City Slickers

I grew up on a farm. Well, sort of. I grew up in a home that was a couple of miles from our farm. There were often baby lambs nursing in our kitchen during winter. Mud tracks across the floor on a daily basis. And, John Deere logo-d caps that were not worn for a fashion statement but rather for blocking the sun sitting upon the old time radiator. Farming was our livelihood. However, despite it's all importance in our lives, the country culture surrounding farming was NOT a part of our life. My grandmother was a cowboy culture discriminator.

However, despite all of my grandmother's best efforts to set us apart from those "country bumpkins", I still got a taste as my grandpa and I bumped across the hilly roads to the tunes of a country 8 track in the stereo. Of course, grandma would have been horrified had she known that I was exposed to country crooners but that was Poppy and I's little secret. Nothing like a lollipop, with the dog in the seat us cruising to good ole Johnny Cash.

Despite my farm-inspired roots, I went off to college and then became an urban dweller where I have remained ever since. I long for the action of the city; the hustle bustle, man-made attractions, latest hot spot and the most important, the people from all walks of life. I quickly and without any regret, left the farming life and never looked back.

However, this weekend, I was transported into a culture that only lived in my childhood dreams with Poppy. That of the swaggering, Wrangler encased cowboy. We, like many Denver families, packed up our SUVs with our mini Boden encased children and headed over to the attraction of the week - the National Western Stock Show. It was as if we were transported to a different planet.

I knew I was in for a treat when we stood in line and behind us was Miss Rodeo Cowgirl or something to that effect. She had on her Rhinestone encrusted cowboy hat, her Rhinestone encrusted button down all the way to her Rhinestone encrusted cowboy belt. I knew I had arrived at something special.

For the next three hours, I glanced around in awe at an American sub-culture that is invisible to us city dwellers. Cute, young, bow-legged cowboys had on their best never been worn Wranglers mimicing Harry Connick Jr. from Hope Floats. Some exuded the excitement and energy that is only possible after a much adrenaline-filled activity such as rodeo'ing. Loretta Lynn lookalikes had on Wild West t-shirts, tight Levi's and ostrich boots. Young cowgirls and cowboys donned their chaps, cowboy hats and even little spurs in anticipation of taking down a little doggy. Around you were drawls of thank ya M'am or excuse me M'am. You felt like putting on your dancing shoes for a little two-stepping at the weekly square dancing social.

The Afshary family did its best to experience all that was offered. We tried to interest Eva in the farm animals however, the largest draw for her was a cute little Corgie that was tied up with a bull the size of an elephant. "Eva, let's take a picture in front of the bull." "No, Daddy, I want a picture of this little dog."

Daddy immersed himself in the attractions however he had really come for the Equestrian event featuring English riding; not western.

And, Mommy, enjoyed the reminiscing with memories of her Poppy and those country roads until her allergies caused her to practically lose consciousness from lack of oxygen due to dust filling her lungs.

It was an evening to remember and one that brought strong affirmations. One, we for certain are City Slickers. We were able to make it one night among the country americana but that is it for now. Second, there is a new and profound appreciation for the cowboy and the culture that surrounds him. One that causes respect but not longing. Third, I have declared that the stock show is a Daddy/daughter activity. And, finally, I believe that you can take the girl out of the country AND the country out of the girl. Well, almost. I've listened to Walk the Line and Country Roads about a hundred times since Saturday night. I even heard Eva whispering to herself..Country Roads, take me home, to the place I belong, West Virginia, Mountain Mama....take me home.