The Graceland Tour

When in Memphis, you have to visit Graceland, the home of Elvis Presley!  The first time I visited was about 16 years ago and it was a fast trip.  We were just passing through and decided to stop.  We walked through very fast and went on our way.  This time, we took our time.  The first thing I noticed about Graceland, is that the house wasn’t as big as I had thought.  When you go inside, it is pretty tight.  But, the decor is so much fun to look at.  I have fond memories of the 70’s, so I loved seeing the style throughout the home.  You can go online and see more pictures from inside.  I didn’t take very many because I was too busy looking.  Plus, there is a line of people and I get a bit claustrophobic when I’m shoulder to shoulder with people I don’t know.  Yep, that’s me!  We had iPads that you put around your neck and headphones.  John Stamos, the actor from Full House, (that’s all I’ve seen him in) is the narrator.  He made me laugh a couple of times in his description of certain rooms.  You can view other pictures and videos on the iPad, but I was too busy looking to really pay attention to the iPad.  I could describe each room, but I don’t want to take up much space.  You just go and enjoy.  When you leave his home, you then get on a shuttle to go back across the street, which is Elvis Presley Blvd. and you can go into little museums of all kinds.  As you come out of each museum you will be in a souvenir shop!  Surprise!  The lesson I learned was, don’t think you will see something later and just come back to the store you are in if you don’t find the item you are looking at because you will forget where you were and what you saw. I sure hope that made sense!  There is so much Elvis stuff.  I tend to get caught up in the moment of all the fun and memories I honestly think I’m going to need a purse with Elvis’ face on it.  I refrained.  I got away with a couple of tee-shirts, postcards, books and I just had to have some socks with a little bling and Elvis’ signature.  See, I didn’t get too carried away.  I think I forgot to mention the cute car decals with a member of each family in an Elvis hairstyle and Elvis shirt on.  Now that I’m home, I can’t think of anyone that will put that on their car.  I will save it for the next time we drive to Memphis, maybe hubby won’t notice if I stick them on the back window.

We  enjoyed BBQ for lunch and continued on our journey of the museums and shops.  For a break we sat down in a cute vintage style diner for a coke.  It was a beautiful day and we just strolled looking like typical tourists.  Of course, you are listening to Elvis music throughout the grounds of Graceland.  I noticed they are building a new complex that looks like it will really be nice.  I think I may have to go back for that.  New museums and restaurants are always a good thing!

I listen to the Elvis station in my car a lot when I’m out running errands and it was fun to see the radio station booth in front of one of the shops.  I’m not that familiar with the DJ’s but someone was in there and I so wanted to be selected to be able to do a recording that says, “I’m Beverly Dillow from Texas and I drove 14 hours to be at Graceland.”  But, no such luck.  Maybe someday.  If you don’t listen to the Elvis station, you have no idea what I’m talking about.  Trust me, it would be so much fun!

After a full day of looking and shopping we headed back to our hotel for dinner.  The next day we went downtown Memphis and toured the Sun Records Studio where Elvis made his first record and recorded on a regular basis there.  When we arrived, I thought, “oh my, we got lost for this.”  When we went in, I thought the same thing.  But, once our tour started and the girl that was our tour guide shared all of her knowledge in such a fun way, we had a blast  hearing the history of the music that came out of there.  At the end of the tour,  the big photo op is with the microphone that Elvis used.  We all took turns getting our picture made with the famous microphone.  I’m telling you, you get caught up in the moment and you just do crazy things like that.

We then walked down the famous Beal Street.  I wasn’t that impressed, but at least we walked down the street, right?

All that to say, we had such a fun time and I look forward to visiting Graceland again!

Thanks for joining me while I share memories of our Memphis 2016 Trip!  I had many thoughts as we toured Graceland.  It brought back crazy memories of my childhood crush on him as I wrote about here.

THINKING DEEPER…

Another thought that kept going through my mind as I’m looking at all of his “things” that are displayed in the various museums.  You will see the books he read, his clothes, cars, his house, furnishings and even hear recordings of his voice…not to mention the many videos and pictures.

I kept thinking of my house and all that is in it. (I also need to do some serious decluttering)  What if it were all on display for all to see.  The things I like to read, my hobbies, my decorating style, the foods I enjoy, pictures that are important to me.  Could you tell who I am by what you would see?  Is it the person I portray to be?  Am I authentic and real?  What are the things that are dear to my heart?  Would you be able to see that?

After the death of Elvis, so many stories about how he died and then so many tell all books out!  How do you know what to believe and not believe?  What if a couple hundred people wrote about us after we are gone in a tell all book?  What would they say?  That’s a bit scary, isn’t it?

As my husband says, “we all have an appointment to pass on, we just don’t know when it is.”  When our appointment is up and we stand before the King of Kings, will He then say, “Welcome Home” or will he say “Depart from me, for I never knew you!”  That is all that matters and hopefully the life trail that you leave will show those left to pick up the pieces that you had lived a peaceful, happy, fulfilled and productive life honoring and serving Christ!  That is what matters.  What a joy to leave your loved ones, the confidence that you were at peace with your Savior.  And as they go through your “things” they see someone that lived a full and happy life.

If you would like to know more about how you can have a personal relationship with Christ, click here!

One last thing!  I had said I would share my favorite Elvis song.  The problem is, I don’t really have a favorite.  I do enjoy listening to most of his music!  Especially, the new album that was recorded with the Phil Harmonic Orchestra!  It is really good! There is one song that always makes me cry.  The song is, “You Were Always On My Mind.”  I have heard that he sang this for Priscilla and is obviously a sad love song…but, for some reason, I think about my dad.  As I listened to this song a few years ago, I immediately wondered if I was ever on my dad’s mind.  I had wondered if he ever thought of me or missed me. So, naturally, this song makes me cry every time I hear it. Click here to read my “Daddy Story.”

You Were Always On My Mind

Maybe I didn’t treat you
Quite as good as I should have
Maybe I didn’t love you
Quite as often as I could have
Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time

You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Maybe I didn’t hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
And I guess I never told you
I’m so happy that you’re mine
If I make you feel second best
Girl, I’m sorry I was blind

You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

Tell me, tell me that your sweet love hasn’t died
Give me, give me one more chance
To keep you satisfied, satisfied

Little things I should have said and done
I just never took the time
You were always on my mind
You were always on my mind

You were always on my mind

Maybe I didn’t treat you
Quite as good as I should have
Maybe I didn’t love you
Quite as often as I could have

Maybe I didn’t hold you
All those lonely, lonely times
And I guess I never told you
I’m so happy that you’re mine

I’m back, I had to go get a tissue while you were reading the lyrics!  I told you it was sad!  Dad’s don’t let a day go by without telling your kiddos how much they mean to you!

Okay, that’s about it for all my stories of Elvis.  Tomorrow I will be back on track with my regular scheduled posts!

Blessings!