I’m one of those people that wants to do things, see things, learn something new! And I’m always game when it comes to doing something FUN!

My husband, on the other hand, could do the same thing every day and be perfectly happy.

So you can imagine what it’s like when I suggest an evening out.

But this last weekend I managed to get him off the farm for a night out with friends and I think he thoroughly enjoyed himself!

Not far from home, there is an event that’s in it’s 10th year. It’s held at the Starlite Ballroom, a nostalgic dance hall where I attended many a’ wedding reception and dances growing up.

I LOVE going there!

So when I saw that Cowboy Poetry and Western Music was going to be held there, I tore the article out of the newspaper and asked Dan if he would take me there for Date Night.

Now I had to haggle a little, see, because he balked when I told him tickets were 25 bucks a piece. After pointing out that it was a fundraiser, I sealed the deal with “They even throw in supper – Swiss Steak!”

“I don’t know… we’ll see.”

Crap. That forecast isn’t good.

So a week later when there was no mention of my suggested Date Night, I threw in that maybe Gary & Theresa would like to go with us? And red turned to green!

The show started off with a warm welcome by Gerry Mishak, who has organized this event every year along with his wife, Marilee, who he lovingly calls “Poopsy,” ha ha.

Like I said, this is the 10th year for the show and Gerry asked how many in the crowd had been there every year? A bunch of hands went up and an old lady piped up “And I’m still alive!!!” I guess she didn’t figure on being around yet!

We enjoyed our meal and as the show began, Gerry introduced an old friend of his, Marty Blocker.

This cowboy had poem after poem about the cowboy way of life! He was a great entertainer and had us chuckling right along.

By the time Brooke Turner took the stage, guitar in hand, we knew that we were in for something special.

Now Brooke opened up with the question “Y’all got cell phones up here?” 🙂

Now this guy could realllllly sing. And write. And tell stories.

He kept us entertained with songs about cell phones… “We’re Breakin’ Up!” and Rodeo Queens… (It’s not about the fall, it’s about the ride…” and a great poem about the Cowboy Code.

I had to laugh when he was telling about the song he wrote awhile back when he was “drugged up” on cold pills, “Well, they were either from the doc… or the veterinarian!”

Now that sounds like something my husband might have tried!

And he ended his time with a patriotic tribute, written with his father in mind. It led us to our feet and we gave credit where credit was due.

Next, a lady by the name of Trinity Seely took the stage. She’s a Rancher’s wife and had some insight I could relate to, being a dairy farmer’s wife.

She had a great voice and sang about the beauty around her, the things she’s come to appreciate and what makes cowboys continue to endure the rugged lifestyle they lead.

She was telling about the wind and the cold and the long hours, and how her husband came in with a wintery, frozen white mustache hanging from his face, cold to the bone, and she says, “Sooooooo……..  ya wanna be a cowwwwwbooooy, eh?”

Made me think of some of the long winter days we’ve spent outside. And how we wanna be dairrrrrry farmmmmmers, eh?” And the similarities between all farmers with livestock. But, like her, we love what we do, and we love the cows too.

As the show neared the end, all three performers returned to the stage and took turns telling a few last stories, through song and rhyme.

As we headed home, we all agreed how much we had enjoyed the evening, and how it really was a unique kind of show.

It’s a great tribute and reminder, that no matter where the trail leads you, there is always much to appreciate and much value in sharing your way of life with others.

Update: Marilee Mishak let me know that Cowboy Poetry and Western Music raised $10,450 for the DOCS for Hope to help build the hospital in Guatemala! Wow! That will go a long way for this project! Next year’s event will be the 4th weekend in January, 2016. Mark your calendars now! I know I have!