Deeper Connection

Chapter 27

Practical Dream

Karen begins a lifetime of learning life from Carol and the spirits of the land. Becomes the Orange Buffoons Emmy Lou

I would rock my soul in the bosom of Abraham

I would hold my life in his saving grace

– Bill Danoff / Emmylou Harris Boulder to Birmingham Emmy Lou Harris Pieces of the Sky


Deeper Connection

Karen and Madison driving the wonderful sports car parked in the reserved area. Her father seemed to think it wasn’t extravagant because it wasn’t a Maserati or Lamborghini. Karen at twenty was driving many people’s life long and never attained dream. Parking was easy because the concert ticket holders were being shuttled in. When the two attractive young women got out of the very sharp if not completely ridiculous sports car, everyone noticed. The Orange Buffoons and a small entourage were hanging out in an area behind the stage. They had finished the sound check. Madison walked into the press area and left her sketch pad. Then she and Karen went to talk to the band and crew.

Lee came over to meet them. “The band is fine with any still photos and sketches; I am the junior member of the group and younger than the others. I try to not rock the boat. We seem to be gaining attention I want to keep my job.”

“Karen that is a nice car, it must corner well?”

“Yes, it is fun on a curvy road.”

“Do you know how fast it will go?”

“The speedometer stops at a 160, but I don’t know. I would be afraid to find out. Even my grandfather’s firm might not be able to get me out of a ticket at 160.”

“I will introduce you and Madison to the band”- Lee led them into the picnic area that allowed groups to enjoy the outdoors. Lee started with the lead singer and his wife. They had written the song Orange Buffoonery which had first gained the group attention. His wife Sheryl played keyboard and did harmonies. Ray mostly sang but played some funky autoharp thing during instrumental breaks. Lee wasn’t sure it was even on a channel going out to the board.

Ray and Sheryl, this is Madison who will take photos and may do sketches tonight. This is her friend ..”

Ray interjected, “Emmy Lou Harris, Lee this must be the sweet voiced Emmy Lou, don’t disappoint my imagination.”

“OK when she is not being the Emmy Lou of your imagination, she is Karen Parker. One of the Parker family who are our hosts tonight.”

Ray guided Karen over to where everyone else was lounging, “This is Emmy Lou whose family owns this zoo, I do love the Llamas.”

Everyone sipped wine and chatted with Karen, who now was called Emmy Lou by everyone. Sheryl sat with Madison and asked her about her sketches. Madison was thrilled and loved every minute of being backstage. She thought Sheryl was fascinating. Lee hung back sinking into his own world. Ray came over by Lee and also settled into a quiet moment.

Everyone was asking Emmy Lou questions about Parker’s Produce, and Karen the recently christened business expert was answering them. The shuttles were arriving. The crowd energy was going up with people enjoying a beautiful evening.

Carol had thought a capacity of 500 would have been max, but the slope offered more capacity and it would be a full night at 1000. Carol came in just as the stage crew was heading out. Only the band was left.

Lee said, “Thank you, Ms. Parker it nice to have this venue to acknowledge my hometown.”

“Thank you, Lee the band is really kicking off our season with a great night.”

Ray came over, “oh Emmy Lou’s mother, a great venue to finish the tour. Sheryl and I are going on a trip for a couple of months. We will get together with the band and lay down another album when we are back. Lee could help you pick berries or whatever he did here.”

“I was cold storage and no I have other plans.”

“Have a great night.”-Madison gave Lee a hug as they all headed to the stage.

“Madison, we left the truck keys with Pete Navarro. Karen and I are going home to catch up. I have to play at church in the morning for a young man. If no one is home when you get up, we’ll be back soon.”

“I can’t believe you aren’t staying. Front row; it is awesome!”

“I would but I feel like I need to catch up on a lifetime with Carol. Monday morning will come too soon.”

Madison gave them both hugs, “Ms. Parker I thought Karen was getting me into another of her seriously boring, but we do good work projects. I never imagined this dream come true, thank you.”

“Madison when I was sweating and not swatting the biting bugs because it took too much time, I never imagined this dream come true, either. Your Buffoons draw an oddly dressed crowd, I had to wonder what Grandpa Eldon would have thought. I suppose not any different than if Jefferson Airplane had come here in 1969. Have a good time, but not too good. Ruth’s advice to all her kids.”

Karen and Carol stood and watched the opening song then walked to the sports car and left.