Home Free releases I've Seen video, 1 year ago

It's been one year since Home Free released the video for I've Seen, written by Tim Foust. And where the video is only a year old, the song dates back to Tim's EP, The Way The Story Goes, released in 2010. Then he released The Best That I Could Do CD, in 2012, which also had I've Seen on it. After seeing the Ring of Fire video, by Home Free, featuring Avi Kaplan, I started watching videos of Home Free. I decided to buy their Crazy Life CD and Tim's CD came up on iTunes too, so I bought it. Why not, right? I fell in love with this song, on Tim and Home Free's CDs!

I've Seen was the song that started me down the great and wonderful path that lead me to the kind, crazy, dedicated and party everyday world of the Home Fries, I know today. This song (sorry to sound a little mushy here) took my life back to a place where the days were filled with laughter and enjoyment. Not just because of the all encompassing and soul grabbing music of Home Free, but because I remembered what it was like to enjoy life and not just make through one long day after another. I remembered my music and my passions. I couldn't remember why I gave them up, but I was glad to have them back. I've Seen took hold of my heart and breathed life right back into it. This song convinced me to start writing again. I don't think I've stopped since I heard it, in August of 2014. (If you ever want to read my poems or song lyrics, check them out at http://lifeinmywordsmichelle.blogspot.com/)

I've Seen will always be my favorite Home Free song, because it means so much to me. I have often struggled with which version I like better, Home Free's or Tim Foust's. They are both moving in their own way. Then I saw the video. The video is like hanging out with guys for a few minutes. They give so much and work so hard for what they love and their fans. I love how the include their fans in so many videos. I was even at one of the concerts in the video, just way in the back. Now, since I support them on Patreon, I sit up front! Yeah, baby!

Home Free has revamped this song many times, and the last live video I heard of it, sounded like they'd gone back to one of the earlier versions and I can't wait to hear it live in April! 

If you haven't heard this song or seen the video, or if it's been a while, check it out.
https://youtu.be/u_v_5Jr8bx0?list=PLfWdh4XTtIqnVcLdXTjXzvv_ahtWOC2S7

"Brand new cowboy breed," in California Country, baby

I think many of the Home Fries would agree that Austin Brown is like the little brother of Home Free. Picked on a lot and just cute as a button. Don’t get me wrong, Austin is a good looking man with a soulful and exquisite talent. But his playful side and endless spirit reminds me of the adorable little brother the gets all the girl’s attention We love it when he blurts out what video they are working on, “fangirls” over legends they work with, or forgets the lyrics to a song and makes us laugh. But we really love it when he writes a song that you can’t get out of your head. You hear the words all day and find yourself humming the melody, like California Country.

California Country has a special meaning to me also, because I used to live in Van Nuys and Burbank, California. First time I went to Venice Beach, this small town Texas girl had to do everything in her power not to stare or let out a verbal “OH MY…”. I loved every minute I lived there and miss it. This song and video has brought it all back to me.

California Country is simple, heartfelt, flirty, fun, sweet and beautifully harmonic (am I describing the song or Austin? LOL). The video portrays a bit of a touristy day in Hollywood and Home Free, the new cowboy breed, appears to be having a blast. I have to say that when I saw Adam show the Michael Jackson impersonator his moves, I let out a rather loud, “hell yeah, show ‘em how it’s done, Adam!” I remember a couple Periscope videos that happened the day they were filming this video and they looked tired, but still thought to share their adventures with us fans. From the Hollywood Walk of Fame to the incredibly picturesque scene where they are facing the Hollywood sign to the quiet atmosphere around the fire at the end, this video is charming and this song makes me feel just plain happy. 

This is a fantastic original song by Austin Brown and performed by Home Free. The video gives the song life and Austin gives the song heart. It brought back my California dreams, so Thank You Austin! It’s safe to say we can chalk up another successful video that the Home Fries and new Home Free fans will love! California Country can be found on Home Free's Country Evolution CD. This CD is plum full of damn good country music, from The Oak Ridge Boys' Elvira to several brilliant originals like Don't It Feel Good and Good Ole Country Harmony. This blogger looks forward to seeing them live, again, soon. They just got back from their first overseas tour and if you want to hear how amazing it was, check out Carina's Joys of Life blog and her recent post about the concert in Birmingham at http://carinasjoysoflife.blogspot.com/2016/02/my-first-home-free-show-live.html?spref=tw

See the California Country video for yourself! https://youtu.be/yXiqN1EyJ6Y

 

My personal top 10 Home Free moments of 2015

OK, so Home Free asked what our favorite video of 2015 is and there is no way I could pick just one. But I thought I’d put together a list of my favorite personal Home Free moments from 2015. I had the opportunity to see four concerts this year and met many Home Fries. Not to mention other events that happened this year because I found Home Free and their fans. These are my personal top 10 Home Free moments for 2015. Counting down from #10.

10. Getting amazing encouragement from Carina Lindberg, Genevra Lazzeretti and Leslie Tidd to start both this and my other blog. I have wanted to share for years and these ladies helped me believe in myself! I have some pretty amazing followers too, who keep me going! #HomeFryLove

9. Small after party in Houston left me with a wonderful selfie of Johnny F’s thumb and another of him and Georgene. That’ll teach me to leave my phone on the bar!

8. Meeting Dena Foust in Abilene. I talked with her briefly in Nederland, but in Abilene she stopped Misty McAllister and me and asked us about the birthday VIP picture with our girls (my daughter's bday is Oct. 11, Chris is Oct. 12 & Misty's daughter's bday is Oct. 13). We talked for a few minutes and she is a delightful woman and her mama pride was beaming brightly.

7. Rob remembers me from the Oklahoma City concert at the Dallas concert. I was all giggles after he said “You made it, where are your kids?” In that same VIP my small fry bravely stood between Austin (her fave) and Chris for the VIP photo. She was a little nervous, but did great!

6. I was honored and thrilled to be asked to be an admin for the Home Free’s Home Fries Facebook group by Cynthia Blizzard. I am an admin today and the ladies I “admin” with are absolutely fantastic! I’ve only been able to meet one of them so far, but I hope to meet them all someday! Love y’all! #HomeFryLove

5. I was asked if one of my pictures of Chris could be used for his Thinkin’ posts. I was floored, and I mean I literally hit the floor, when I got the request. Of course I said YES and I was giddy like a school girl when I saw my picture up there on his post! Since then he has used another one of my photos. #smilin

4. In the signing line in Houston, I had the guys sign a collage I had made of each one of them. They all seemed to like the collage, but Adam took particular interest in his. He asked if those were my photos and I said Yes. Then, he looked at me and asked me if I would send him those pictures. I was proud of myself, I said YES, but very calmly (at least I think I did). Then, when out of his view, I freaked out! He said they were really good pictures! #smilinbigger

3. I got the nerve to ask for a hug from each guy in Houston at the VIP signing. I was so nervous, but each gentlemen was sweet and gave me a hug. That was a turning point for me, I’m not so nervous any more.

2. After the concert in Oklahoma City, a bunch of fries went out to eat. About an hour later, who walks in but Chris, Adam and Tim. They came out and took pictures with a family, but Tim came over and took pictures and talked with all of us. I have a great picture with Tim, Misty and me. Yeah, I was nervous and couldn’t speak, so I’m glad Misty did.

1. And Number One is.....meeting Home Fries from all over the world in Oklahoma and Texas. I can’t name everyone I have met, but I will name my new partners in crime. Misty McAllister, Eleanor Dennison and Kimberly Pettijohn. I am privileged to be able to share my Home Free escapades with these ladies. They are my posse! When Misty offered me her extra ticket to the OKC show I was not only meeting them for the first time, but spending the night with Misty. Thank goodness none of us were axe murderers, LOL! Oh, and that was my first VIP, see how cool Fries are!  I have enjoyed meeting so many Home Fries and hope to see y’all at the concerts in the spring. I love the Home Fries, they make everything better! #friesgowitheverything #nothinglikealargeorderoffries #HomeFriesRock

Oklahoma City

Dallas

Houston

Thank you Home Free and Home Fries for a year full of friendship, love, tears, loyalty, complete silliness, oh and some pretty damn good music from some pretty damn amazing guys! I'm not sure I'm ready for 2016 and all it has to offer, but bring it on! #HomeFreeRocksOnIn2016 #HomeFryLove

 Oklahoma City

 Dallas

Houston

Abilene

What's my favorite Home Free video of this year? Really?

Really? Did Home Free really post asking what’s your favorite video of the year 2015? That’s like asking a dog what is your favorite cut of steak or a mosquito what is your favorite blood type. Really? Alright, I’ll play along, let’s go through them and see what happens. 

Everything Will Be Okay – adorable, absolutely adorable and the bear is pretty darn cute too!

I’ve Seen – my favorite song and the video is clips from their tour with Home Fries too!

Thinking Out Loud/Let’s Get It On – let’s just say OH MY and leave it at that!

What We Ain’t Got - Very powerful video and arrangement that will move you and make you think!

The Butts Remix – this is so much fun and so well done, great combination of songs and dance!

Honey I’m Good – another fun video with a great message and a brilliant arrangement!

Mom – tears, tears and more tears, beautifully sung and it will make you cry too!

Crazy Life – just when it couldn’t get any better they go and make a Lego video! Too cool!

Wagon Wheel/Song of the South – I really enjoyed the scenery, the song is catchy and Home Fries!!!

Summer in the Country – an original song with the guys and their families, laid back video and song!

Country Fried Pop – a little bit of everything, a little silliness, but still great talent in a simple video!

Elvira – do I really need to say anything here, freaking awesome and I love the comradery shown!

Fishin’ in the Dark/Boondocks – spectacular artistry and an exceptional arrangement of these songs! (this one was even released on my birthday, SCORE!)

House Party – fun video, fun song, PJ’s and pillow fight, yeah, what’s not too like?

Seven Bridges Road – highly anticipated video and song and delivered perfectly, with perfection too!

Alabama Sampler – another simple video that showcases their talents, singing and arranging!

9 to 5 – Yeah this one just rocks, this video is just fun and excellently done!

Children Go Where I Send Thee – WOW, just wow! Again, the simplicity just makes the talent shine for Home Free and Kenny Rogers!

Do You Hear What I Hear – love their version of the song and this video was stunning!

I’ll Be Home for Christmas – have some tissues handy, this one will have you crying in no time!

Away in a Manager – again that simplicity and talent give this simple scene a beautiful meaning!

Now sure, some of those descriptions might lead you to a favorite or two or three. Let’s face it, this is not an easy decision! Pick one, not a snowball’s chance in Texas could I pick just one! Nice try though.

Can you pick just one favorite?

Home Free YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTFuNYrqAcsmSjgqYMvxOqw

My reaction to Home Free's continued love for their fans

Damn it these men know how to make a woman cry! But trust me, in the best way possible. I've said this before but even though I'm not really old enough to be their mom (with the exception of Austin), I get that proud mama feeling when they do something so great it rocks my soul, like singing at the Opry or working with legends like The Oak Ridge Boys or Kenny Rogers or when the get on The Tonight Show but don't make it and still come out looking like complete and honorable gentlemen and thank the fans for it!!!

I have had tears of joy for Home Free for the past two weeks. And it will only continue as they make their European debut in January. Home Fries on the other side of the pond are in for a shock to their system. They know how epic these guys are, but seeing them live will set their hearts pumping and the spirit soaring with bliss!

As the story gets passed around, I'm sure it changes a little each time so I'll keep it short. They were invited to be on The Tonight Show with Kenny Rogers (bless his beautiful heart) to sing Children Go Where I Send Thee. The guys were on top of the world while their fans looked down at their excitement while floating above them, where the guys put us. However, due to some crazy and unbelievable set of events, three flights were cancelled and the guys ended up booking a very expensive private jet. Once it was too late to back out of the private flight, they were told they could not make The Tonight Show and they were being pulled from the line up.

As the Home Fries were broken-hearted, not for us, but for Home Free, they started offering to help pay for the flight of many dollars. The guys decided to do a Go Fund Me, just to help recoup some of the cost of this golden flight and set a goal of ten thousand dollars. Now, personally I just about fell out of my chair at that amount. However, as I sat in a movie theater watching "Star Wars" with my kids, that ten thousand dollar goal came and went in an hour! I made my small donation to help some men who have made me smile and cry and love life again. It wasn't much, but all those "it wasn't much" donations and several very healthy donations had the guys Go Fund Me total ending at twenty five thousand dollars.

Well the Home Fries were just beaming with pride at what they did. But what Home Free did next made us all weep even more! Their next TV gig was a go and it was delightful. An adorable little girl may have stolen the "cute" part of the show, but Home Free stole our hearts. On the Home & Family Show on the Hallmark Channel, Home Free told this very story. The story of how their fans raised the money to pay for the missed opportunity and more. I was stunned. I cried and did a little goofy dance and well maybe let out a little (ok BIG) scream. I felt that mama pride hitting my soul, my heart and my smile didn't stop for hours! I mean it when I say I love each and every member of Home Free. I joke about the good looks they posses and all their other adorable qualities, but they are just damn good people (from the bottom to the top). God Bless Them (and all the Home Fries too). They also got to sing two songs, Angels We Have Heard on High and White Christmas. Needless to say, they sounded amazing. I can't wait to watch it again (cause DVR!)!

This morning us fries got some more news that gave us another grin and feeling of satisfaction. Home Free let the fans know how they are going to use the extra money. The letter from Go Fund Me was heart felt and brought more tears as they talked about wiping away their tears. I am so glad they made this decision and I think the Fries are too. Home Free will use the extra money to help them with their expenses on their European debut. Now you have to understand that the American and Canadian Fries are so excited for those European Fries that get to see Home Free, that this is a double win. Nice job Chris, Adam, Rob, Tim and Austin. Y'all did good and the Fries love you!

And yet, somewhere in all this chaos and enjoyment, they released another video, which is stunning. This is a must see video of Away in a Manger:  https://youtu.be/UwfqhXhvUTs

Too much excitement for one day!

These gentlemen have me on my toes again! SO many announcements in one day and all so exciting, what are they trying to do break me? Of course I'm referring to Home Free and all the awetasticspectacunificent announcements they made on Friday December 11th.

Let's start with new tour dates and pre-sales. Supporting Home Free on Patreon is worth every penny! We get to see the new videos first and often times get all the marvelous news first. We got to see the new tour dates for next Spring. Then at 10am in each city on Friday we got a pre-sale opportunity to get the best seats available. So many of us were up all night dying for 10am to come along and those that could sleep had visions of tickets and concerts dancing in their heads! This blogger's plan is to go to two shows in Oklahoma. You can support them too at https://www.patreon.com/home.

But this was only the beginning. There is another new video and it's featured by Rolling Stone! I still haven't had a chance to go over Do You Hear What I Hear and they drop a real tear jerker on us. That's right, this new video is so heart warming, but will leave you teary eyed. The song is I'll Be Home For Christmas, the video is five amazingly talented men singing with pure perfection. So why the tears? Well this simple but beautiful video is filled with small clips of some very special people coming home for Christmas. Those incredible people defend this great country everyday, they are our military. Fun and touching clips that will make your heart grow ten times in size and squeeze the tears right out of you. Bravo Home Free, Bravo! And Thank You to all the men and women in the military for all you do.

Now, you would think that would be enough for one day, right? Well, plant your backside and hold on tight, because here comes Santa Claus! It's going to be a very Merry Little Christmas for Home Free AND the Home Fries. Mr. Kenny Rogers, the Gambler gentleman himself, is going to be on The Tonight Show on Monday December 14th and he ASKED HOME FREE TO JOIN HIM and sing Children Go Where I Send Thee!!! My heart is racing again as I type this. I am so incredibly ecstatic about this! The Tonight Show with Kenny Rogers and Home Free!!! This is where I got the same feeling I got when they played at the Grand Ol' Opry. All gooey and sappy and totally freaked out! Such a magnificent opportunity for Home Free. Congratulations!!! Don't be nervous, the Fries will be firmly seated in front of their TV's and computers to watch and have enough faith in y'all, there's no need to worry! Jimmy Fallon get ready to be amazed!

Whew, I'm exhausted now. Too much crazy goodness for one day. Don't forget to tune in to The Tonight Show on Monday and check out their new video I'll Be Home For Christmas. Be sure to visit their website at http://homefreemusic.com/ for their new tour dates and get your tickets before they sell out! Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Kwanzaa and Happy Holidays to all. I can't wait to see what Home Free gets themselves into next!

It's beginning to look a lot like a Home Free Christmas!

http://www.rollingstone.com/music/news/watch-home-frees-stirring-ill-be-home-for-christmas-20151211

Do You Hear What I Hear? He said what?

The past few weeks have been stressful, crazy, fun and busy between Girl Scout cookie mom stuff, photography classes, volunteer photography and trying to find a new job. But in all the insanity of life it’s always a sweet surprise when we get a new video from Home Free. The best part is the last video they released is my favorite Christmas song, Do You Hear What I Hear? This video is not only stunning and powerful, but Adam arranged it. Not that I should be shocked, his talents are endless! And that ice castle is wicked!

I’ve been trying to find time to give this video the write up it deserves, but then something happened and I’m afraid it takes precedence over this amazing video.

First, a little background. Mr. Walter Coates gave his beautiful bride, Beth, a wonderful birthday present of tickets to see the Home Free for the Holidays concert in Durham, NC. He got her VIP tickets, so she got pictures with Home Free and their autographs, the royal treatment. Walter you deserve a great big hug and kiss for that present!

Before we go further, I really must lay down some warnings. Many have already seen the video I am referring to, but I think the warnings still need to be heeded, as I still have to be careful when watching this video. Prior to watching this video do not have any beverages in your hand or nearby, do not be eating, it’s best to be sitting down and not in a place where you must be quiet and make sure you have visited the little boys or girls room.

After all the VIP festivities the concert began. I can’t say much about the rest of the concert, but this little gem came out after Tim Foust posted “Did anyone get a video of our special rendition of Colder Weather last night in Durham?” Well, of course this had the curious cat in all of us leaping around to find out what happened. Remember the warnings and take a look for yourself at Walter’s video (don’t forget to come back): https://youtu.be/DwExsDGUj-w

OMG, my side hurts from laughter. Austin, you sweet southern adorable man, you are one of a kind! We all forget words to songs, but no one and I mean no one can make it sound that good and keep singing. Austin gets the Rock Star No Matter Mmmmm Ooooo Award! Rob, poor, poor Rob. But he did a fantastic job of keeping it together, at first. I love how Chris gives that little look when he heard Austin stumble. He knew things weren’t right, but I’m sure he had no idea what was about to happen…Tim. I dub thee Timstigator. Three times! Tim stirred up trouble three times! I love it when he takes a deep breath, trying to keep it together, before he busts everyone up with his solo.... nanananana (and the guys come in right on time, amazing). Tim is talented, good looking, smart and TEN YEARS OLD! Don’t ever change. I reinstate my question posted several months back….How many times does Tim get sent to his room on tour (not enough I’m certain)? Adam is the one that always has to provide the background sounds and usually doesn’t lose it, but I found it hysterical that he would beatbox, turn and laugh, beatbox, turn and laugh. Bless his heart. Although, if he can burp while beatboxing, then why should laughing be any different? Oh, that’s right….Tim.

We’ve all said Home Free could sing the phone book and we would still listen and love it. However, if you sing “I forgot the words”, there will be laughter, sarcasm, Tim and maybe a little unforgiving ribbing for months to come, but we love Austin!

What an extraordinary atmosphere to be able to have that kind of fun during a song and know that the fans are going to eat it up like homemade pecan pie! Walter, you couldn’t have picked a better night for a birthday celebration. Thank you for sharing it with us! I hope y’all had as much fun as the guys did, during this song and as much fun as the Home Fries have had sharing it! This is PRICELESS! Home Free is the music, laughter, kindness and down to earth goodness that makes people feel better every day! We should all be able to laugh at ourselves (and each other in good fun) like this.

Don't forget to check out their new video: https://youtu.be/wIQQDYaoWpc