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Monday, December 20, 2010

I Heart Garth!

The first time I heard Garth Brooks was in 1998. A guy from a town thirty minutes away saw me cheering at a football game, asked his aunt for my number, (everyone in Mississippi is connected by 3 degrees or less) called me up, and asked me to go to his show at the Pyramid in Memphis.  I wasn't stoked about the idea of a date with a random dude I'd never met.  This was before the days of facebook, so I couldn't even stalk the kid in advance---But I was absolutely stoked at the idea of going to hear Garth Brooks, so I said okay. 

He showed up to my parents house a few days later in a plaid flannel button down, Wranglers, boots, a belt buckle the size of my head, and a 10 gallon cowboy hat.  Not exactly my style--since I was currently trying very hard to dress the part of a hippy/Seattle-inspired grunger. But whatever--- I was going to hear Garth Brooks!  I loved him.  Everybody did.  I loved country music then, and I still thought I was going to be famous for singing it.  I remember it was a great show.  I knew every song,  And he was such a showman!  The man was like a god in the nineties.

The second time I saw Garth Brooks was last night!!  And I'm going to go ahead and tell yall it was a lot like time traveling.. in more ways then one.  I wasn't on a blind date--thank God.  I was surrounded by some great friends


 but you know how when you hear certain songs from a certain period of time and it just takes you back there?  He did that for me with every single song he sang.  For a little while last night-- I loved being whisked away to a simpler time.  To my childhood.  To some memories I hadn't thought about in a really long time.  Like riding around shotgun with my daddy and singing "I'm much too young to feel this damn old" at the top of our lungs, and him telling me that "it was okay to say 'damn' just this one time--because it's not bad if it's in a song"...hahaha!  And I'd forgotten just how many hits the man has!  Truly astounding.  And although I'm no longer dressing like a hippy, I do attend a fair amount of folk shows.  I can't remember the last time I went to a big-time sold out show at a huge arena like that.  It's not my preference all the time, but last night was truly impressive.  You could just feel the energy in that arena. 

He was so truly genuine too.  Like he couldn't believe that he was able to sell out 9 shows in 4 hours. And he gave all the proceeds to the flood victims! At one point he said that he knew we all paid good money to hear him sing-- but his favorite thing to do was to hear US sing and then he starting playing "Unanswered Prayers" with just his guitar.  Twenty thousand people singing every word at the top of their lungs.  Pretty magical. 

He did 10 encores.  It was his fifth show this week, and he was sweaty and tired and losing his voice and he did 10 encores. 

Oh--and did I mention we had 5th row seats?!  A big shout-out to my friend Kates who hooked us up with the tickets.  :) What a great night! 


The new year can't get here soon enough for me, but I'm also looking very forward to spending Christmas in Mississippi with my family!



I"m wishing you and yours the absolute Merriest Christmas ever!  Thanks for reading my blog this year.  Your comments make my heart smile! Cheers to you all!

Yours ever,
Myra

6 comments:

  1. Myra, you can't imagine how much you make ME smile! Every time I read your blog I am flooded with giggles and memories of YOU and count myself so blessed to have you in my life, even if it's only via the internet these days. And one day, after my kids are all grown and I'm tired of my husband, I just might take you up on that suggestion that we rent a winnebago and travel cross country for a few months. Merry Christmas!!!

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  2. Myra! You said it SO well...My first time to see Garth was in 1989 at the Coliseum in Memphis. I was in 7th grade and only new 1 song he sang--The Dance! Last Thursday night, I saw him for the 4th (or 5th, I've lost count) time and I swear he was SO awesome. Every show that I've ever seen him do, he has put 110% of his energy into it and was so appreciative of people taking their time and money to come see him. His songs definitely take me back to a simpler time in my life and they brought back some great memories! He moved me to tears (ha, surprise!!) with a few of the songs. I would pay lots more $ to see him again before the week is over!!! He is definitely one of my favorite 2 concerts of all times!

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  3. Congrats! Its official. You was won BLOG OF THE YEAR!

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  4. And that is why I don't blog.... YOU HAVE WON! ... and I really proofed it!

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  5. Awe Myra, I hope you have a very Merry Christmas with your family....and I hope next year will be the best ever for you! You deserve it after all the craziness of 2010! Love ya girly!!!

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  6. Rozane-- don't tease me. You say the word "wineebago" and we're outta here! :)

    Kellye--I cried a little too! So so good.

    Liz-- I think you're biased, but I'll take my compliments wherever I can get 'em!

    And Ms. Molly-- I love you too. Let's grab lunch early in the new year!

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