Do you have a band whose music moves you? Whose songs can instantly take you back to the place you were when you first heard the song, whose songs have significant meaning in your life?
For me, that band is Rascal Flatts. So, when I heard that they were going to be performing at Blissdom, I did an actual squee.
You see, way back in 2000, their first single came out. “Praying for Daylight.” I was newly out of college and loved the song. This one in particular didn’t have much personal meaning to me, but whenever I hear it, I’m transported back to being a naive 22 year-old school teacher, who have moved far away from home for the first time in her life.
Prayin’ for daylight waiting for that morning sun
On that same album was a song that later became one that I blasted over and over as I drove away from my ex, with all my belongings crammed in the truck with me. “I’m Moving On.”
I sold what I could and packed what I couldn’t
Stopped to fill up on my way out of town
I’ve loved like I should but lived like I shouldn’t
I had to lose everything to find out
Maybe forgiveness will find me somewhere down this road
I’m movin’ on
“These Days,” “Mayberry,” (ice cold cherry… coke!), and “Love You Outloud” were all songs that Hubs and I would sing in the car together while we were dating. Neither of us can sing, but we sang these ones so loud together.
We even considered “Long, Slow, Beautiful Dance” for our wedding song. Only ruling it out because there was a line in there about thinking about having a baby and we thought it might give people the wrong idea about why we were getting married. For the record, baby #1 didn’t come til a few months before our second wedding anniversary. But, these lines did really speak to us:
I knew we belonged together the moment my eyes met hers
And I thought nothing lasts forever, but maybe this one will
A deep breath and baby steps
That’s how the whole thing starts
It’s a long slow beautiful dance
To the beat of a heart
“Skin(Sarabeth)” takes me back to one of the many times Hubs and I went to see Rascal Flatts in concert. But, this time, I was pregnant with our second baby, incredibly hormonal, and listening to them sing about a young girl with cancer. Ever since then, I can’t hear more than a note of that song without bursting into tears.
“What Hurts the Most,” “Stand,” “My Wish,”(which should be the mother-son dance at my boys’ weddings someday), “Fast Cars and Freedom,” “God Bless the Broken Road,” and many more…
All this probably explains why I had no qualms elbowing people out of the way so that I could get to the very front of the stage and be this close at the performance at Blissdom:
No zoom- I was right there!
Okay, I didn’t actually elbow anyone out of the way. I just spilled my drink on them so they’d have to go clean themselves up.
And when they announced that Rascal Flatts would be around for pictures afterwards, I may have grabbed Vanessa(from the Blogfrog)’s arm and stampeded across the ballroom. And cut in line. And then texted Ashley to run across the room and join us.
The boys of Rascal Flatts, me, Ashley, and Vanessa
It was an amazing night!
Still recovering and catching up after Blissdom. Thanks to Erie Drive for sponsoring my trip. Lyrics in this post are all from Rascal Flatts songs: silly disclaimer that I’m sure you figured out. And I might be slightly exaggerating how I got to the front of the stage and how I got my pic taken with them. Maybe.
Elbowing is kinder than spilling drinks, Shell. 🙂 Glad you got to enjoy your favorite band! And I’m extra glad that we finally got to meet ever so briefly. Next time we’re both at a conference, let’s be sure to hang out!
But I could pretend the drinks were an accident. 😉
So nice to get to meet you, too!
Love it! Wish I could have found you in the crowd, we could have been fangirls together. I recorded “Bless The Broken Road” – it was on a mix CD (I know, right?) that Rob made for me when we first started dating. I wish I hadn’t sung along, though. You can hear yourself much better on a recording than when you’re actually *in* the crowd of screaming ladies. 😉
Wish I would have seen you- I wanted to find people I knew b/c I knew I was going to be dancing and singing and maybe b/c I wanted to jump in with someone who had a close spot. Instead, I just made a spot and was a “woo girl” around no one I knew!
I recorded Fast Cars and Freedom- and yes, you can hear me more than them. Not good.
I can vouch that you weren’t elbowing anyone bc that was me but I do remember a drink being spilled.
Total accident. 😉
Actually, I think people would believe the elbows more than that I’d give up my drink just to get a spot.
Lucky duck!!! They are seriously the only country band that I not only like but love! So happy for you!
Oh, I’m a total country girl. But Rascal Flatts? One of my all-time faves.
I’m so happy for you!! I bet you were going crazy on the inside but you look like you kept it together!
I was totally freaking out. It was so fun.
I can NOT tell you how unbelievably jealous I am! I LOVE Rascal Flatts! They were one of the first groups that I knew all the songs from. Glad you got to see them up close AND get a picture! I probably would’ve died.
There is NO shame in elbowing or spilling drinks to get people outta your way. If they wanted to be standing where you were then they would’ve made a bigger effort! Bravo girly.
Glad you had fun at Blissdom.
Have a great week!
So true. They could have pushed me or something.
Can you just imagine that? A brawl at Blissdom. LMAO
I am not a country girl myself but I do love me some Rascal Flatts! By the way you look hot in that dress girl!
They are amazing!
How about Vanessa was in something similar only I have like 10+ years and 30+ pounds on her. SIGH.
Very cool! After that history, you deserved your fangirl moment, Shell! 😉
I love, love, LOVE “Bless the Broken Road.” It reminds me of my husband and I regret not choosing it for our wedding song. This line always makes my throat catch a little:
“Others who broke my heart, they were like Northern stars
Pointing me on my way into your loving arms…”
I like a lot of their other songs too, but that one holds a special place in my heart.
Love that line! It always makes me think of my husband, too.
I swear – I didn’t read this before I commented… but i wrote almost the same thing. Guess that is why they are amazing. They write songs for everyone.
Wow lucky you! Looks like you had an amazing time…and loved you in that dress!
It really was so much fun. And thanks!
I love Rascal Flatts. LOVE them. Hubs took me to one of their concerts way back in the way back. I believe God Blessed the Broken Road was written for us… (well me.) I was in my most serious relationship ever (thought I would marry the guy) just before Ray. I was a broken girl when we met and spent months looking for a reason to bolt. He never gave me one. It still makes my heart melt to think of it. I was sad when I learned everyone was going to Blissdom, but I was ENVIOUS when I hear Rascal Flatts was performing. **sigh** I’m so glad you had a great time. xo Next year.
So, I shouldn’t tell you that was one of the songs they sang there, right? 😉
My husband wanted to go to Blissdom when he heard they were playing!
I would love to see them in concert.. Did you know my son, nephew and I did a cover of Skin on my youtube channel?? It took me a week of practice to sing that song without getting all weepy. My son would do the same, he would hold it till I lost it then be like dagnabbit MOoOOOOMMMM.. I LOVE them..
I don’t know how you sang it. I can’t get past hearing the first few notes before I start sobbing just b/c I know what is coming!
You look gorgeous! I love your dress. And so cool that they were performing… they’re an amazing group. BlissDom must have been a blast! I’ve been to BlissDom Canada twice and it’s been fabulous… xo
Thank you!
It was amazing that they were there!
I’m no country fan but I do have a few favorite Rascal Flatts’s songs on my playlist!
Lucky you, meeting them!
Most of their songs aren’t really twangy country, so they have a wider appeal, I think.
Even though I totally love country music. 🙂
Oh I was definitely a woo girl too!! Rascal Flatts is my all time favorite band. And I had no problem squeezing my way around people to get in close.
Lucky! I love Rascal Flatts!
They were amazing!!
Oh so lucky. When I heard that Rascal Flatts was there I was so regretting not going. Of course if I did my Tween would have been so jealous because she absolutely LOVES them.
My favorite song is absolutely Skin. Sob, weep, ugly cry any time I hear it especially if I am in the car by myself. I am sure that people driving by must think I am crazy!
Thankfully, they don’t play that one often. I’d be sobbing all the time.
Your tween wouldn’t have been jealous of Joe Jonas? I sat in the back and complained it was too loud when he was on.
Oh no! She is totally anti-Jonas and Justine Beiber, also has been. They are so below her. She is really into country music right now and Nikki Minaj and Sara Bareilles. Random, huh?
Rascal Flatts sure put on a nice show for us! You totally deserved your spot up front, Woo-Girl! 😉
You could have used your baby bump to get up front. “Excuse me, excuse me…” no one would think anything of it.
So, so, so! Jealous…I’m not much of a concert goer… but if given the opportunity to see them..yes! I would go.
I love going to concerts.
Even though I truly hate crowds. But, I try to get over that part to go to the concerts!
I am so jealous. I LOOOOOVE Rascal Flatts.
Highlight of the conference, for sure!
That is so cool! So glad you are having a great time! Maybe next year…
Sandy
It really was a blast!
Oh so very jealous! I go back and forth between loving and hating them, but it is mostly the radio station’s fault for playing one their songs every third song.
Overplay always kills it a bit for me, too. But, since I’ve been a fan for over 10 years now, I still love more than hate.
Sounds like fun! Get any numbers 😉
Ha! I texted my husband the picture and he asked if they were grabbing my ass.
I feel the same way about Bon Jovi, but my seats, when I went last year, were too far up for elbowing…someone, probably me, would have fallen to their death!
Yay for meeting your favorite band!
Now, I do love some Bon Jovi. Especially since they go even further back in my life.
I went to a Bon Jovi concert when I was in 6th grade. LOL
I met Rascall Flatts once! They were so nice, but so tired….it was backstage at a rodeo.
I bet! Performing has to be exhausting!
So fun! Glad you were able to enjoy it, regardless of what you had to do to get to the front! 🙂
I may have been a wee bit determined.
Love them! They are one of my favorites. Will used to go to sleep to them when he was a baby. Sometimes on a long drive, i just turn them on and Will is out! Love your dress by the way!
My oldest was like that with Kenny Chesney!
Thanks! It was a fun dress.
Glad you had a good time and met your favorite band. Next year: sponsorship for cage wrestling? (LoL)
Ha. Well, if they want to pay me, sure.
Shell, you are so freaking adorable. if you weren’t nice, i’d hate you. just kidding. Xxxx Great photo!!! WOW.
LMAO
I guess I’ll take that as a compliment.
That is SO cool!
It really was. I never thought they would do photos!
OMG!!!!! you met them too…..I HATE JURY DUTY…hate hate hate it.
But I am so happy you got to meet the group and look so amazing doing it. 🙂
Ugh. How awful. I really wish you could have been there!
How fun! I am not normally a huge fan person but like you I love RF and I’m Movin On was one of my first songs from RF that I played over and over! So glad you got to seem the live and since you were at a concert spilling drinks and moving toward the front are both completely acceptable behavior! 🙂
Total accident, of course. 😉
How awesome that they did pictures after! And yea, we all know how ruthless and crazy you can be 😉 I am a country fan so I would have loved that concert.
I never thought they would do pics afterwards.
Joe Jonas did them and he was on before them but I was like yeah, but they are RASCAL FLATTS.
I was so ridiculously excited.
Sounds like a blast and I’m so jealous! 🙂 And cuteness that is you in that picture! OMG! Miss you, mama! Looking forward to seeing you again sometime soon (TypeA?).
I’ll be at Type A for sure!
Some of the girls at Blissdom were talking about a Raleigh meetup, so maybe sooner!
this is the song that i heard and I have stuck to it. The grief i am going through it through a friends journey after losing her husband suddenly – leaving 4 young children behind. I send this to her
often
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N5gBxKEgZqM
I am not a RF fan – but this song is so apropos.
Oh, that’s a good one, too!
Awww, you look so beautiful! Sounds like a great time and go you for cutting the line, spilling drinks, and whatnot to get your photo taken with him 🙂 Hey, a girl’s gotta do… 😉
I would have regretted it if I hadn’t!
They’re not “my band” like that, but I love for you that you were able to see them up close and personal and meet them and have a photo taken.
And wowza gorgeous ladies! Rascal Flatts should feel lucky to have a copy of the photo with the three of you.
It was so much fun!
Hubs was asking if they were grabbing our asses.
I love Rascal Flatts, too.
Not as much as you, though…I would have let you spill your drink on me so you could have my seat.
But all I keep thinking now is “Good grief! They get that dressed up for Blissdom? I can never go.”
Still, I’m so glad you had a great time.
And I had a two-month-old baby on my first anniversary, so.
🙂
It was so much fun.
Not everyone gets that dressed up. There were plenty of people in jeans. And the last night is a pajama party(which does not mean what my husband wishes it did- but is all about comfort). I simply like to dress up b/c I very rarely have reason to be in anything other than my yoga pants.
Oh i am very jealous. I enjoy their music so much! I am happy for you tho!
I love them! It was so amazing that they were there!
Looks like a great time! I hate that I missed it. You look beautiful by the way.
Next year! 😉
Thank you!
It looks like you had so much fun!!!!
How exciting that you were right up front and got a picture.
It was a total blast!
Rascal Flatts is one of my favourite, too. Except they lose ‘cool’ points for having a song with Justin Beiber and Natasha Bedingfeild…
I was majorly confused by that pairing!
Sounds like you had a completely fabulous time, Shell!
And I love that you got to see, hear, and be photographed with a band that you love so much!!
I was so excited to find out they were going to be there!
I am not a fan of country music but I totally get the starstruck of it all. I’m a huge Bon Jovi fan…don’t judge…and I’m sure I’d be a hot pile of lovey goop if I ever met him.
Oh, I love them, too!
It’s MY LIFE!!!!
I’m so bummed we had to leave before the concert! Sounds like it was lots of fun.
Great seeing you this weekend!
Too loud for baby track, probably. 🙁
Hi there. 🙂 I just recently found your blog, and I suppose I’ll keep reading, despite the fact that one of the first posts I read made me hate you a little bit. 😉 I love Rascal Flatts, and would terribly disappointed in anyone who wasn’t willing to become an obnoxious fangirl when given the opportunity at their show. Totally jealous that you got to have a picture taken with them! 🙂
LOL
Well, welcome. And glad you’ll read anyway. 😉
Who wouldn’t kick, push and shove to get a picture taken with Rascal Flatts. One of my favorite bands too. I’d have to say the song that takes me all the way back though is “Strawberry Wine” by Deana Carter. Every time I hear it, I’m seventeen all over again. Oh to be young and innocent again…LOL.
There were people who didn’t care to go get a pic taken. Crazy, I tell you.
I can completely relate because I was the pregnant one in the black dress with her elbows on the stage half the time standing next to you. It was beyond fabulous!
Well, I’m glad I didn’t elbow you out of the way.
Even I have my limits. 😉
How awesome to get to see a band you love in a setting so intimate. And the picture after? ZOMG!
It was amazing!
I love them too. The Broken Road is our unofficial theme song.
Such a great song.
What a great night for you. I bet it was great.
It was so much fun, for sure!
Spilling drinks? Brilliant 😉
Had to think of something! 😉
It really was amazing. So, so, amazing. AND I’m so glad you texted me. So worth it xoxo
So much fun! I’m glad they didn’t make us go as a group of 6!
That is SO cool! What a fabulous addition to a blog conference. And not just the part about getting to throw drinks on people, though that is my New Year’s Resolution this year.
It is sort of fun to throw drinks. You really need to get on that resolution.
You my friend are awesome!
Great pictures.
I love Rascal Flatts too. 🙂
The concert was one of my favorite parts of the conference.
Totally worth it, I’d say. I’m not a huge fan, but I do like their stuff. God Bless the Broken Road is one of my all-time faves. I stayed long enough to hear it and then this tired girl went to bed. But well worth it, and very cool that they performed.