Monday, October 5, 2009

In real life I am a musician--and I love what I do. 



I started playing piano at three and traveled around with my parents singing at churches, schools, and community auditoriums. My mom, Ila Knight is an acclaimed Southern Gospel singer-songwriter and has been a big influence on me. I continued in music getting a BA degree, with a minor in Theater. I worked as a vocalist/pianist in the Atlanta area, then joined the US Air Force as a vocalist/pianist in the Band of the Air Force Reserve at Robins AFB, GA. 
I was then selected for The Air Force Band in Washington, DC where I performed at the White House, the homes of the vice-president, chairman of the joint chiefs, chief of staff of the Air Force and many more officials and dignitaries. As a member of the band I was fortunate to travel around the world entertaining troops and opening for groups like Restless Heart, Jamie O'Neal, Ricochet and others. I sang backup for Jazz artists Keiko Matsui, Randy Brecker and Christian artists Amy Grant and CeCe Winans as well as country artists Vince Gill and Roy Clark. I also performed on "Nashville Now" and "Prime Time Country" on the former TNN (The Nashville Network). I sang the National Anthem for The Atlanta Braves, New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Washington Wizards.


I then joined the Air Force Reserve as a Public Affairs Officer at Andrews AFB, MD and learned the art of public relations and journalism. After leaving the Air Force, I finally found my dream job as a minister of music and worship leader. 

Luis and I opening for Restless Heart in Europe...

Besides music, I also love making my house a home. I have loved moving furniture around , playing with the dishes and sewing whatever accessories I wanted since I was a little girl. 

We have settled on property that has been in my family for five generations. My great grandfather, a founder of Palm Beach/Dade County, bought this property in Balsam as his summer place. 

Together with my husband, also a musician and from the beautiful island of Puerto Rico, I am slowly adding to our little house all the beautiful wood trim, flooring, tongue and groove boards, doors, windows, etc., that my grandfather painstakingly took out of the old house, bundled and stored when it was torn down to make way for the new house. The funny thing is, I also found my style right here in neatly bundled piles of old wood.




I'm also a mom raising three children here in the beautiful mountains of North Carolina with my husband. We are raising chickens, learning the art of gardening and canning from my mom, and working along side my dad to keep alive family traditions that go back for generations.

I hope you will follow along as we make our house a home by reusing, recycling, repurposing, and reclaiming the past...one board at a time.

Anita





















































24 comments:

  1. What a cool life you've had!

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  2. Like these photo's he looks at you like Oh yeah baby I'm in LOVE!!!~

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  3. ANd yes you are so right! I should have done this a long time ago, why did I take that crap for so long???? Well there was a reason, I met more nice people a long the way:):) Thanks for the support!

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  4. WOW, Anita, I am so glad I found this!!!! What a wonderful life you have had! That is amazing! AND....you are BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!!!!! Thus made my night!!!! Have a great weekend! XO, Pinky

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  5. Well, small world, huh?! I have enjoyed your lovely blog many times, but never read your "About" page until today. Having spent my entire adult life in gospel music (as a writer--my husband's name is Russ Taff) I was so interested to discover your passion. It is very nice to virtually 'meet' you!
    Tori Taff

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  6. Creations By CindyApril 15, 2010 at 6:32 AM

    Nice to meet you! Be blessed. Cindy

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  7. Creations By CindyApril 15, 2010 at 12:00 PM

    Anita, Your pictures are amazing. And...I don't see where to email you at so would you tell me if by chance you have a Christian CD you've recorded? I am your newst follower. Be blessed. Cindy

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  8. tooprettytotouchApril 21, 2010 at 6:31 AM

    Anita, do you have a facebook page? I would love to follow it if you do. Angela

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  9. Incredible! Congratulations! - You do a wonder with "Far Above Rubies." I am amazed with professionals who have the talent and ability to do anything this well! You are an inspiration and the proof that unusual talent runs deep in your family!

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  10. Love,love your blog...you are so creative and talented.

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  11. Absolutely wonderful! Love the pictures of you and your husband performing. Lovely blog!



    ~Jean

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  12. mississippi artistSeptember 9, 2010 at 5:34 AM

    Thank You for joining my blog. I love yours-such beautiful tablescapes. You are so talented!

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  13. Anita, you have a beautiful home, husband, family &.... life! :D I have enjoyed spending some time looking at your blog...I love your dishes and place settings!! Very very pretty!

    Hugs, Carolyn ~ Cottage Sunshine

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  14. Hi Anita, I just signed on to your blog today although I have been checking in on it for over a year now. I think you have had a very interesting life serving the Lord. My husband plays keyboards for our church, where we have a wonderful music ministry, and I sing in the choir. We love contemporary Christian music and have awesome praise and worship times! Blessings to you and your husband!
    Pamela

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  15. This is amazing, Anita! I look forward to meeting you and Luis. We would be honored to have you lead us in worship sometime at Exodus Church!

    www.jldepoy.blogspot.com

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  16. Shenita @ Embellishments by SLROctober 29, 2011 at 1:36 PM

    Hi Anita!! I have just awarded you the Versatile Blogger Award! Please see my blog for details!! CONGRATS!!

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  17. rachel@Acts of LifeJanuary 6, 2012 at 11:42 AM

    Wow what cool experiences you have had. I am so glad to have stumbled upon your blog, it's a lovely blog. I thought it was neat that you worked at Callaway Gardens, I live about 30 min from there at Fort Benning Ga, My husband is in the Army and he is from Puerto Rico as well! I look forward to reading more of your blog.

    All the best,
    Rachel :)

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  18. Rhoda @ Southern HospitalityJanuary 21, 2012 at 9:59 AM

    Hi, Anita, wow you have done a lot & sounds like your life has been full of adventure. I love that! So nice to meet a fellow sister in Christ.

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  19. I just discovered your blog and I love your story here. I'm a musican, too - a pianist, vocalist and worship leader. I'm on the 'other end' of life from where I started out, a grandmother and now developing an incredible ministry with the seniors and Baby Boomers in our home church. Love seeing how God has used you in the past and is using you - and going to use you in the future.
    Another sister,
    ~Adrienne~

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  20. And you're an Air Force Veteran???? Oh my gosh, I think I love you!!! Hubby of 51 years is a retired Marine and I LOVE our service men and women. You give him a hug and kiss from me and one for yourself also. ;-)
    xoxo,
    Connie

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  21. craftythriftydecoratingwifemomNovember 6, 2012 at 7:19 PM

    What a life full of experiences you've had! And you clearly aren't done yet. We are so fortunate to have you share all this with us!
    Janet

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  22. Wow, what a full life you have led and how interesting is your life now! I'm delighted to have stumbled upon your blog and will be a follower. Looking forward to seeing more via fb. I wish you well, Nenette West

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  23. I found your lovely blog from Facebook...such a feast to the eyes! ~Pamelyn

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  24. Beautiful voice

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