112 kids. Well, 112 trick-or-treaters at least. I have a feeling that a good 5 or 6 of them may have been 18 years old (at least). I definitely saw some REAL facial hair on a couple of those kids. I think someone heard I had full-size candy bars and that sent the big kids knocking. My husband had the job of taking the babies around the neighborhood and I gave out the candy. I totally thought I won that bet until he came back 20 minutes later ­ the 6 and 3-year olds, both completely content and ME with 2 and 1/2 hours left of ringing doorbells and open bags. It was really fun though. My little ones helped me and they liked seeing all the other kids dressed up more than dressing up themselves. Plus David has been wearing a Spiderman costume everyday since he was 2 ­ so it was just another day in the neighborhood for him.

November 2nd, my son Brian and I flew to St. Louis to perform at this year's Tug McGraw Foundation Gala (I performed, Brian guitar-teched). The event was held at the Anheuser Busch Family Estate at Grant¹s Farm ­what a beautiful place with a ton of history. My dressing room was filled with photos and trophies and ribbons ­ more ribbons than you could imagine. President Ulysses S. Grant founded and farmed the property during the 1850s. Now the Busch family operates the property and it¹s where the Clydesdales call home. The event was wonderful. I was performing, along with my tour buddies Lance Miller and Halfway To Hazard, as well as Tim McGraw and the Dancehall Doctors. I took my son Brian with me for three reasons. 1. So he could check my extra guitar at the airport and I wouldn¹t have to pay the 85 bucks to check an extra bag. 2. So he could guitar tech for me (you know, tune me up and change strings ­ that stuff) 3. So he could see all the great folks from the Soul2Soul tour this past summer.

The whole night was amazing. Lance Miller started the music off ­
shamelessly inviting Tom Hanks on stage with him. If I didn't love Lance so much, I would be jealous that he got his photo taken with Mr. Hanks and I didn't. But I love Lance. Then I played and Halfway To Hazard rocked the beautiful outside tent. Next up was Tim and his band ­ acoustic. It was great to see them in that setting. Tim sang a new song that was incredible and everyone cried when he sang "If You¹re Reading This". Faith stole the show though, left completely alone on the stage with just herself and a microphone she sang a Gospel song that blew everybody away. It was glorious. The night raised $300,000 for brain tumor research. Visit TugMcGraw.org for more information on contributing to this great cause.

I'm very proud to report that my friend and co-writer Liz Rose won SESAC's SONGWRITER OF THE YEAR award last Monday night (November 5th) in Nashville, TN. I have told you all about Liz before. She is a brilliant lyricist, able to just always bring out the best in other people. Liz co-wrote the song "Tim McGraw" with Taylor Swift (as well as 6 other songs on Taylor¹s record) and she has had an amazing year. I think that Liz is one of those people we meet in life that always give their light to other people, and therefore, are completely surprised when they find one shining on themselves. Every song I write with Liz she gives all the credit to me­ even when it was completely her idea (UNGLAMOROUS). I'd like to say that I am Liz's biggest fan, but I think there are a lot of people who would fight me for that honor even though Liz doesn't realize it. Stand in the light girl, this one is all yours!

Be well, lm