Stan Hitchcock-View From The Front Porch-May 19, 2013

Well, it's been a really nice weekend, Denise and I got a lot done, I pressure washed the deck, while she was planting our garden, then when she got through planting, she came and spelled me on the pressure washing so I could go finish the grass cutting.

Wonderful Service at Church and our Sunday School class. Boy, I'll tell you, it is the best way I know of to prepare for a rough week ahead. First Baptist Church in Gallatin, Tennessee is a fur piece from my roots in New Hope Baptist Church, on CC Highway, In Polk County, Missouri, where everyone was someone I grew up with, however, at First Baptist we have been going there long enough now, that everyone seems to know us and we feel at home, and the Pastor and our Sunday School teacher are just the best that ever was.

Denise and I have some real challenges in our business of television, this week, but, anymore, who hasn't got challenges? All you can do, is the very best you can, seeking strength and wisdom from the Lord, forging ahead on Faith, Prayerfully seeking direction, and making your decisions accordingly. I've been doing this Network Television business for a long time now, and it has never been easy, in a Industry controlled by huge conglomerates, for an old country boy to try to compete with our Classic Country, Bluegrass, Gospel, Western, Blues and Folk, programming. We have a simple approach to our programming, seeking to get behind the scenes, focus on the creative process of the music, with songwriters, musicians and artists, in relaxed settings, sharing stories and songs as friends. 
Anyway, as I said, I have been doing it for a long time. Had my first nationwide tv show in 1964-1970, from Nashville, another one, this time from the Ozarks, from 1979-1981. The in 1984, I headed up the startup of CMT until it sold to Gaylord and Group W in 1991. Since then I have headed up two more Cable Nets, Americana Television Network and BlueHighways TV. Denise has been my partner in all my Television ventures, and it has been a blessing to have someone with her cable tv experience by my side.  Also, my partner Ronnie Reno, has been there from the start, and you could not find a better friend to be in business with. I have some wonderful people who have given their talents and professional experience to build our television networks. My Board of Directors, Advisors and Consultants have worked tirelessly, for many years, to support my vision of Music based family programming, and they continue to lend their wisdom and business savvy in any way that is needed.

I am truly blessed, by the family and business associates that surround me, the Church family that encourages me, and the Music Industry that has allowed me to spend the best part of my life making music in some shape or fashion.

So, tonight, at the end of a fine weekend, it is nice to watch the glow of the faded sunset, to hear the few night creatures start their nightly symphony. The Old Farm House is a place of peace and contentment. And I continue, to have a Thankful Heart. stan