Ah, youth…sweet, glorious youth… They say you’re only as old as you feel. Well, this past Monday I felt like I was 16 again. Briefly, mind you, but I loved it!

Being as visible in our community as I am, I tend to get quite a few invitations to a myriad of events. And, because I enjoy staying involved, I honest DO try to attend as many as possible. When I received the note from the managers at the Lititz Holiday Inn Express I was delighted. This particular occasion was an “official re-launch” of their Express Start Breakfast Bar and would include a full breakfast. Food? Say no more, I’m there.

After picking up my friend, Kelly, we headed over to the inn, both of us looking forward to this unique get-together.

We entered the lobby about ten minutes early and were immediately greeted by Jody and Shay (the managers), who both greeted us enthusiastically. I had not been there since the expansion project so we were treated to a personal guided tour of the new two-room suites. I had already seen their standard rooms, which are lovely, but these new suites beat them by a mile; each one has a working fireplace, a kitchenette with a mini-fridge and a microwave, a separate living area and private bedroom area and the bathrooms are huge. Oh, and the bed—like a cloud! I’ll tell you, if I were from out of town and had to stay in Lititz for a while, I’d definitely want to stay in one of these suites!

Jody led us back downstairs and we headed into the breakfast area. It seemed that we were still the only ones there. A little strange but the most important thing on my mind was that countertop filled with all kinds of delicious goodies.

Kelly and I filled our plates and returned to our table as Jody came to join us. It was a pleasant time; eating, catching up, eating, discussing Lititz news, eating… very pleasant. But trust me, it was about to get even better.

In the middle of my chocolate chocolate-chunk muffin, Jody was called to the front desk. Kelly and I immediately began chatting again while I continued picking out all the chocolate chunks from my muffin. Suddenly, I heard my name drifting in from somewhere out in the lobby area.

“Kathy, come here a minute,” Jody called.

I looked over at Kelly and shrugged my shoulders with an “I wonder what this is all about” expression.

“Okay,” I called back, “I’m on my way.” I excused myself and quickly walked out of the room.

Then it happened.

I took about four steps around the corner and stopped dead in my tracks.

I think my mouth dropped open (I can’t remember but it WOULD figure for me) and I felt myself turning a bright red. That’s the worst part, you know? I could FEEL myself turning red. Good Lord!

There he stood in all his gorgeousness (no other term could possibly apply). I just stared at him with a huge, goofy—no stupid—grin on my face. I locked eyes with him and all I could get out was, “Hi.”

His name is Woody Bradshaw, a country singer whose voice is almost as lovely as his face—and hair—and … Anyway, he’s a hunk that can really sing! He was in town as part of his radio tour and was staying at the Lititz Holiday Inn.

So there I stood (yes, in my cowboy boots), still grinning but now a cherry red.

A true gentleman, he calmly, sweetly responded with, “Hi” and big, perfect smile.

Not losing eye contact I asked him, “I’m red, aren’t I?”

“Yup, you sure are,” he assured me as he flashed a multi-kilowatt smile at me.

Yes, at age 55 I found myself standing there blushing like a teenager. My mind flashed back and I realized that this was the very same reaction I had when I met Peter No one years ago. Thankfully, like then, I snapped out of it relatively quickly.

“Would you like one his photos?” his manager Cathy asked me.

“Oh, yes, yes, I would,” I babbled.

Woody took the photo from his manager and without hesitation began writing on it. I assumed that it would be the typical sort of promo greeting that every star writes but instead it read, “To Kathy, I ‘really’ appreciate the blushing. Woody Bradshaw.” As I read it aloud everyone there laughed and I turned bright red all over again.

We had about 15 minutes to stand and talk with Woody and to our delight, we discovered that he’s not only talented but it turns out that he’s down-to-earth, honest-to-gosh nice guy. Yup, I really liked this man.

“Woody,” I began tentatively, “if my husband says it’s okay, can I keep ya?”

Everyone laughed and he shook his head.

“Well, then,” I continued, hoping for the best, “could I adopt you?”

Later, when I told my husband about my morning, unfortunately he would not give me permission to keep Woody.

“Honey, you know how these things go,” Darryl explained gently, “you’ll bring him home, he’ll mess up the carpet…no, I don’t think bringing him here would work.”

Well, maybe I can’t keep him but I CAN keep the CD he gave me, “Lightning in a Bottle.” I’ve played it about seven times now and I’m quickly learning the words to the songs. Although Woody is described as a “country” singer, I beg to differ. As I said, I’ve listened to his songs many times and they are not typical “country” by any means. The songs that Woody has written will, more often than not, tug at your heart and at other times, make it race. Mark my words, this is a talented young man who has not yet reached the top but I promise you sincerely, he most definitely is on his way. And Woody—I’ll say that right to your face when I see you again—and I’ll do it without blushing!

www.woodybradshaw.com – Woody’s official web site that will tell you more about this rising star. It also offers you an opportunity to hear him sing! Take a look and listen; you will NOT be disappointed!