Okay, here’s how it started. Matt and I were at the Memphis Zoo in July, standing and staring at Mwelu (the male gorilla) while chatting with Brian Carter, the Director of Marketing & Communications, as Matt began gathering info on the apes for a kids news report for Midsouthmoms.com. In passing, Brian mentioned to us that Mwelu likes to watch tv when he’s in his back bedroom area… say what?? (more…)

Over on the www.IWalkedtheLine.com forum, we’ve been discussing (on a thread called “Searching for truth”) the whole issue of the producers of the “Walk the Line” movie fabricating the whole storyline of tension between Johnny and his dad. I guess the only question that remains about the “Daddy doesn’t love me” story being added to the film, is why did the producers feel the need to add that? (more…)

I just today learned about this movie coming out December 21st that is a parody of “Walk the Line.” Here’s a link to see the movie trailer:

Sony Pictures “Walk Hard” Movie Trailer

Kathy (Cash) and Dick (Distin) did a fantastic job on the show last night!

Dick was asked about supporting Vivian’s decision to write the book, and explained how she always wanted people to know the truth about what happened (as opposed to the stories that were put out there), and he also explained how he came to the realization that Vivian never stopped loving Johnny, though he knows she loved him too. Regarding the book, he said he’s very proud of Vivian for having written it. (more…)

If you are on the east coast and get the Comcast show “It’s Your Call with Lynn Doyle” well, Kathy Cash and I are going to be on it Monday December 10th live from 9-10pm eastern time. If you’re already familiar with the show, you know it’s an interactive show where you call in (and email) questions and comments, so hope to see you all there! They’re devoting the entire hour to Vivian’s story. Yay Vivian! xxxooo Ann

Okay, yesterday my little boy had a basketball game over in Memphis… and on the way there, we drove right past Johnny and Vivian’s old Walnut Grove house! I happened to have my camera in my purse and took these three pictures. Hopefully, you guys can see them on my myspace page (www.myspace.com/annsharpsteen), because that’s where I loaded them. Here’s the URL for photo #1 (I think you’ll be able to see the others too, but let me know). Anyway, I thought you might enjoy seeing them. This is the house where Johnny and Viv and the girls (Rosanne and Kathy, and Cindy, too - as a tiny baby) lived before moving to California. Annie xxxooo

Hi all, just got back last night from trip to North Carolina and visiting two terrific bookstores! First one… Malaprops, in Asheville… wonderful relaxed atmosphere, great coffee, first-rate staff, and the nicest group of people attending my talk about “I Walked the Line.” There were great questions, and as usual I got to leave with a bag of goodies on the house (love free stuff from bookstores!). The next day, it was on to (my favorite bookstore in the whole world) Cyrano’s in Highlands, NC…. I absolutely LOVE this bookstore! I was scheduled after Sandra Brown (talk about tough act to follow!) but it was so exciting to meet her, and I was thrilled when her family came by and bought several copies of Vivian’s book! My little boy, Matt, was with me too, and he signed books too (actually, did the same in Asheville too)… you know, he signed the little crayon picture at the end of Vivian’s book. It was all very funny, and very sweet. He felt so important being asked for his autograph! He did do some work for Mom too though, carrying a poster for the book signing outside on the sidewalk, and bringing in customers. He’s learned that good eye contact and a smile bring people in! I’ll be talking to you soon, after I unpack. There’s lots going on! xxxooo

Hi all, click here to watch a very special “To my Sweetheart, Vivian” video tribute! Enjoy!

Video description:

Touching 1954 recording of Johnny Cash professing his love to then-future wife, Vivian. Johnny recorded this audio letter on acetate record while stationed in Germany in the U.S. Air Force (before his music career) and mailed it to Vivian as a cherished Valentine’s Day present.

This video was made possible by Dick Distin - Vivian’s loving second husband - who steadfastly supported Vivian during her search for healing, and the writing of her memoir, “I Walked the Line: My Life with Johnny” (published September 2007 by Scribner/Simon & Schuster).

(This video was edited by Jenny Crawford, a wonderful friend of mine) Thank you Jenny!

Posted with love, and in honor of Vivian and Johnny (and their four precious daughters: Kathy, Cindy, Tara and Rosanne). xxxooo Annie

In 1954, while Johnny was serving in the U.S. Air Force in Germany, he made a 78 recording for Vivian and mailed it to her… and today it has been unveiled on spinner.com / AOLMusic…. definitely check it out!

On one side of the record, Johnny tenderly speaks to Vivian, professing his love for her… and on the other side, he plays his guitar and sings a song (ironically, a song put out at that time by Carl Smith - who was married to June Carter at the time!). The recording has never been made public until now.

Click here to listen to both sides of the recording.

Hi all,
Remember the San Antonio RiverWalk bench where Johnny carved “Johnny Loves Vivian” in the seat…. the one that the City of San Antonio promised to give to Vivian, and then changed their minds and locked it away in a warehouse? Well, Tuesday night in my own tribute to Johnny and Viv, I defaced ANOTHER public sitting place (with the exact same sentiment - “JOHNNY LOVES VIVIAN”). Let me explain…

Night before last, I had the pleasure of spending the evening at a (terrific!) bookstore in Blytheville Arkansas called “That Bookstore in Blytheville” (John Grisham’s favorite bookstore, by the way) to talk about and sign “I Walked the Line.”

Among the attendees was the mayor of Dyess, the town where Johnny grew up (and it’s pronounced “Dice”… not “Dy-ess” I’m told)… as well as several of Johnny’s fans and people working hard to preserve Johnny’s history in the area, and also women just plain interested in Vivian’s story. Anyway, we all had a wonderful discussion of the book, of Johnny and Vivian, of Johnny’s long career, his growing up in “DICE”… and also got to talking about the San Antonio bench. At the end of the evening, with everyone’s support and encouragement (including the Mayor!) with a magic marker, I wrote in all CAPS on the front of one of their chairs, “JOHNNY LOVES VIVIAN.” I don’t think THIS ONE will be locked away!