for that right moment, the right time, the right circumstances. 

So, this Valentine's Day, you do it how you choose. Love how you will, or don't. But, spend a little less, love a little more. Do sweet things on more than just the holidays, say the nice words year round. Do whatever makes you happy, just don't forget what's truly important in life and to you. 

Peace, love, & whiskey y'all. 
Francie out. 

Hey guys! 

I'm back after taking a few weeks off from computers & busy work. I took the time to focus inward and wrote some new music. I'm thinking about recording an acoustic EP in the next couple of months which would feature some of it. I've been dealing with a lot mentally and emotionally recently, and it really comes out in these songs. Hopefully, they will help someone else out there too. 

Two weeks of my off time was spent cruising around Colorado, visiting with some venues, and attending MusicFest at Steamboat Springs. I played one show at Slopeside Grill while at the festival (many thanks to Rebecca Creek Whiskey for that opportunity). Other than that, as I mentioned, I've been in a down slump so I laid low, reflecting inward, writing, absorbing everything I could, and checking out some awesome songwriters. 

On the way to a radio event in New Mexico, I stopped for the night in Santa Fe, NM to check out the town, try some food, and was planning on exploring some of the local cool sights/museums/etc. However, someone broke the window in my truck and stole a guitar, my gig bag, gopro, a couple of cameras (including one that was a very special present), among other items. After spending all day dealing with police & getting the window fixed, I had to cancel my appearance in Alamogordo, unfortunately. We will hopefully get that rescheduled for later this spring. I am currently fighting with the insurance on covering my items and that music is my hobby & therapy. I guarantee if someone had a couple of tools stolen out of their truck that they wouldn't have to go through 3 different layers of people to prove that they aren't a contractor, including proof of employment & financials. Thanks Farmers, this is ridiculous. Hopefully, I'll be back up and running 100% soon & I can give Farmers a big shout out. But, right now....total headache!!! 

I would post pictures from Colorado & other places I visited on my time off but other than a couple of cell phone shots which have already been posted on my Facebook page & Instagram, most of them were on my big camera for my portfolio. 

As many of you know, I suffer from PTSD, anxiety, and depression all rooted from or extenuated by my burn injury a few years ago. Because I'm all for being out in the open and as not-fake-as-possible for the pure motive of showing anyone else out there that they aren't alone....I'll disclose something right now. Just like many others with my "issues", once in a while, I go through a downward slump. When in one of these "slumps" what little sleep I normally get wavers down to almost nothing, I am unmotivated to do anything, I get quiet & recluse into hermit mode, being in crowds will cause panic attacks, my nightmares/terrors are at their worst, and previously this is when I would have turned to a whiskey bottle or pill bottle (or both) to help ease through the slump. Just like my burns, I just take it a day at a time, minute at a time, sometimes a second at a time....eventually it will pass, the sunshine will come back over me, and the silly, goofy, sunshiney me will be back. Sometimes it will last a day or two, occasionally it will take a couple months. I'm going on about a month now with this round. 

Basically, if you feel this way, or deal with these things, you're not alone. Keep pushing on. It will always get better. If you see me out at a show, and I'm not as bouncy as usual, you know why. If I seem distant, you know why. I am so far away while being right here. However, I've written some great songs in this slump and while on the road. As mentioned previously, I'm thinking about doing an acoustic EP of sorts in the next few months. My favorite songs from the last few months are all so different from my full band in-your-face sound, that I think something more low-key would be the only way to do it justice. We'll see what comes of it, and where it takes us. If you would like to be a part of helping make this happen, please let me know.

I've got a bunch of Houston area shows coming up in the next few weeks, check out the Calendar tab above for details. 

See y'all out there & thanks for sticking with me. Y'all are the best. 

First and foremost...
HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!! 

I'm going to be hanging out in the Bandera area playing with motorcycles and riding white lines for the next couple of days. Then, Saturday, I will be heading back across Texas & all the way into cajun country! 

Saturday I'll be at the Longhorn Casino Complex just off of i-10 in Vinton, LA! Click the banner below for the Facebook event, and invite all you Louisiana friends! Also, I'll be accepting your recommendations for delicious cajun food in the area! 

​See you there! 

​Howdy! 

What a weekend, Thursday, I got off work at the day job and jetted up to Austin, TX to play at VFW 8787. I saw some familiar faces out there, and had a lovely crowd show up and listen to some songs. I'll be back out there a couple of days before Christmas on my way to the Davis Mountains. I love playing to our military & veterans, so this is such a wonderful show! 

Thursday night, after the show, I bounced back down to Katy. It was a rough ride because of the crosswinds on i-10 against my trailer, but I made it! Friday, my brother got married in a beautiful little ceremony at my grandmother's house. Then, I ran down to Pasadena, TX to play a show with my two friends Stewart Ray, and Brian Nelson at The Rig. All of the local teachers were out celebrating the kick off of Thanksgiving break, and man oh man, let me tell you that was a PARTY!! There were a couple of live feeds on Facebook, but I didn't catch any pictures from that show. But, you missed out if you weren't there! 

Saturday, I had to be up bright and shiny to play one of my favorite venues, Texas National Outfitters! If you are in the Houston area, or will ever be in the Houston area, you MUST got check them out. They have custom boots, western wear, decor, and more! Even if just for some window shopping, you could sit in there forever just looking at everything and making Santa a list! Tell them I sent ya :) 

After finishing up at Texas National Outfitters, and munching on some Goode Co BBQ, it was time to head up towards Dallas. I stayed the night at Cedar Hill State Park, which is nestled in the hills just south of Dallas. Many of the trails were unfortunately closed due to recent rainy weather. But, I went and hiked a portion of Duck Pond Trail & then Plum Valley Trail. It was an easy hike up to a hill with a decent view. There were a couple of other people on the trail, but for the most part it was empty. I'd love to come back whenever it is more open! Also, they have some supposedly amazing mountain bike trails! 

After the hike, I got all fanci-fied or (francie-fied ;) ;)) and headed up to Whiskey Girl Saloon in the Fort Worth Stockyards for Big Star 97 & The Bull 103's 7th Annual Toy & Food Drive! I played a set with Jerrett Zoch (Jerrett Zoch & the OSR Band), Matt Castillo (Matt & the Herdsmen), and Bryan Adam Joyner. What a wonderful group of people, and a wonderful cause! I had a blast! 

Hopefully, you all had a wonderful weekend & have a safe & fun Thanksgiving!! 

On the road again...

Thursday, November 17, 2016
7:00PM - 9:00PM
VFW 8787
500 VFW Road
Austin, TX 78753
Click here for Facebook event.

Friday, November 18, 2016
9:00PM - 1:00AM
The Rig
6915 Spencer Highway
Pasadena, TX 77505
Click here for Facebook event.

Saturday, November 19, 2016
12:00PM - 3:00PM
Texas National Outfitters
8933 Katy Freeway
Houston, TX 77024
Click here for Facebook event.

Sunday, November 20, 2016
4:00PM - w/ Matt Costillo,
Jerrott Zoch, & Bryan Joyner
Big Star 97 & The Bull 103's 7th Annual Toy Drive
Whiskey Girl Saloon
2413 Ellis Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76164
Click here for Facebook event.
​​

Come to one, come to all, invite your friends! 

You bet your butt I've got some adventures planned in the mix this weekend as well!! 

Also, stay tuned....I'm going to be selling some great Christmas gifts coming up soon so you can get a kick start on your stocking stuffers! 

After a great 2 weeks "off", it's back to business! 

Lone Star Rally was a wild, fun, crazy adventure! I had a blast! I got to catch some friends shows, visit with some old friends from back in my island living days, and got some much needed beach time and R&R. 

Hunting this past weekend was a small success. No deer for my freezer, but helped eradicate some feral hogs. Speaking of feral hogs, take a moment and check out my friends over at Texas Hog Hunters Association!  It's a wonderful, rapidly growing community focused on education and resources regarding the even more rapidly growing feral hog population. Check them out & tell them who sent ya! 

Coming up this week, I'll be playing a whole mess of shows to make up for my off time. Austin, Pasadena, Houston, and Fort Worth! Check out my calendar for more information, or find the events on my Facebook page. 

Keep requesting "I Won't Be Bothered" from country radio! 

I'm booking up lot's of shows already for 2017, if you have any suggestions for cities, regions, venues, etc. let me know! '

See you down the road! 

Howdy! 

I hope you all had a fanta-boo-lous Halloween weekend! Have you watched the lyric video yet for "I Won't Be Bothered"? You can view it here by clicking on "Media"!  This weeks blog posts are being combined into a Wednesday post, because I'm taking the next couple of weeks off to catch up on some office work, enjoy Lone Star Rally, and do some hunting!

​Here's the recap of my weekend...

Friday, I was honored to have been asked to perform alongside a few other amazing musicians at the wedding of a wonderful friend & cohort. It was a gorgeous fall wedding just north of Dallas with lot's of happiness, beer, and good music! 

Saturday, after doing a little exploring of north Dallas, I had a great show at The LOT in Dallas. There were lots of kids dressed up & dancing around. Superman even came and paid a visit! 

Sunday, on the way out of town I decided to take on the Cedar Brake Trail at Cedar Ridge Preserve. Man, let me tell you that was a challenge!! But, I did it, and only came out of the other side with a few bruises & scratches! I definitely am going to have to do that again! 

Now, I'm off to get ready for Lone Star Rally! See you soon Galveston, TX! 

Howdy! 

Short & sweet this week! 

Here's the scoop....

Friday Night - Private party 

Saturday Night - I will be heading back to The LOT in Dallas, TX! This is a great place with good food, good drinks, and great people! Come on out! 
More info? Click the banner below or here ----> https://goo.gl/4O2iQx

Songs On My Weekend Playlist
I'm going to turn this into a Spotify playlist soon so you can subscribe! 
1. Medicine Man - Band of Heathens 
2. La Grange - ZZ Top
3. Work It Out - Jurassic 5 feat. Dave Matthews
4. Midnight Train to Memphis - Scooter Brown Band
5. Too Young - Thieving Birds

​See y'all down the road! 

The long-awaited lyric video is here!! Check it out, share it with your friends, and request "I Won't be Bothered" from country radio!
Check it out below! 

Also, I will be paying a visit to all of my Dallas area friends this weekend! Come out to The LOT in Dallas, TX from 7pm-10pm. It sure was fun the last time I was out there, so you won't want to miss it! 
Click here for the event! Or see the banner below!

Howdy! 

There is not much going on this weekend show-wise. I will be taking off the weekend to finish getting ready for hunting season! A couple of hunting seasons ago, though, I wrote a song that made it on my debut album. This song is called, "Let's Get Bucked Up". You should check it out, and you might get a giggle! 

Monday, I am auditioning for a  brief show at the Super Bowl Houston Festival. Wish me luck! 

Saturday is the Texas A&M vs Bama game! The only way I would be more excited is if I was at the game, but I am on a musician's budget, so alas... I'll just be screaming at my TV. Gig 'em! 

A quote that I read this week that stuck with me, purely because it is pretty much exactly how I live my life is the following....

"Life is 10% what happens to us, and 90% how we react to it"

This is so true! You can choose to complain, or let everything impact your life. Or you can choose to do your thing. When I got burned, I could have stayed in that dark place and wallowed in my misery. I could have let that injury cripple me forever. I could have let it change me for the worse. Instead, I embraced it, learned from it, and let it change me for the better. Everyone has their bag of shit that happens to them. Some people's shit is bigger, some is smaller, some is physical, some is mental, some you can see, and some you can't. Everyone has it though. It comes down to, at the end of the day, how you react to it. Let it make you stronger, build yourself up, and change you for the better. Take this journey called life by the hand and run with it! 

5 Songs On My Weekend Playlist
1. Snake Farm - Ray Wylie Hubbard
2. Girl in a Truck - Kevin Fowler 
3. Weed Instead of Roses - Ashley Monroe
4. Fence Post - Aaron Watson
5. Pills & Whiskey - Scooter Brown Band

See y'all down the road!