tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-70365531574994422612024-02-20T21:54:48.409-08:00Diamonds in the RoughDiamonds in the Rough is a bluegrass, Celtic, and gospel duo based out of Avon, IN. Diamonds in the Rough is shining all the way from Indiana to Alaska! Thanks for visiting!Diamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.comBlogger46125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-83136315117791850742012-02-12T19:49:00.000-08:002012-02-12T19:49:43.432-08:00ISPA Annual Legislative BanquetDIRT is so excited to have been invited to play for the Indiana State Poultry Association's Annual Legislative Banquet. It is held at the Indiana Roof Ballroom and all of the state and federal legislatures are invited. We are very excited about playing this beautiful venue. Keep an eye out for pictures!! :)<br />
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DITRDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-40339425989049374212012-01-16T15:30:00.000-08:002012-01-16T15:30:06.203-08:00Into the WinterWell although the weather here in Indiana has been pretty mild so far this winter, the snow is starting to come! :) We are heading into winter and excited about the future. God has been growing us both over our break, and we will see where He wants us to go. We have heard from our friends and "family" back in Alaska and they are getting TONS of snow. 176 inches in some places, and in other places even more! Matthew, Natalie's boyfriend, recently got to school and texted saying it is about 42 BELOW zero there! We would like to wish you all a happy winter and stay warm and be safe out there! :)<br />
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DITRDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-77854092972381009572012-01-04T23:21:00.000-08:002012-01-04T23:21:48.231-08:00Hello to all!Well, I want to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! Vicka and I have been settling back into 'normal" life as best we can the last 3 months. We both were hurt with some pretty severe illnesses, which are bound to come from jet lag, new routines and of course the winter months. We are now looking forward to getting back into the swing of practices every week, and hopefully booking shows for the upcoming year. :)<br />
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And yes, the rumors are true. I do have an Alaskan boyfriend. :) He was able to come see me right before Christmas, which was really nice since we had not seen each other in almost three months. I will not be able to see him for at least another six months, which will be hard, but I plan on keeping myself busy, and I am sure the time will fly. God truly is good, and Him bringing Matthew into my life has been a true blessing. :)<br />
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If you guys are interested in pictures from our tour in Alaska, there are LOTS on our facebook page. The link is on the left hand side of the page. Can't wait to start playing again! See you around!<br />
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NatDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-43729509648664368092011-10-19T20:00:00.000-07:002011-10-19T20:00:11.848-07:00Kiwanis Concerts in the ParkDITR has a show tomorrow night at 7:30pm in Charleston, IL!!! It is part of the Kiwanis Park Concert Series. As the season for outdoor events is winding down, grab the family, and a lawn chair, for a last yehaw! We look forward to seeing you all out there!!<br />
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DITRDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-50724604393531324492011-10-05T10:26:00.001-07:002011-10-05T10:26:17.125-07:00Howdy!Well we just returned from a busy and eventful weekend in Nashville, TN. :) It was Vicka's first time to Nashville. We got to play lots and hear some really good bands perform! :) Now we are gearing up for lots of practice and an upcoming show in IL on Oct. 20. Check out our schedule for details! :) <br />
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DITRDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-61508696581222520922011-09-21T08:15:00.000-07:002011-09-21T08:15:08.955-07:00Back Home Again in IndianaWell, we are slowly getting back on our feet. The first week we have been home has definitely been interesting. Natalie is currently looking for a job, and Vicka is working at the same place she was when she left. We will all be heading to Nashville, TN next week for the IBMA's Fan Fest. Please pray that Nat will find a job asap and that we will all have safe travels. Thanks for your support! We miss everyone in Alaska! :( <br />
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DITR<br />
Nat, Vicka, and WesDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-72339304317716711342011-09-10T18:25:00.001-07:002011-09-10T18:25:51.214-07:00Home AgainWell Vicka and I safely landed Thursday night. We hit the ground running though. I had two weddings this weekend so needless to say I have not gotten much sleep at all. Please pray for us as these next couple of weeks are very busy. Also, pray that we will get over the jet lag very soon. Thanks for all your support and prayers!<br />
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NatDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-31232877433052608522011-08-20T17:29:00.000-07:002011-08-20T17:29:20.988-07:00Going HomeWell, we are gearing up to start saying goodbyes and pack. Don't forget to keep an eye on our schedule as we are starting to book shows for when we return to the lower 48's! Start spreading the word that we are coming home, and that we are now booking for the fall/winter of 2011. :) We can't wait to see everyone again. <br />
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DITRDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-70011178607424681542011-08-18T15:59:00.000-07:002011-08-18T15:59:17.079-07:00Ninilchik State FairVicka and I will be headed to Ninilchik, AK this weekend for the Kenai Peninsula State Fair. Tomorrow we will be competing in Alaska's Got Talent and on Sunday we will be performing. We hope to see many of you there. Come out with the family and enjoy a weekend of fun, food, and fair time. :) <br />
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Please pray for safety as we travel to the fair and back and for good weather. Our last month in Alaska is winding down very fast, and although we are excited about a busy month, please pray physically that we hold up. :) Thanks and have a great week!<br />
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NatDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-20170042993387435762011-08-18T15:56:00.000-07:002011-08-18T15:56:33.785-07:00Hello Again!Well sorry for the lack of updates lately. Between family coming to visit us, performing, and working we have been a bit overwhelmed! :) <br />
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We would also like to continue to ask for prayers for the victims from the Indiana State Fair grandstand stage collapse Both of us were personally affected by this disaster and it has not been easy being so far away from home and watching our fellow Hoosiers struggle. We know God's grace is sufficient to comfort us as well as the families of the victims. <br />
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The month of August is/has been very busy! Stay tune to see what we have coming up!<br />
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DITRDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-10676740457724788182011-08-02T22:48:00.000-07:002011-08-02T22:48:06.990-07:00Clamming in AlaskaYesterday Diamonds in the Rough went clamming! It was cold and wet, but hey, what's not to like about playing in the mud? Apparently there's an art to chasing clams down. <br />
Step 1.) Dig fast.<br />
Step 2.) Throw yourself in the wet sand and start digging madly until you feel a clam shell. <br />
Step 3.) Pull it up and throw it on the sand beside you in one smooth, suave motion so that everyone knows you caught one. OK, the last part not so much. :)<br />
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All in all, we had an awesome time. Afterwards, I learned how to clean clams. And after cleaning about a hundred and fifty clams, I will never forget how it's done. Never. :)<br />
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~VickaDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-48639391877538425022011-07-23T20:40:00.000-07:002011-07-23T20:40:14.667-07:00Playing in the RainWe were playing a show at the Diamond M potluck and I looked over at Nat during one of our songs and we had to laugh. My fingers were so numb that I could barely feel which chords I was playing. My fingers are still so cold I can barely type. But all in all, it was a good show.Diamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-15406336605528493242011-07-23T02:42:00.000-07:002011-07-23T02:42:25.116-07:00HELLO WORLD!!So I am posting this at 1:30am ( my time) just to let ya'll know we HAVE NOT forgotten about you! We are very very busy here on the ranch and between practice, work, and performing, it is sometimes hard to find time to sit down to the computer! :) Hopefully you have been able to access our facebook page. www.facebook.com/diamondsitr and keep up with us there. It is easier and faster to upload photos and such to that page than to here so when I am in a hurry I am most likely to upload to that page first. <br />
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We have about two months left here, and we are both sad when we think about leaving. Everyone here has truly become family. I will miss snuggling with Toad and Sonora who have christened us their "summer sisters", making cinnamon rolls with Josiah every Friday night, and joking with Blair about everything under the sun. Grammy and Grandpa will be very missed........you don't realize how close you are to someone until you think about not having them anymore. Grammy's breakfasts will be missed and Grandpa's salmon and hugs will be missed too. <br />
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Ok well enough sappy sad stuff for now. I need to hit the hay! :) Tomorrow we will be riding horses at the head of Debbie Brown's parade entry. Debbie is running for borough mayor here on the Kenai Peninsula and we are proud to be able to support her. We are also making another float for Diamond M Ranch to enter tomorrow so we have to get up early to finish those details. Well, I will check back in soon!! <br />
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NatDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-83330658855657902582011-07-07T18:01:00.001-07:002011-07-07T19:41:57.897-07:00Summer Sun I'm TAAAAAN!!! Both Nat and I got so sunburned on July 4th. I shoulda thought of sunscreen, but I guess I was just in too much of a rush that morning to put it on. Even without it, if we'd been in the Indiana sun all day long, we'd both be lobsters. The Alaska sun is definitely different. So if you're a red head or a blondie, come here. :)<br />
We played on the float in the Kenai July 4th parade. It was a new experience for me. It was really hot, the parade route was long, and my arms were tired before we reached the end. But I had a ton of fun! The crowd was really upbeat and energized. The bows kept falling off the sides of the float so one of the kids riding it had to jump off, run alongside, and tape them back on. I was laughing at him so much that I kept messing up.<br />
Come to find out, the floats were being judged and we won first prize!! :) Happy Birthday America!! :D<br />
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~ VICKADiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-61142164348203068392011-07-06T17:53:00.001-07:002011-07-09T16:17:00.651-07:00Cover of the HC MagazineDiamonds in the Rough graced the cover of the HC Magazine back in Indiana. Here is a link to the article. If you have a way of getting a hard copy of the magazine, though , you should because they did an awesome job with the pictures and the cover.<br />
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http://flyergroup.com/local/x300517351/Musicians-find-new-gig-in-the-Land-of-the-Midnight-SunDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-3972904028328374482011-07-06T17:40:00.001-07:002011-07-06T17:40:48.855-07:00InterviewHere is the link to a recent interview DITR underwent. Hope you enjoy!<br />
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<a href="http://www.jobmonkey.com/alaskasummerjobs/staff_profile.html" target="_blank">http://www.jobmonkey.com/<wbr></wbr>alaskasummerjobs/staff_<wbr></wbr>profile.html</a><br />
DITRDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-16027409302165108082011-07-05T18:11:00.001-07:002011-07-05T18:11:36.366-07:00PICTURES!!!!We uploaded LOTS of new pictures to facebook! You can find the link on the left hand side of your page. Thanks so much for your support! We hope you enjoy them. <br />
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DITRDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-6858574272111509302011-06-30T18:58:00.000-07:002011-06-30T18:58:49.722-07:00Pictures Coming SoonPlease be patient with us! We are working on getting more pictures put up, but we are still really busy! I am going to try to get some up on our facebook page today, but it takes a long time to upload them to the blog so be patient and they will be coming! :) Thanks!<br />
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NatDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-64974759671766293812011-06-23T18:34:00.000-07:002011-06-23T18:34:17.606-07:00Quick Turn AroundWell, like I said. Last week we had a show in Homer, the next day we got on a boat for Seldovia, we got back from Seldovia late on Sunday night. Had a VERY busy day on the ranch Monday. Had the Summer Soltice Festival on the ranch on Tuesday........(we both worked over a 14 hr day along with performing twice on that day). Wednesday was a day full of heavy clean up, today (Thursday) there was lots to still be done on the ranch, along with unpacking, laundry and repacking.......yes I said repacking....because we head out for another festival tomorrow morning!!!!!! So needless to say, that is why you have not seen many posts or pictures here lately. We barely have had time to sleep and eat! :) lol <br />
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Once we get back from Granite Creek Bluegrass Celebration, we will be able to sit down and upload some pictures from the last two weeks. Also, stay tuned for some interesting posts about some pretty funny events that have happened these last two weeks. <br />
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I did something for the first time last week in Homer! Something in all my 14 yrs. of playing violin/fiddle that I have NEVER done!!!!!! :) So be sure to check back and find out what I did. <br />
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Until then, pray for safe travels and great weather!! THANKS!<br />
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~ Nat~Diamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-33313587689652614492011-06-23T18:29:00.000-07:002011-06-23T18:29:05.506-07:00Seldovia Summer Soltice Music FestivalWell this last week we not only had a show in Homer, but also a weekend in Seldovia. The festival in Seldovia was and absolute BLAST!! We met a lot of great people and our show went very well. We had a few glitches along the way, but nothing that the Lord didn't just smooth right over. <br />
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I can't wait to tell about some really cool things that happened last weekend, but for now you are just going to have to hold your horses, because I am super busy and don't have time to type a lot. If your wondering why I/we are so busy just read the post above!<br />
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NatDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-16849689021748624992011-06-15T11:57:00.000-07:002011-06-15T11:57:23.617-07:00Gig in HomerToday we are heading to Homer, AK! We are very excited, because this is our first trip to Homer. Several people have told us we will love it, and we are certainly looking forward to it. <br />
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Tonight we will be supporting Debbie Brown, candidate for borough mayor here in Kenai, at the Voices of Freedom Ice Cream Social. We were very excited to get the offer to go on the road and make some appearances with her. Debbie is a conservative politician and a born again Christian. We are happy to support her along her campaign trial. <br />
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Stay tune for updates on this VERY busy festival weekend. Because the tomorrow morning we hop on a ferry from Homer to go to a festival in Seldovia! Thanks for your prayers! :)<br />
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DITRDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-36803869814653074502011-06-10T12:36:00.000-07:002011-06-10T12:36:15.661-07:00This WeekendOk, well this weekend we have two special shows. One for Sonora Martin, who lives here on the ranch and is turning 8, and one for Silvia, who also lives here with the Martins as an exchange student. Sonora is a fiery red head just like me. :) We get along quite well. Silvia and us became good friends quickly. We are sad she has to go so soon after we have gotten here. I am excited to get to have these two low key shows before we jump head long into the next two weeks. <br />
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We will be traveling a lot the next two weeks to a couple different festivals. I am excited to get to see more of Alaska, and I know Vicka is too. <br />
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We are both doing well and still enjoying ourselves. We miss everyone back home but we are not overly homesick. Thanks for you support and prayers! Keep them coming! :)<br />
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NatDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-66524422206025655992011-06-04T15:22:00.000-07:002011-06-04T15:22:34.719-07:00Update!We are having lots of fun here. It has been raining lots lately so we feel slightly like we are living in London but it is making everything REALLY green. :) Our cabin is coming along really well. We will post more pictures as soon as we finish up some details and clean it up a bit. It certainly looks like two teenage girls cabin right now. lol :) We have made several friends here and that has been nice. <br />
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We are working lots on the ranch, and have had to deal with some interesting experiences. We had to skin a llama yesterday. It was killed by three dogs, which are now dead as well. It is very different up here. If an animal, domesticated or not, attacks anything on your property it is 100% acceptable to hunt them down and kill them. The state troopers here even help you. So some of the ranch hands took care of the dogs while we got to skin the llama. Nat has skinned things before so it was not much different for her, but Vicka got a first time experience out of the deal. :) Now we will be spending time soon cooking up all the llama meet we got from him. <br />
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Well that is about it for now. We have 4 shows this weekend. We are a bit worn out, but we are pushing through and just trying to enjoy every minute. We miss everyone back home! Thanks to all our new fans as well. You guys are really great. People were not joking when they said everyone in Alaska is very nice. Thanks for taking us in and supporting us!<br />
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DITRDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-42528107370068117982011-05-31T14:14:00.000-07:002011-05-31T14:14:36.009-07:00AnchorageWe made a day trip to Anchorage today to look around and have some fun :) We are very excited to get to see more of Alaska. Anchorage is about 3 hrs away from the ranch. Vicka put her long drive to use and started writing a song......which is turning out quite well if I may say so myself.lol We had to drop Josiah (JoAnne and Carrol's grandson) off at basketball camp. So we got to know him a little better on the drive. :) Well my computer is about to die so I better hop off. :) Keep tuned in for more updates and pictures! <br />
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Don't forget to check our facebook for even more details on stuff!<br />
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NatDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7036553157499442261.post-56200135707826534612011-05-27T23:50:00.000-07:002011-05-27T23:50:10.217-07:00Summer Kick Off GigWell, we had a blast tonight at Kenai Christian Church for the Summer Kick Off party. :) Thanks to everyone who showed up and supported us. We are so excited that we made some new fans. <br />
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Don't forget to come by the ranch tomorrow night at 6pm for a potluck dinner and the Contra Dancing at 7pm! It should be a blast so bring all your friends! :) And yes, Diamonds in the Rough will be playing!<br />
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Thanks again for being such a great audience :)<br />
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DITRDiamonds in the Roughhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06661251355224439722noreply@blogger.com0