ELLISVILLE NEWS–5/30/25: Some Challenges; Upcoming CSLN Coffeehouse; New Home For CSLN
Hi Everyone,
Seems like a long time since my last newsletter. I hope everyone had a nice Memorial Day Weekend. Summer has now unofficially begun. Meanwhile, over the past month, Tennessee has been experiencing lots of rain, some tornadoes, lots of rain, some tornadoes, and (Did I mention) lots of rain. At least the drought seems to be over.
About a month ago, seemingly out of the blue, I developed Bell’s Palsy. Not life threatening fortunately, but certainly disruptive. The left side of my face was numb and partly paralyzed. It affected my ability to chew on that side, to drink from a glass or straw unless I used my fingers to hold my lips together, and it affected my diction–especially when talking for more than 15-20 minutes. It also impacted my ability to sing–I lost vocal power and stamina and about the top 5 notes of my range. And when I talked or smiled (Or sang), it made my mouth crooked (Eeeuuu!). All of those symptoms have gotten noticeably better after 4 weeks and 4 acupuncture sessions, but I’m still not 100%, so I will continue with the acupuncture. A cortisone steroid pack did nothing to help. Apparently it needs to be prescribed in the first 72 hours, and it took 5 days to get it (Boo, hiss!).
It has also affected my left eye–I can’t close it all the way unless I close the other eye too. This causes dry eye, which over time can affect the cornea, so I have to put eye drops in every couple of hours, wear a patch over that eye and use an ointment at night to protect it, and so far the vision in that eye is still noticeably reduced, though perhaps a little better lately.
I had to cancel all my May nursing home gigs, but with my voice getting better, I hope to be able to do most of my June gigs.
No one seems to know what causers this. Some people think it is a virus or the after affect of a virus, and I did have a cold for a month, but this didn’t happen until 2 weeks after the end of my cold.
I am fortunate, in that quite a few people have offered prayers and rides, and I have accepted rides for longer distances or to places I am not familiar.
The CSLN Coffeehouse is scheduled for Friday, June 6th. Here is the info:

I haven’t seen the first two Spotlight Performers, though I hear they are quite good, with impressive bios. I have seen Sean numerous times, and he is an inspiring songwriter with a great voice. It looks like his wife Laurie will be joining him on harmonies, and they have even asked me to sing harmonies on one song–I’m honored to.
Open Mic Sign up: 6 p.m. (7 slots available)
Open Mic Performances: 6:30 – 7 p.m. (Original songs, poems, short stories, stand up comedy, etc.). Up to 5 min. per presentation
Spotlight Performers: 7 p.m., 7:30, 8 p.m. See flyer above.
Potluck snacks and drinks, and love offering to CSLN appreciated.
And finally, after renting space from Unity Center for over a year, CSLN has purchased its own building in Bellevue, and will likely move in some time in August. More on that when the time gets closer, but just like with buying a home, I think owning is always better than renting–we can build equity and it is ours to use as we choose.
Okay, that’s about it for this edition.
Be Safe, Be well, Be you!
Gordon
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