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As far back as I can remember, I watched the Flintstones, Andy Griffith, and I Love Lucy.  They were my favorites.  I loved Andy Griffith and whistled along with the show as it started.  Until I was 8 years old, my parents took me to the small town of Okemah,  Oklahoma every year.  Then they started having problems.  When I was 12 my  mother remarried.  I kind of felt like the third wheel and didn't want to travel to Oklahoma with my mother and step father so I stayed with my grandmother while they took their annual trip.  At the age of 40, I visited again.  I was amazed at the closeness of the small community, everyone knew everyone or was related.  If someone was working on their lawn, they waved as you drove by.  At first I thought they must know me or have mistaken me for someone else.  I realized quickly they're just friendly, they give everyone driving by a courtesy wave.  I was shocked to find the bank closes at noon,  so all the workers can go to lunch.   The latest a local business is open is 6 pm.  The only places open in town after 6 is the Sonic and Mazzio's Pizza.  Next to the freeway exit, there is a Loves (the am/pm of Oklahoma) and the burger joint where the truckers stop and gas up and grab some coffee.  I love the slow pace and friendly atmosphere.   Looking back on my life, I often wonder if I had continued these summer trips, would I have decided to live there?  It's a great place to raise a family.   My best friend moved there about 7 years ago.  There are days when I long to live there.  My husband is a California boy.  When I took him there, his first remarks were this place is just like Mayberry.  He is intrigued by it and loves the friendliness of the townspeople as much as I do.  He also says it's too far from the ocean.  My family raising days are over and I have my family spread about me in this town.  I don't see myself leaving any time soon.  I still watch the reruns of Andy Griffith and Mayberry.  To be honest I tivo them.  It takes me back to a simpler place in time when people really cared about their neighbors and town folk.  No matter how many times I've seen an episode, it's like the first time and It's always a breath of fresh air.

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The only time I listened to music was in the car.  I was a hard working young mother.  When I wasn't working I was taking children to and from games, practice, or grandmas house.  Like so many young people, I lived my life in a never ending hurry.  I didn't realize how fast life was flying by.  Though I've always been a huge music fan, there was awhile when I really didn't listen to music.  I remember friends asking if I liked the group KISS.  I had no idea who KISS was.  My friends were shocked, "you know the guy with the long tongue".  Then I saw a few pictures of them.  Gene would always be sticking out his tongue and I thought he was pretty disgusting.  I couldn't believe this weirdo was so popular.  I mean how many people went around sticking out their tongues?  I had an instant dislike for Gene Simmons and KISS.  This was shocking in itself because I don't dislike people.  I loved the songs Beth and Rock & Roll All Night, but I didn't know they were KISS songs.  Through the years, each time I heard KISS mentioned I would cringe and think UGH!!!  FAST FORWARD TWENTY YEARS.  I'm about 45, being the workaholic I was, I thought I would take a second job and work at the Rabobank so I could enjoy free concerts while getting paid.  One of the concerts I got to do was, you guessed it KISS!  The first thing that surprised me was how many of the fans came dressed up.  I mean if you go to a country concert, you will definitely see some people in a cowboy hat and a few western shirts.  This was different, there were so many people dressed as Gene Simmons.   They donned elaborate costumes and high platform boots and shoes, it was amazing.   I  stood at the feet of this God of a man, wearing his demon costume and I was awestruck.  KISS put on the absolute best concert I've ever seen in my life.  I'm sure the show they put on for the audience was probably the most costly I've seen as well.  I liked everything from the first note to the speech at the end.  I came away from that concert a different woman.  I really liked KISS, but I loved everything about Gene Simmons.  Yes I even liked the tongue.  I watched Gene move, play, stick out his tongue, toss guitar pics.  He did everything right.  I was told last week that Gene never got into drugs and alcohol.   I regret judging this group simply because a man stuck his tongue out.   He's probably made more money sticking out his tongue than most of us have made working hard.  Way to go Gene, I'm glad it worked for you.    No matter what the cost, save my seat, I'll be there for the next reunion concert!  Know where I can find a costume?

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Elevation 406 will be rockin' the house!

Where:  Muggs on Airport Drive

When:  Sunday 2-6 p.m.

I went to Amigo's to sing a little karaoke.  Admittedly I don't get out often enough.  Or maybe I should say I don't get out for myself often enough.  Then I remembered that Corona's are 2 for $3.00. on Thursdays.  (That's rightr 2/$3.00)  So I embarked on my hispanic adventure of the crown - CORONA at it's finest with the lime and poquito sal.  Thats right yum mmmm.  Well after a  couple of Corona's I sang the song that captured my hubby's heart. ....Oooh Baby Baby.  After a couple more Corona's DJ Ben played Baby Got back and Tootisie Roll (my all-time favorite) of course we had to shake it up a little.  Then  I came on stage to sing some Macy Gray raspiness and all (that sounds pretty good when your drinking a few Corona's).  Then the owners sister in law "aunt Jackie" came up wanting to hear some Janis....well what's a girl to do?>>  I said but of course.  Next time up it was "Take Another Little Piece Of My Heart Now Baby......You Know You Got It If It Make's You Feel Good!"  I had a great time tonight.  I went from thinking I would sing some Dixie Ho's uh er Chicks as they're known to most of you and some Reba cause you all know she is easy when you sing the blues to Macy Gracy and Janis Joplin.  I love Janis.   She kicks some serious Booty!  Flashing was allowed tonight at Amigos.  I won't tell who because I don't want to change the names to protect the innocent.  My hope is that your Thursday night was half as good as mine.  If it was then you had a great night.  Take care and Whoo hoo!