I Am a Parrothead

I am many things.  Some I'm proud of, some not so much.  One thing I am and have been for a very long time is a Parrothead!  For those of you who have not been enlightened - that means I love Jimmy Buffett - all things Jimmy Buffett  - all things Margaritaville.  Being a Parrothead is so much more than being a fan of Jimmy Buffett.

If I could just listen to one person's music, I admit it would be Jimmy.  I know I should say one of the wonderful Christian music singers - and I do love a lot of them - and I listen to them.  But Jimmy is the one who speaks to my heart and soul.  He understands me - he sings directly to me.  I know, I know.  Sometimes he is not very nice - sometimes he uses language I don't think he should.  But that smile!  It gets to me every time.  He is HAPPY - he is contagiously happy.

A good friend was going through a really difficult time in her life a few years ago.  We were riding in the car and she was so down - just couldn't see beyond her present situation to a better time.  She was almost in tears.  I just hit the play button and there was Jimmy.  I won't tell you what the song was... she looked at me and said, "Did he really say that?".  Yeah, he really did.  There were tears alright - she laughed until she cried.  That's just the way Jimmy is.

I've been to some of his concerts.  Hard to describe what that was like.  He doesn't just perform...he brings the crowd to life.  Parrotheads are a wild and crazy bunch of people.  All ages, all types.  Only one thing in common - Jimmy.  My younger son is a Parakeet (that's a younger Parrothead).   I'm hoping to make Parakeets out of my grandsons.

He has done it his way.  For 40 years, he has done his music his way - and continues to do it. It is more than his music - he takes me away - not sure where - but it's a really nice trip every time.

Jimmy fell off the stage last week during a concert in Australia!  No, I don't think he had too many Margaritas - I think it was just an unfortunate accident.  I understand he had a head injury, but is out of the hospital and doing well now.  Sure hope the head injury doesn't change him.  I may not agree with a lot of things about him - but I do think more of us should be willing to "do it our way" - whatever that way is.

Listen to some of Jimmy's music - it just might make you happy! 

Elvis in Concert

I have always loved Elvis.  My Aunt G was a huge Elvis fan when I was a child.  Of course I thought it was funny that an "old lady" loved Elvis - she was probably in her forties!  Then I became a teenager and I still loved Elvis.

My friends loved the Beatles - they were okay but I just loved Elvis.  What a voice - not to mention those looks - that hair - those swivel hips.  I think I had all his "records", then his 8 track tapes - cassettes and cd's.  I even have some on my ipod - which is another story.  I lost my ipod.  How in the world do you keep up with something that darn small?  It could be hiding just about anywhere.  Been gone quite a while now.  Any ideas where it might be?  We have a 1950's Jukebox - and though it is hard to believe - Elvis sounds better on that than on the cd's.

Mr. H and I went to an Elvis concert in Greensboro April 21, 1977, just a few months before he died - Elvis died, not Mr. H.  Absolutely amazing. The picture above was taken at that concert.  The building was packed - almost 18,000. He was mesmerizing - seemed like every person there was totally focused on him.  It was obvious that he was not in good shape - he had just been released from the hospital.  He was still the King and he gave an amazing performance.  Hearing him sing "How Great Thou Art" brought tears to lots of eyes.  I'm so glad that we paid way too much for the tickets and went to see him.

Elvis was truly gifted - and millions loved him and his music.  There is a video of his daughter, Lisa Marie, singing with him - "In the Ghetto" and "Don't Cry Daddy".  You should watch it.

Another time I'll tell you about my all time favorite - even more than Elvis.  But today I'm remembering the King - maybe because his birthday is in January.