Weightless.

Ross played in a talent show band a few weeks back.  (That's him playing guitar on the right.)

He and his friend Eli (the singer) let me help narrow down the songs.  I was voting for She Talks to Angels by the Black Crows but I got vetoed and they ended up going with Weightless by Floater instead.

 

I had my camera settings all ready to go based on the performance before his.

Unfortunately though, as the curtains opened, I noticed the regular stage lights were turned off and there was nothing more than a few really soft, blue lights shining down on them.  (How's a photographer supposed to adjust for that while standing in the dark without any sort of forewarning?!?)

He was amazing (even if my pictures were not.)

 

Towards the end, he swung his guitar around his neck (which made my heart skip a beat because I paid for half of that thing.)

And then he licked his guitar (which grossed me out because...it's gross.)

He told me before the talent show that he was going to swing his guitar around his neck but he must have purposely left out the part about licking his guitar because he knew I would totally disapprove.

And when he came back on stage with the band after taking 3rd place, he took the microphone and somewhat jokingly said, "This is the happiest day of my life and I want to thank my Mom and I want to thank...just my mom."

I smiled for so long my cheeks hurt.

Comments

[Vanessa]

What a beautiful story - so sweet. You're a great mom!

[Kelli]

As much as I love a good cry in the morning, tomorrow could you post something that doesn't make me short out my keyboard.

[Kimberly Minyard]

i just started to cry. I want my daughter to feel that way about me and her dad. it shows that you are an awesome mom.

[Anne]

Goood thing! And I love the song they did! Must have been awsome to hear it live and played by these talented guys one of which is YOUR son!! Congrats!
Love,
Anne

[Sierra]

LOL You crack me up seriously! lol I LOVE the guitar toss! And the licking??? Only real rockstars do that! Go get 'em Ross!

[JeanetteB]

I'm sure their version of Weightless was wonderful, but I TOTALLY would have voted for She Talks To Angels too. Was just listening that one on the way home today, LOVE IT! So glad you got that "licking the guitar" shot! : ) (giggle)

[Dina]

Such a great kid! And such a great Mom for raising such a great kid!

[teresa b]

Darn it Karen Russell.. you did it again!!

[Lauren]

So sweet. I am a new reader to your site. I love your amazing photography! I also love the stories you tell through your pictures. Hopefully one day I can enroll in your photography workshop. I'm sure you are a wonderful photography teacher!

[kat-in-texas]

You keep stepping out of Hallmark cards this week, Nellie!!!
(sniff...sniff)

[Sharli]

Oh my! I have tears in my eyes. You are so blessed - and I am so happy for you!

[tanyawebster]

WOW. I got pretty teary reading this.......i've said it before but I'll say it again....Ross is one amazing kid.....and I've said THIS before too but I'll say it again too (because you need to hear it) YOU ARE AN AMAZING MOM!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ;)

[Jenn Hughes]

I smile every time I open your blog. Thank you.

[Lovely Cee.]

i love Ross and i want to thank you- just you karen because you raised him to be the best:) great pictures eventhough there were only soft blue lights:)

[Rae Clevett]

You need to journal that day. Do you get time to scrap anymore?

[Tracy]

FUN!! I have to agree...the licking of the guitar is GROSS!!

[Mary Ann]

what more could you ask for Karen than those wonderful words from Ross. So sweet. Oh and the guitar licking, ummm I guess that's just an added bonus ;)

[Lan Amphone]

That gave me the goosebumps, you have the sweetest kids, a total reflection of you!