Music and more

So tonight after the kids went down Dave and I found ourselves sitting in front of the computer and listening to some of Justin Cash's music. If you haven't heard this guy, you should. I'm tellin' ya, he is so very talented. When he plays the guitar that guitar sings, and can sing whatever Justin tells it to. Not only is his guitar playing the best, and his song writing ability too, but he is an awesome singer with a great voice. As Dave and I listened to Justin's music he had us laughing, and our feet tapping. No joke. This guy is amazingly talented. To hear his music you can go to justincashmusic.com. Yo check it.

Now we know behind every good man is a great woman right? Well Justin's little wifey is one of my dearest soul-sister-sister-friends. Annie baby. She is great. As I sat and listened to Justin's music tonight I could not help but reminisce of yesteryear and the raging good times Annie and I had together. It all began in the summer of '94, Littleton Colorado, in the Columbine 1st Ward's Relief Society room when Annie asked if she could sit by me. Boy am I forever glad I said yes.

You see, Annie, at that point in her life was a wild child. She'd been working up at the ski resorts as a lift op and she was all hippied out. I loved that about her and our adventures took off from there. (I believe this was the summer after I graduated from high school.) We made many memories before we had to part ways.

On various nights I remember taking her guitar and tambourine and heading to downtown Denver where we sat on the sidewalks and sang our hearts out together with an open guitar case in front of us. We met some very interesting people and even earned a bit 'o cash.

I laugh, guilt stricken, as I remember hiking for miles, through brush and rocks, to sneak into Reggae on the Rocks (a huge all day Reggae concert at Red Rocks outdoor amphitheatre). Don't worry, we have since repented.

I remember canoeing out on the lake one dark night and jumping in for a skinny dip. At the same lake I remember sneakily trying to climb up the dam, or making campfires in restricted areas as Annie sang with her guitar, and all her heart, Bobby McGee.

I remember many fun hikes, camping, bike rides and a 2 day backpacking trip up Mt. Evans.

I remember singing and having long talks in my car.

I remember when I was scared spitless as we sang together for an open stage night at a restaurant up at Annie's ski resort. It went horribly by the way. My fault.

I remember spelunking in this random cave her brother told us about and thinking we would never see daylight again.

I remember having a water drinking contest at this small warehouse where we worked, crimping wires and cables together. I swear we were up every 5 minutes to relieve ourselves. I think Annie won the contest.

I remember a snowy hike up the canyon and traversing an icy, snowy pole to cross a raging river so we could explore a cave we saw on the other side, and then going home to read my mission call. (The angels must have been protecting us).

There are so many more memories! Annie is hard to forget. Her laugh is electric and contagious. Her eyes are sparkly and mischievous. She is brave and strong and good. And though I haven't actually seen Annie for years, maybe even a decade, I just know that she is still the same wonderful person, full of vivacity and passion.

So though this post was to put in a plug for Justin, now it ends as a plug for Annie. Annie, thanks for just being you, so down to earth, wild and lovable. And thank you Justin for your talent. What an awesome family.

And I hope all you dear friends and family know that I could write about you in this way too. Ya never know, maybe I will someday. All ya'll are each awesome in your own way. Oh yes it's true. I'd have to say that as we express what we are passionate about and enjoy who we are and magnify ours and other's good qualities, we all make this world a fun, interesting and better place! So thank you everyone!