Ring of Fire!

Last weekend the Soil Stud and I took our last road trip of winter.  We went and saw a dear friend of mine perform in Woodstock, IL just northwest of Chicago.  My friend, James and I served together as National FFA Officers.  He is from California and he is a wonderful person.  Also, another teammate, Andy who is originally from Kansas also came to the show.  Andy is also a wonderful person.  I have known both these guys for close to 15 years.  No matter how much time has passed between us it's as if we just saw each other last week.  I treasure our friendship, we have watched each other grow and develop in only ways good friends can.  You know how you have a handful of people who really know you?   I'd say James and Andy truly know me.  AND they STILL choose to be my friend.  I'm a lucky person!

So what was James' show all about?  Well.....he is the lead singer in a Johnny Cash Tribute band.  James has been a fan of Johnny Cash since he was like 11.  Actually, the word "fan" may not really describe his love for Johnny Cash and his music.  When we were National FFA Officers, James would get out his guitar and sing one Johnny Cash song after another.  If it hadn't been for him, I probably would never know any songs by the great Man in Black.  In fact, when Soil Stud and I were married, James, Andy, Emily (another FFA teammate) and I sang a few Johnny Cash tunes at the reception!

No wedding is complete until you sing Folsom Prison Blues.  :)


Soil Stud and I were running late, so my sweet guy dropped me off at the Woodstock Opera House front door so I wouldn't miss James coming out on stage! 

When James came out on stage, I cried!  I was so proud of him!

James and his band were amazing!  Simply awesome!

Shortly after intermission, in the words of my friend, Andy, I had to save the show!

The band needed a female volunteer to sing "Mama sang tenor" in the song Family Circle.  NOBODY was volunteering, so I did what any good friend would do....

I sang my heart out!  Mama sang off-key!  AND I WAS WONDERFUL!  Well, not really, not at all.  

                                                                          

At this point I felt like I was in a Ring of Fire - it was hot and I was nervous!

Truth be told, it was a total blast, so if you are ever at a concert and are asked to sing - DO IT!  You'll be glad you did!

After the concert, we went out to share some old stories and new ones!

I already can't wait to see my friends again, in the meantime, I will listen to good ole' Johnny Cash!