I love country music. I don't live in a place where country music is popular. We don't even have a country music station where I live. I have satellite radio and it is always on the highway channel.

I grew up listening to all kinds of music. From beach boys to the beastie boys, Ac/Dc and the rolling stones. My parents listened to doo wop, Frank Sinatra, the beatles and Johnny Cash. I loved Madonna and Michael Jackson when I was a teenager. I have gone to half a dozen dead concerts. I wore tie-dye and toe rings.

A few years ago, my husband planned a vacation to Nashville. He wanted to go to the Grand Old Opry. I knew country music - Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings, Dolly Parton. I had heard of Martina McBride and Shania Twain. I wasn't a country fan though. One trip to Nashville changed all that. I came home with a pair of cowboy boots and a love of country music.

I can relate to Country Music, I can laugh listening Country Music, I can dance to Country Music. But what I really love about country music are the musicians themselves. They give back. They believe in our country. They salute and appreciate our armed forces.

My kids are country fans too - because its what they hear in the car or when I have the satellite on in the house. My girls love it, my son tolerates it - I catch them all singing along much of the time. My daughter was a Taylor Swift fan before any of her friends or Disney knew who Taylor was. Recently my big kids "discovered" Salt and Pepper and Donna Summer and Run DMC when they started looking through some of my old CD's. They got to hear what their mom used to listen too when she was younger - maybe gave them different view of "Mama before she was Mama." When they are grown, it will be county music that defines their memories of their parents. Check their ipods- next to Miley, Gwen and Fergie are Carrie, Brad and George.

Last night I sat and watched the CMA's - and loved every minute of it. From the glitzy dresses to the music to the cowboy hats. Thank you Country Music.

Cara's two cents: yes even I watched a little...I do love that Darius Rucker and you can attest to him playing in my car, and I love that Taylor Swift too...she is a class act. So Yeehah cowgirl you may convert me yet!