Me doing the tourist thing and getting my photo taken at the Grand Old Opry. This gave my kids a big laugh because I’m tone deaf and couldn’t sing on key if my life depended on it.
“Show business is made up of disappointments, and it’s through life’s disappointments that you grow.” – Minnie Pearl
Adventures with Pepper: Day 52
This was the day I did what every visitor to Nashville should do: Visit the Grand Ole Opry. And indeed it was GRAND in capital letters.
The Ryman Auditorium seats 2,362 people. — Photo by Pat Bean
I was glad, however, that yesterday’s tour included a brief one of the less impressive Ryman Auditorium, which was home to the Opry for many years and which is still its winter home.
When I had entered the Ryman, the building immediately had me thinking of its similarity to the Mormon Tabernacle in Salt Lake City, where a pin dropped can be heard by everyone. Our guide followed my thoughts by noting that its acoustics were second only to the Mormon Tabernacle.
Both buildings have about them an air of history that makes one wonder what their walls would say if walls could talk.
The new home for the Grand Ole Opry seats 4,400. Photo by Pat Bean
The much larger, grander home of the Opry these days spoke to me of how this country and the Opry have changed over the years. It was like going from a log cabin to a mansion.
I couldn’t help but appreciate the conveniences, however. Change is not all bad.
And I was pleased to note – and stand on – the Opry’s “unbroken circle,” a six-foot oak circle cut from the Ryman’s stage.
“That circle is the most magical thing when you’re a performer,” said Brad Paisley, “to stand there and get to sing on those same boards that probably still contain dust from Hank Williams’ boots.”
Paisley, via the magic of video, joined us for the tour.
Book Report: I’m happy to say that while I didn’t get as much editing done of Travels with Maggie as I wanted – of course I never do – I got back to the task after a week of family festivities.
The Wondering Wanderer’s blog pick of the day.
Bean’s Pat: Colline’s Blog http://tinyurl.com/c2mceal This is exactly how I recharge. Mother Nature always kisses my wounds and makes everything better. How do you recharge?
Pat Bean's blog 
Thank you for the pat on the back. Though listening to music in the Ryman Auditorium auditorium would also recharge my spirit. 🙂
Enjoyed your impressions of the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman, Pat. It was my late husband’s longtime dream to make that trip to Nashville, and we did it up right. Brought back some happy memories of him standing on the “magic spot” on the stage. Keep going and keep writing!
Love you doing the tourist thing and getting your photo taken:) Have a Great One!