They claim not to like him…but one glance in the rear view mirror and it’s hard not to notice them singing along. His CD 50 Number Ones was on our vacation playlist as we traveled through Denver, Cheyenne, Salt Lake City, Lake Tahoe and finally into the San Francisco Bay area a few summers ago. And it’s been equally as fun to introduce my children to George’s music. I know I’m not the only one with memories like these. Other songs like Carrying Your Love with Me and I Cross My Heart remind me of true love, family values, and faith in God. And it was Heartland that later satisfied my soul when I found myself homesick for family and friends back in the Midwest. One song after another served as the backdrop to beautiful countryside and endless highway. He was my cowboy companion as I cruised the interstate…thank goodness for a cassette player with auto-reverse! I laughed out loud while listening to Ocean Front Property in Arizona…scoping the horizon for his imaginary piece of real estate as I neared Phoenix. And it was George who traveled with me when I moved from Kansas to California. Later, his music again played on the radio appropriately setting the stage for a trip to Nashville. His songs seemed to play non-stop the first time I visited the great state of Texas (not to mention every time that I’ve ever stepped foot there.) George rode shot-gun with my best friend, Amy and I on our great Tulia, TX adventure in college. I remember hearing George in the background while I learned to sew at my Grandma’s house. Unlike my other music phases, my George fanaticism began at a young age. And two of my favorites– The Chair and All My Ex’s Live in Texas remind me of my parents–especially my dad’s band and concerts in the park downtown on summer evenings. Twangy feel good music like Am I Blue always make me want to dance the day away. You Can’t Make a Heart Love Somebody, Easy Come, Easy Go, and Write This Down mark times where I learned important lessons about moving on and trusting God’s plan in both life and relationships. It was like George was the only one in the world who knew exactly how I felt! Then there were catchy tunes like The Fireman that remind me of KU and driving home with my roommate Sara in her hot, little red car. Right or Wrong, Fool Hearted Memory, A Fire I Can’t Put Out…seem to speak to times of young love and the intense feelings that often come with those first break ups and let downs. Crushes, first love, long drives, adventure, good times and bad. It appears that several of his tunes have served as the soundtrack to many different seasons in my life. Memories, days gone by, people who I know and have known. While clearing the kitchen table and belting out a little George, the thought occurred to me-almost every song reminds me of a place in time. I mean, if I was ever going to go for a cowboy…it would have had to have been him-because if you’re gonna love a cowboy, why not love one who can sing? And back in the day, I would have donned all that western wear, moved to Texas and developed a real southern drawl just for him. Yet somehow, I managed to fall (and stay) in love with George Strait. I did have a few radio presets dedicated to the local country music station at age 18, but all of it faded away just as quickly as it set in. I don’t think anyone would classify me as a country music fan…although there were a few years in the mid-nineties where I “walked the line.” Okay, I’ll confess-I had a hat at the time, but it was just for the Little Texas concert at the county fair! My get-up was technically faux cowgirl…you know, trendy “booties” instead of real ropers, but I never went as far as having a belt buckle or Wrangler jeans. Hope Martina doesn’t mind that I inserted my face over hers in this photo! My imaginary fan meet up with George Strait.
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