St. Louis, MO

Talk about pressure. The audience for the St. Louis show included my mother, grandmother, sisters, a niece, my top student who drove all the way from Chattanooga, and a bunch of friends. It felt like the first show in Las Vegas all over again. The time I got to spend with everyone was too short and frenetic, but everyone seemed to understand.

I have been jokingly called the "mountain man" since the beginning of the tour and everyone laughed when I announced at soundcheck that I'd have four generations of hillbillies in the audience.



Family and Friends After the St. Louis Show

On the flight to Miami Monday afternoon, Walter, Jenifer, Alfreda and I have shared a first class cabin for last time. We talked about how much fun it has been and what everyone was planning to do next. I made a conscious decision to spend as much time as I could leading up to the Miami show just 'hanging out' with people. That's why I'm just now getting to this journal update.

There are fifty-nine shows behind us now, with one to go.We've performed for neary a half million people collectively in the last few months and I've been priveliged to personally meet thousands of fans. I've also built strong friendships with many of my tour mates.

I miss my family, yet I will miss my new friends. I miss riding my bicycle every day, yet I will miss laughing and singing on the back of the bus. I miss the ordinary routines of home, yet I will miss the extrordinary event of which you've all been a part. This morning, as one foot steps into the comfort of my sun-drenched living room, the other hesitates in flattering blue stage light. I have enjoyed the moment. In a very short while the lights and staging will be carefully packed away and stored, as will my memories. Life is good. ¶ 6:53 PM