Black Friday. The very words wring terror in my heart. I drive past the parking lots of shopping Mecca's with a genuine wonder as to the constitutions of those that would treat shopping like camping out all night to buy tickets for a major concert. Well, at least it is a physical exercise! And after yesterday's turkey, ham, roast beef, root vegetables, cranberry sauce, gravy, and 4 gooey desserts, I guess it is not a bad idea to do some 'power shopping' and a rousing round of mall-walking in your tennies.

If you are going to send out cards this year, there are cool ones at The Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum from Hatch Show Printers. These are the prints that have accompanied the Grand Ole Opry Shows, among others, for decades. The Nashville store started operating in 1879, actually predating the Opry by 44 years. They employ hand-carved blocks and wood type, and their iconic posters appeared on buildings and barns across rural America back in the day.

Lots of other gift giving options at the CMHOF, too, and they are having their first-ever Black Friday and Cyber Monday online deals which includes free shipping on orders until December 15th. Check their website for any updates. And there are discounts on Country Music Foundation originals, among them, the Johnny Cash Christmas Specials 1976-1979 DVD Box Set. Me, I want the Johnny Cash - Triple Johnny poster! (Alvin, Alvin...Alvin!).

Next year it would be great if the Hatch folks would do a Red Dirt Christmas Card...maybe it could say 'Have A Green and Red Dirt Christmas,' or maybe it could be an homage to 'Rudolph The Red Dirt Reindeer.' Either sentiment would go along side their Honky Tonky Christmas Cards. And in honor of different strokes for different folks, whether you are avoiding the shopping or embracing it, let's all be thankful that this is the time of year that we celebrate, give gifts, and get together, whatever your choices.

We got to hook up with The Red Dirt Rangers during the heat of the summer at WoodyFest in Okemah, Oklahoma, but inside the cool air conditioning of the Thompson's Loft. We bring you an exclusive track from July's sessions, "Heaven & Hell," which will likely be on their next album. The Red Dirt Rangers for Music Fog.

- Jessie Scott