We've been having computer/Internet problems--again--so I've been offline. I hate it and I'm ready to get back to my normal blogging routine! So much to share! So little time! Plus we start school next week, but hopefully I can get things running more efficiently so I can be back here a little more often than I have been this summer.
For now, let's move on to the important things: RAY!
Shannon and I had the best time at the concert! I don't know about being a spiritual experience, but it was without a doubt one of the best concerts ever and Ray did not disappoint one little bit! I wish I could have gotten better pictures of the Red Rocks Amphitheater because it is amazing but I did manage to pull this pic offline for you.
We could only afford general admission tickets but we showed up an hour and a half early to make sure we got the best seats possible. Being our first concert at Red Rocks, we learned a lot about what to do next time and showing up early is super important if you hope to escape the nose bleed section! The good news is you can be highly rewarded for your efforts even if you can't afford the hundreds of dollars necessary to get seats up front. Oh how I love this place!
You have to hike up 1,001 steps to the top of the mountains to get to the entrance but the view is well worth it. We were one of the first of just a handful to arrive that early and we got to hear Ray doing the sound check so it was almost like getting to hear him twice! Can't get enough of Ray.
When the gates finally opened, a wonderfully helpful Red Rocks veteran gave us the scoop on finding the best seats. There are shaded patches along the sides of the reserved seating that are free for the taking--but they go fast. Next time, we'll be sure to take a blanket to avoid walking out with red bottoms from the rocky mountain dust we were sitting in, but really either way, it's all good.
Can you tell? We were sooo close! And we met the coolest people! It couldn't have been more perfect! Ray started out with 2 songs from his new album but there was a perfect mix of old, new, and some I've never heard before. He is so soft spoken and humble. But the passion in his music is undeniable and intoxicating. If I hadn't been so deliriously happy, I would have cried.
Once the sun went down, all I could get were blurry pictures. It would have been totally worth it to lug a tripod up the mountain to get a good pic of Ray. Next time, I'll know.
We hung around after the concert until they kicked us out then we discovered the tour buses loading up and walked down to see if we could get a peek. If there was any doubt in your mind that I'm a total dork, you'll know for sure after I tell you that we actually hung around the buses hoping to get another glimpse of Ray. And, again, he knew. He actually came out of the tour bus and very quietly and very humbly came over and shook Shannon's hand. Not at all like David Gray (oh, yeah, did I mention he was headlining the concert, too?) who was off schmoozing with the press on the other side. And I like David Gray. I do. But he's no Ray.
Sigh. So several dreams came true that very auspicious night and we returned to our hotel with our heads in the clouds.
Ray even inspired me to finish up the last few pages in my Remains of the Day journal. And now I'm hooked. On Ray, on journaling, on Red Rocks. I'm already plotting and scheming for our next trip. Would it be too much for 30-something year old not-so-hot-anymore moms to leave their families to travel the country with Ray? Yeah, too much? Are you absolutely sure??