HAPPY THANKSGIVING! OK guys, first of all I hope EVERYONE had a wonderful TURKEY DAY! I know I'm a bit late with this one but what a hectic time it's been since I last talked to you! So here's what went down...

I was down south doing promo. Hit Biloxi, then New Orleans. I LOVE NEW ORLEANS! It reminds me sooooooooooo much of Barbados! The people, the food, and the architecture are so similar! I stayed at the W Hotel, and it was beautiful there. I did a small tour of the city, hitting Bourbon Street and a few other places. The street was lined with tourists and locals alike, as well as kids on the corner jamming with horns and drums of all kinds. It was such a treat. They were so good! I got to hear live jazz and even supported some of the artists who were on the hustle by buying some of their CDs. The food was absolutely amazing, and my mouth is watering just thinking about it! I saw a big sign at a theatre advertising a Lil Wayne show. I also saw Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie's house, and there is a place right next door named after Angie. I tried fondue for the first time, and it was great! I still prefer my food to come to me cooked though, especially if I'm hungry! No time for having to cook it myself when I'm out to eat! The graveyards in New Orleans are so creepy because they have to build big tombs above the ground to house the bodies. This is because they can't really dig too deep since it's so swampy and the water table causes the bodies to rise. Apparently, there are real vampires in New Orleans, and I also saw some of the supposed bloodsuckers roaming the streets. All in all, I really had a blast there, and it's one of my favorite cities now.

I had a couple days to rest after that trip, but of course, there really is no rest for the weary! Before long, I was doing phoners with journalists and radio networks in the UK, where they have really shown much love and support for my music. I can't wait to hit that market! It would also be nice to get over there so I could see my sister who is studying in those parts now.

Now, for the most exciting part yet! THANKSGIVING DAY 2008! I had the pleasure of joining my fellow artists Miley Cyrus and David Archuleta among others in the prestigious MACY'S THANKSGIVING DAY PARADE! I did some live interviews with a number of network morning shows and then I was escorted to the Talent Bus on a golf cart where David and I hung out and sang "T-Shirt," "Crush," and "Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree" as we got ourselves ready, ate breakfast, and clowned around in the Talent Bus before the parade…he's such a darling sweetie! Ronald McDonald, Andy Wilson and a bunch more other famous people also shared our bus.

Back on the golf cart, hand warmers in jacket pocket, to my position. I was on the MARC ECKO Rhino Mountain Float right behind Disney's Bolt and The Polynesian Dance Ensemble of Hawaii. What wonderful people! They were especially nice to me and I went over and spent some time with them just before the parade got off to a start. They presented me with hugs and a lei as is customary when they greet people. I can't wait to go to Hawaii and return the love! I really enjoyed the smiling faces and the happy children along the way and so much love was exchanged between everyone and myself. I screamed "Happy Thanksgiving!" at the top of my lungs to all the people in the streets and blew tons of kisses. I wished I could have hugged them all! It was so cool that the kids and climbers (who were repelling off the side of the rhino mountain) were wearing the national colors of Barbados (blue, yellow, and black). It made me miss home even more...