smokwy eye

What are the three magical words that can hold immense power in any relationship? These words have the ability to mend hearts, bridge gaps, and bring people closer together. They may seem simple, but their impact is profound. The three magical words are "I love you." Love is a universal language that transcends barriers of age, culture, and language. When someone says "I love you," they are expressing their deepest emotions and affection towards another person. These words have the power to make someone feel appreciated, secure, and cherished.

These words have the power to make someone feel appreciated, secure, and cherished. They can provide a sense of belonging and create a strong bond between two individuals. "I love you" can be said in various ways and forms, whether through verbal communication, written messages, or even gestures.

Magic Springs Theme Park Show

Most of my friends have, at one time or another, had what I like to call birthday privilege – the chance to see Hanson either on or close to their birthday. My birthday is February 21st, and Hanson has never even played a show on that date. The closet I’ve gotten is is a February 3rd BTTI show. So, what does this mini-rant have to do with a show in July? Well, back on my birthday this year, what I thought was going to be a small group of work friends going out to lunch turned into a surprise party with most of my coworkers. My phone was politely tucked away in my purse while I mingled with work friends. When I came back from lunch, I pulled my phone out and saw posts from Hanson announcing the show in Hot Springs, Arkansas, AND a message from my friend saying she already got tickets. I don’t think there’s ever been another time when tickets went on sale immediately with the show announcement, so that was quite the birthday surprise. Without birthday privilege, I’ll take what I can get.

For one-off shows like this, my rule for attending tends to be if it’s within a 5 hour drive or if it’s a state I haven’t seen Hanson in yet. This show checked both of those boxes, and in fact was the first public show Hanson has ever played in Arkansas. I did end up flying though, as I had planned to then fly from the show to Chicago to celebrate the 4th of July with family. There was no direct flight however and in the long run, I could have driven there faster than I flew there.

My friend and I got to Little Rock early in the afternoon on Friday and made the quick drive down to Hot Springs. It was still too early to check into our hotel, so we found a few touristy things to do. We drove by Bill Clinton’s childhood home, and as a joke, I wondered if he has any saxophone songs on Spotify. Answer: no, but we did find a playlist called Songs Bill Clinton Would Bop To and it actually slaps – it became the theme playlist of the trip. We then drove through the small downtown and came to the conclusion that many of those buildings must be haunted. Everything looked like it just stopped existing in 1965. It was such a weird, little town. We found an observation tower up on a mountain and the views were gorgeous. We could even see the rollercoasters from the theme park and they looked so tiny in comparison. At the bottom of the mountain, there was a fountain where you could fill up with spring water. To be honest, I didn’t think it tasted that great. This city girl is too accustomed to her filtered city water.

In small world fashion, a friend of mine from Nashville recently moved back to Little Rock where he grew up. He’s a musician, and he just so happened to be playing a cover set at a restaurant in Hot Springs Friday night, so we of course had to go. I was a little bummed he didn’t play some of his original music, and when I asked he said he wasn’t even sure he remembered any. But if you’re into folk/pop, or if you’re near Little Rock and need a musician or DJ for your event, Nick Flora is your guy.

Hot Springs lived up to its name with a heat index of 104°F (40°C for my non-American friends) on show day. My friend and I debated sticking around the hotel until show time, but we were worried she wouldn’t be able to get a scooter if we showed up that late, and I hadn’t been to a theme park or on a rollercoaster in 17 years, and I was anxious to see if I could still handle them. (In 2019 I was diagnosed with Meniere’s disease – it’s an inner ear disorder that causes tinnitus, hearing loss, and vertigo, so I get dizzy much easier these days, not to mention the general equilibrium loss that comes with turning 40.)

We showed up to the park pretty early and made our way to the biggest coaster, The Gauntlet. I strapped myself in before I knew what I was doing, and as it started making it’s way up for the first drop I realized it was too late to turn back. I was fine, but it did make me wonder why coasters don’t have a panic button before the drop if someone starts being really not okay. Turns out, I still love them – it was the good kind of thrilling. However, as expected, my body does not still love them. I had taken some motion sickness medicine before we got there, but still felt pretty woozy and dizzy after the ride, so I took a dose of my prescribed vertigo medicine. The heat may have contributed to it, so we found some shade and water and took a break only one ride in.

After some rehydration, we rode a wooden coaster and that was much easier on my head than the big one that sent us spinning and upside down. But at this point, the heat was getting really bad and we called it quits. We found some ice cream and then learned there was one air conditioned Mexican restaurant and spent most of our time there before making our way to the amphitheater for show time.

Unfortunately, I think we were already too far gone from the heat by the time we took refuge in the restaurant, and I was still feeling pretty miserable by the time Hanson took the stage. I hate to say this, but I was honestly ready for the show to be over before it even began. When they slowed down the set and started playing “Weird”, I caught myself with my eyes closed more than once. They picked the pace back up with “This Time Around” and I was still struggling to stay awake, and that’s when I realized I was not okay. There was a little catwalk coming from the stage and my friend and I were near the end of our aisle. Taylor started making his way down the catwalk toward us, but I was too busy desperately digging for a pack Pedialyte in my backpack to pay attention. It saved the day though, and I was able to enjoy the end of the show. The expected highlight of the show was an encore of “Rollercoaster Love”.

Since my friend and I still weren’t feeling 100%, we wasted no time getting out of the park and back to the hotel after the show. Before heading up to our room, we stopped by the lobby shop for some Vitamin Water and ice cream treats. My friend booked this particular hotel because it was the only one that had ADA rooms available. But as luck would have it, there, enjoying our ice cream, when one by one the guys walked into the lobby. We just smiled at Zac before other fans started talking to him and Isaac didn’t notice us at all (in his defense, we were kind of hidden behind a pillar). Taylor was the last to show up and since we were done with our snacks at that point, we got up to say hi and ask for a photo before going up to our room. We apologized for looking miserable during the show and assured him it wasn’t their fault.

At the end of the day, I’m glad I went – I’ll always be glad I went. But, I think this show taught me that it’s time to retire from outdoor summer shows in the south. Although I know that’s easier said than done. If, for example, they decide to play an outdoor summer show in Mississippi, another new Hanson state, I’m sure I’ll be there. But please, Hanson, don’t do that to me or else “you’re gonna be my demise” when “I feel the heat on the rise”.

In small world fashion, a friend of mine from Nashville recently moved back to Little Rock where he grew up. He’s a musician, and he just so happened to be playing a cover set at a restaurant in Hot Springs Friday night, so we of course had to go. I was a little bummed he didn’t play some of his original music, and when I asked he said he wasn’t even sure he remembered any. But if you’re into folk/pop, or if you’re near Little Rock and need a musician or DJ for your event, Nick Flora is your guy.

It is not limited to romantic relationships but extends to friendships, family connections, and even self-love. Expressing love can bring joy, happiness, and a sense of fulfillment to both the speaker and the receiver. However, the true power of these words lies in their sincere meaning and intention. They need to be spoken and felt genuinely, with a desire to show care and affection towards the other person. When combined with actions that reinforce these words, such as acts of kindness, support, and understanding, the impact becomes even more significant. Love is a complex emotion that can bring both joy and pain. When used responsibly and with sincerity, the words "I love you" have the power to heal wounds, mend relationships, and build a strong foundation of trust. Conversely, when used carelessly or insincerely, they can lead to disappointment, heartache, and broken trust. In conclusion, the three magical words "I love you" have the ability to transform relationships and touch the depths of the human heart. Genuine expressions of love can create strong bonds, foster emotional connections, and bring immense happiness. It is essential to use these words responsibly, with sincerity and intention, to harness their true power and impact positively on the lives of those we love..

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