liney23

I'm not merrieeee, and I can never remember WHERE in the world Clay and Reed were on vacation when this was taken, but here's the picture. It's a good excuse to post the entire thing again!

ldyj... this picture has been my screensaver since it first appeared. I love it.

Hee - I'm guessing that means he's feeling better... or plans to be by June.

Wow, it'd be pretty difficult to find two more opposite personalities in a couple, wouldn't it? I wonder if Clay will be in the audience.

cindi... I'm not so sure their personalities are all that different. They both are friendly, caring, funny, gorgeous, and did I say gorgeous??? What is totally opposite is their attitudes about their bodies. Reed has no problem showing off his body and being a dancer that is totally normal. For Clay, going barefoot is almost being an exhibitionist... BWAH!!! I wouldn't mind at all if Reed rubs off on Clay a bit... wait, I'm not sure that came out right.

Claygalsal... WELCOME!!!

Wahoo for big bucks being spent on Clay. Somebody knows what they have.

Why yes I believe we do!

eeee for new bit-o-pic and eeee for tickets to Biloxi!

Oh in case there is any doubt I LOVE CLAY AIKEN

merrieee... eeeeee for the "bit-o-pic (TM merrieeee - sorry, I can't get the font size thingy to work) LOL Love your new word!

I finally read about the Icelandic eruption. Wow!

KAndre... proletariat, indeed! I've always secretly wanted to be part of an uprising... LOL

I love the OFC fun for these next few days. Someone is using their noggin for a change. And, a new OFC.

Can't wait to see that.

Angst is what I feel when my close to clinically insane boss has the misfortune to be in London when Icelandic volcanos blow up and wants me to get him a flight back to Houston immediately. Even though NO ONE IS FRICKIN' FLYING. NO ONE. Clay wouldn't do this to me - that is one of the reasons I love Clay. He knows that volcanos mean "Sit your ass down and enjoy some frickin' free time in frickin' London on the company dime". Even though the English people deceived me on a party invitation. Apparently, "Carriages at 1 am" actually means in English-speak "You have to leave now. You don't have to go home, but you can't stay here" and not "Cinderella's/Queen Elizabeth conveyance will be hauling you around, you special person, you!".

KAndre... I feel for you... been there, done that. Can you fly him to Japan and then home or are all airlines staying grounded? Can you change your cell number quickly???

Perhaps you can arrange a bevy of African Swallows to transport your boss out of England, KAndre. Is he willing to dangle from a bit of creeper tucked under the dorsal guiding feathers? Is he any where near Mercia?

cindi... BWAH!!!! Excellent solution!!!!

keeping... tell us how you really feel! LOL I think you are totally right from what I have heard. I've not watched the show since Jordan Sparks year. Don't intend to unless... but, from remarks he made last year, I don't think Clay has any anticipation of going on Idol. He is so above them, but if his managers say... think of the millions of viewers... maybe. I think he'll do better than fine without their help.

OMG - now come and explain my outburst to my boss. Please.

I would purchase a vinyl record of Clay's in.a.heartbeat! For the record jacket alone, babaay. *sa-woon*

I don't need no stickin' phonograph

tree... if you don't mind sayin', what were the family problems. I saw the end and thought it was his first Masters from the tears and how tight he held her.

liney, this is far from his first Masters. He has won it twice before but has "come sooo close" many times, only to blow it. He's just not very consistent in his game play but I love him for it just the same. This past year both his wife AND his mother were diagnosed with breast cancer

He competed very little on the circuit this year due to his wife Amy's difficult treatments and his mental game. When he did compete she and the kids were not able to be with him which made it more difficult for him (apparantly she was barely able to physically get out of bed and make the car ride down to the clubhouse just in time to see him win on the 18th). He took some heat for it because there was A LOT of hype in the golf community that he would take up the slack left by Tiger's absence at the big events. It was a minor hot mess all around.

tree... thanks for the info. The golf community can go fry itself... he did the right thing.

Reed has one gorgeous body... fans self frantically Clay is sexy to me because of the width of his shoulders, the twinkle in his eye, the smile on his face, and the hugeness of his heart. Clay's numero uno for me. I hope they both think they got soooo lucky... LOL

caro, I stopped by and dropped off a comment on your blog. thanks for keeping us informed!

My local PBS station shows this kind of retro / classics / standards musical programming constantly during their pledge drives, so my fingers are crossed that they'll pick-up Clay's special and show it at least a couple of times.

As does the one here in the SF Bay area, so I'm very hopeful

I mean, if they can show that Peter Marshall Big Band special over and over and over and ....you get the idea. Seriously, I'll be uber pissed off if they don't repeat Clay's until I am "sick of seeing him". :clay:

Now a little OT -

I have truly enjoyed watching The Master's Tournament this weekend. It's been fun and had very few commercial interruptions for a change*g*

But the best part of it was my other bf was playing his best game in a long time and I had to cheer him on! Phil Mickelson may not be the greatest to play the game or the most consistent (heh) but he is one of the classiest (just like my other bf ) athletes out there these days and he's been my favorite to follow for so many years now. And given all he and his family have been through this past year today was made all that more special!It was a very emotional finish and when I saw the tears streaming down his cheek I nearly lost it.

Congratulations, Phil, on winning your third green jacket. And to Amy, who made the trip for the first time this year to see her husband WIN!!

I'm still wiping tears away

tree... if you don't mind sayin', what were the family problems. I saw the end and thought it was his first Masters from the tears and how tight he held her.

I received this email from Decca over the weekend, spotlighting their April releases, and it was quite well done. The text for Rufus Wainwright's release is as follows:

Rufus Wainwright marks his sixth studio album with 'All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu', to be released April 20th on the Decca Label Group.

View the video below for a behind the scenes look at the making of this hugely personal and deeply emotional upcoming album.

Preorder the CD: iTunes | Amazon

Preorder the Vinyl: Amazon

the Vinyl???!!!!! Dare I hope??? I don't care what anybody says, to my ears there's NOTHING like the Vinyl!

And the covers are the BEST!

keeping... explain Vinyl, please. I still have vinyl records from my youth, thru John Denver, but nothing to play them on. Do I need to get my record player fixed??? The things I do for Clay!!! LOL

Whooo hoooo.... my work computer let me post!!!!!!!! This is going to be a good day (hoping hard, since I'm getting my taxes done tonight.

Boy, you know you've been working too hard when you type in your login info three times before you figure out that you are trying to login to FCA with your email address and password... BWAH!!!

Things should be fairly calm for awhile... I hope!

I love the hi-res pics from the new cd cover, cindi and kareneh!!! Thanks!

deya... Welcome!!! and anyone else who wants to/already has join/joined us. This is the bestest board around, and I'm not predjudiced in the least!

I just watched that Ashville banter on CNN. Hi-sterical!!! I sure hopes he exercises that wit on our Timeless Tour.

tree... you can whistle all you want, but we won't soon forget that briney typo. My favorite was a memo that what going out (from the client, thank goodness) that had Butt in the title... BWAH!!! I was nice and took the extra "t" out before sending it on, but I laughed about it for weeks... since it wasn't me that made that mistake.

Hi, everyone... long time no see! I have been working solid since last Sunday, 12 to 14 hrs a day on this proposal at work. (yes, today, too) It goes out tomorrow and hopefully things will be normal for awhile. I read at lunchtime but I cannot post at work.

Good news... my boss is so appreciative of the hours I put in that he gave me a round-trip first class plane ticket to Reno for Clay's concert and is going to reimburse me for ticket and hotel. That is totally cool. That way I'll be fine for getting from Reno to LA for the next night's concert.

Bad news... I won't be able to drive treenuts home after the concert, couchie. However, since my boss is paying for my room, tree... you get a free stay!

I live in SoCal and that earthquake was scary cause it lasted for awhile and when that happens it can be bad. I also felt one large aftershock, but no damage was done by either that I know of personally. It took a full fifteen minutes for the adrenaline in my system to calm down and my blood pressure to get back to normal.

I like the CD cover, but hope on the real cover they pick a slightly better picture of Clay. If not, so be it... I'll buy my 7 copies anyway... or, has inflation pushed that up to 8???? LOL

Bringing this over from CV....apparently Ruben has been posting about the tour on a message board of his....this quote just makes me smile. I'm sorry if his fans aren't being very supportive, but I am sure the Claynation will show him the love.

I know that some of you may not come out and see me with clay but on the flip side all of his fans will be there to support him. They wouldn't care if he was on stage singing with snakes because they support him no matter what.

No, I don't want Clay fans going over there and responding, but if you want to read his comments for yourself you can find them here:

http://rubenstuddard...cc47fcfe1c03adf

luckiest... I so agree with what you posted... Yes... we are just soooo special!!! LOL

I imagine both of them are going to have a blast touring together for those 3 weeks. Clay always brings out the funny in Ruben when they are together. Ruben trusts him and feels safe being himself. Clay would never have loved Ruben so quickly if Ruben was a lump on a log... he's got personality, but I've only seen him display it when he and Clay are together. Sounds like fun to me!

Couchie... congrats on getting to your YouTube account.

From Cindilu...

The man is a star and we saw him go super-nova.

and...

"Oh yeah, he really is just. that. good."

From Ldyj...

"Shoot, I'm still suffering from post-concert giddiness, and I wasn't even freakin' there!"

From merrieeee...

"I really think it is now his time and yes it is about damn time!"

Damn, I can't get away the week of Aug.9th....three family birthdays that week, and one is my DH. It's tough being in love with two three men (almost forgot Reed!)

Claymatron... You almost forgot Reed???? What have you been smokin' woman??? LOL For the life of me I cannot figgure out who's luckier, Clay or Reed????

Didn't Clay play the Verona casino during the

Lord of the Manor Tour?

Joyful Noise Not-a-Tour?

Big Banter Tour?

.. that Tour in 2006 when he wore tight pants and long hair and sang Christmas songs and used words like ... crotch?

keeping... you mean the "Oh My" tour???? I loved almost every single scrap of every single concert that winter. I did NOT like the hair cut he got between Charlotte and Raleigh, but he was very funny in both!

For me, Verona shall always be known as the "look at his chestnuts crotch" venue

Gawd he was yummy on that tour

tree.... BWAH!!! The man was so at ease with his bad self that tour. Like he lost his excessive modesty. I'm sure glad Reed (I'm assuming here) got him to give up his security t-shirts... whew!!!

In case anyone is interested I'm going to Reno! eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Oh well off to (reno) work I go. I'ts a tad busy for me right now! Reno is coming!

I have been soooooo busy I just cannot wait for (Reno) April 10, when I can finally get a day off! Plus it's closer to July...oh did I mention I'M GOING TO RENO?

merrieeee.... RENO??? Yay!!!!! Another FCAer I get to meet!!! This is just so exciting!

Merrieeee, have you decided which show you are going to go to yet?

OT: Bottle, yes Spring is in the air. And yesterday it actually felt like a early summer day yesterday. It was a bittersweet day for me yesterday. My new job is not very far from the area where I grew up. Yesterday I drove over to a BofA in my old neighborhood. The one I used to go to with my very first bank account. It was right across the street from KFC I worked in high school (which is now a IHOP). But the entire neighborhood has changed. There were only three buildings that I recognized -- the bank, a card parler, and a liquor store LOL. Everything else is shiney brand new - the entire city almost regentrified. But I love the changes. Pixar owns a big chunk of space. Hell even our favorite fan club has its home in Emeryville. I grew up in Oakland but half my block was Emeryville so that's how close. Anyway, as I was driving back to work I passed The Boys and Girls Club which made me look down that block when I drove through the intersection and I could see a Baptist Church. My best friend growing up used to frequent both places. We met in 6th grade and were inseperable even to our first years in college where we lived together. But we split up for sophmore year becasue I went ot USC and she went to UCLA and we both needed to be closer to our schools. Anyway she was all over my mind yesterday and as it so happens it was also her birthday. She was killed about 20 years ago. Many of the people I grew up with got swept away in the crack epidemic and she was an ultimate victim. Last night I pulled out some pictures of us back when we had not a care in the world.

{{{{{{Couchie}}}}}}

And yesterday it actually felt like a early summer day yesterday.

Wasn't it Mark Twain who said, 'the coldest winter I ever spent was a summer in San Francisco?'

Anyway she was all over my mind yesterday and as it so happens it was also her birthday. She was killed about 20 years ago. Many of the people I grew up with got swept away in the crack epidemic and she was an ultimate victim. Last night I pulled out some pictures of us back when we had not a care in the world.

I can relate. I went to a new school in the 4th grade and the girl who befriended me on my first day became my best friend for life. We were inseparable. Her birthday was January 8th, and every year she reminded me that she shared a birthday with Elvis Presley. Beth died suddenly with meningitis a month into our senior year in high school. The annual news reports of the anniversary of "Elvis's birthday" always stop me in my tracks.

{{{{{{keeping}}}}}}

This week has finally felt like spring down here. We had such a cold winter this year. I've finally put the space heater away till next October.

If Clay was looking for reviews of the PBS taping on the OFC, I wish him luck. It took me two tries to find it in the Party Thread over there.

I'm so excited... I get to meet treenuts and wandacleo and ldyj and whoooooeeeeee!!!

You don't want to meet me? sniff sniff I want to meet you! And .. treenuts and wandacleo and the many many fans I've yet to meet!

ldyj, EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE, please scrape me off the ceiling please!

couchie, it's about damn time I get to see you again!

keeping... I am beyond thrilled to be meeting you in Reno. I wrote that post before I read that you were going.

Come on for CA! He did well at Pala and their food was excellent.

Luckiest... I'm not sure why, with all these years of concerts under their belt, Team Clay doesn't know that we'd likde to get the whole concert list at once to plan trips. Whatsupwithat???

I'm in Reno... or will be!!!!

I'm a goin'!!! I'd love a partay, too!!!!!! I'd even help plan one, but don't have the time to be the sole planner.

I'm so excited... I get to meet treenuts and wandacleo and ldyj and whoooooeeeeee!!! I haven't been in a fan get-together since Vegas after the On Ice special filming.

couchie... you drive her, I'll be a roomie... sounds like a fun plan to me! LOL

Pulled this from getclayaiken...what a great story:

from Claymatron at CV:

I sat by myself at the concert because my ticket was a gift from a lovely, generous lady who upgraded. My seat was central but closer to the back of the orchestra section. Actually, it was perfect. I was able to see the entire stage and use my binocs when I wanted to focus on Clay's face, or whatever, (of course, I'm referring to his feet!).

Anyway, it turned out that I sitting beside a couple from Texas who had never seen Clay in concert but they'd driven 1600 miles for the show because they had found his music on YouTube. They remembered him from AI, but then lost track until a year or so ago when the woman (in her 40's, I'd say) was hospitalized with a very serious medical problem and nearly died. When she came back to her hospital room after one of her many surgeries she looked over at her hubby who was fast asleep from exhaustion in the chair beside the bed and said she felt overwhelmed with love for him. She picked up her laptop and checked YouTube for Celine Dion's version of "Because You Loved Me", which was their song, and found Clay's instead, played it, hubby woke up and the two of them sobbed in each other's arms over his beautiful rendition. They were both hooked and searched YouTube for every song he ever sang, and checked out the internet to find out when he'd next be in concert and found the announcement for the PBS taping. They both loved the show and held hands all the way through it. It was truly a special time for them and I know we have another couple of devoted fans. I have no doubt that Clay will find his way into many new hearts with this album and it will be wonderful that they will love and accept him for who he is and for his amazing talent. It truly warmed my heart and made me realize that because we have followed this man so faithfully over the years, disecting and analyzing his every move, riding the roller-coaster with all it's highs and lows, and being there through it all that we have lost sight of the wonder and beauty of his sheer talent.

It truly made me feel we all need to get back to that - put all the crap behind us, and just enjoy, because that's exactly what he's doing!

ldyj... LOVED this story! May there be thousands and thousands of like stories as this album gets out there to the public!!!

I'm looking for someone(s) to go to the RENO Concert with. I would be happy to drive. I live between the bay area and Sacramento. I am not dangerous and I do not smoke, if that helps.

Please PM me if you are interested. *bats lashes innocently*

tree.... I would love to swing up and get you and go together. I am driving from SoCal and I would love to come get you. We could share a room if you'd like (I am a great roommate, by the way). Not for cost, but for fun!!! Whatchathink???

I gave up on TM and called the hotel directly (1-800-687-8733) and got section E, row 4 tickets.

WAY better than what was coming up with TM.

Wanda... I got F riser, second row, third seat in, so should be a good view. My first and second try were rows 24... geesh!

We have GOT to have a FCA party after the concert, pretty please!!!!! This is so exciting!

So exciting the concert dates are increasing. Now one in Reno..tickets on sale Thursday morning...can someone, anyone give me advice?

Do you think that there will be other concerts nearby, that is, within reasonable driving or busing distance from Reno?

I really would much prefer to go to more than one concert if I'm going to fly 1100km even if I did go much further, around 5000km, for Saturday's amazing concert experience.

I wonder if Clay will have meet and greets other than ones auctioned off.

Lotus... the only thing I know close to Reno is Sacramento and then the San Fran, San Jose area. It would be a whole day's drive for me, but I might do it if nothing else in the west comes up. I wonder why Reno? A Casino, like Atlantic City? I hope he does San Jose... I'd love that. That's if he doesn't come to SoCal. This is soooo exciting!

Since I pretty much ran in and out of the venue before and after the concert I never even saw Reed, so I'll take you all at your word. But no one is gonna affect me like Clay does. I'm still skipping instead of walking since Friday night.

Mr. Fear's surgery went great. I'm a little pooped after sitting around the hospital for eight hours but it'll be worth it if he can walk without pain.

Fear... I'm glad it went well for Mr.Fear!!!

I am still looking for and reading every recap I can find. LOL I've got it bad and, "that's fine with me" tmCHA

Does anyone know where the recaps are on the OFC. I could not figure it out. Thanks!!! ETA: I finally found it!!! It was in the Party thread... I'm not even going to try to figure that out.

And, have as good a week as you can with the time change. I hates this time change with a passion! I suffer for a week until my body has adjusted. Why can't we just get one time and stick with it like Arizona, huh???? Geesh!

I swore I would not go to bed tonight without writing a recap. I appreciate recaps so much more now than I used to when I lived smack in the middle of Clayland and got to go to all kinds of things. I can't begin to tell you what a high this was, what an amazing experience. I sat there with that shit-eating grin on my face the whole time and prayed that I wouldn't be caught mooney-faced on national TV again.

I went to the show with lilyshine and my local concert buddy/lurker friend. We wanted to be sure to get there on time, and also to avoid traffic going into Raleigh during "rush hour" which is in truth "rush hours." So we left my little town to the west just before 3:30 and headed to downtown Raleigh. Got there around 4, 4:15 and got a parking place on the street right at the Marriott. Walked up Fayetteville st., tried to catch the city museum but it had closed. It was wonderful seeing all the fans in pockets everywhere along the street and in various eateries. I got to see some people I had hoped to see or meet, and I wished that all of you could've been there who weren't able to be there. Had tea at Starbucks and then dinner at the Marriott.

As did lot of people, I saw Reed. He's very tall, hard to miss in a crowd, and he's damn good looking in person. Totally GAH worthy.

Two of us were seated in the balcony, third row, right behind the soundboard. Various people tried to offer us closer seats, including some production people, but all were off to the far side of the orchestra or in the side mezzanine, and besides I wanted to watch the process of filming. From our seats we could see all the cameras, as well as two laptop computer/ television monitors showing two of the camera views, and also the sound equipment and of course the people working in the booth. There must have been another location somewhere, outside or backstage, where the actual directing was taking place, and where there were other TV monitors. The negative side is that we couldn't really see Clay's face, because of the lighting and the distance, but we got some good closeup views now and then in the monitors. (Except the people working there had the nerve to keep looking at them and getting their faces in the way. ) There was a fair amount of shots showing the whole band at one, as well as closeups on various instrumentalists, all the soloists of course, and Clay at various distances. Lot of variety. And, as I said, we could just see two monitors.

There was a long, long boom 20 or 25 feet long hovering over the audience, with a guy looking through a lens at one end of it while the camera was at the other end. It travelled around mostly directed at the stage. The guy somehow operated the whole huge thing on his own, I think. He stood on a platform in the back of the side mezzanine. There was a guy with a big camera seated on a rolling platform right in the front who was continally being pushed by another guy back and forth from one side of the stage to the other, sometimes very fast. We did not have that monitor in view and I was very curious as to what those shots looked like and what they were for. There was one guy with a much smaller camera off to my right whom I usually couldn't see, and one or two others I think. There was also someone signing all the lyrics, two woman actually who took turns, in an area off to the left of the left side orchestra section.

Oh and yeah, that Clay Aiken guy. When the curtain opened and he was standing there with his back to the audience, just that silhouette that is so classic and familiar, I felt such a rush I can't tell you. I just wanted to hug everybody for the rest of the night. The crowd was electric. Even the ushers and crew seemed to be into it.

Clay Aiken can flat out sing y'all.

Mack the Knife was like the AI2 performance times a million.

The band totally rocked, and the choice and chosen location of the instruments was fascinating to me. There was a bass fiddle player on the left (not stage left, my left), the drums, Ben on piano and conducting when needed, an electric guitarist, and another percussionist doing that interesting stuff Clay loves with a variety of small percussive objects. To the right there were two cellists, a couple of violinists, some brass (4 guys?), and some others. Looking at the Yahoo picture, I see another keyboardist behind Ben. I'm guessing that is some kind of synthesizer (Rockys mom would know). I also see two people on the right side closest to the audience, one holding a viola or guitar? and someone almost out of the picture doing something I've forgotten.

The sound was just incredible. The band was tight. It was a big band sound, but uniquely Clay also. Y'all have a set list already so no need to repeat that. I thought it was a good variety of tempos and moods, and I didn't have the sense I was hearing "covers" at all. Everything was arranged as a unique, Clay Aiken version, and the band was a huge part of that. For me anyway. And Clay's voice just soared. It filled the room. I think I'd forgotten the way he can do that. Effortless, huge voice with those amazing pure tones.

And Deep! Voice! Clay! was there in full force.

Because it was Raleigh and Memorial Auditorium and because of the theme of the show, it was also for me, especially for the first three or four songs, Clayton Grissom fully grown and handsome, but yet still and totally that guy. That Raleigh boy. Clayton Grissom of Hometown Connection putting on a show for PBS, but mostly classier. (I loved the medley, so funny.) I was struck by how he really has come home, how he has remained "tried and true" throughout AI, becoming a "pop superstar," coming out, doing Broadway, being a dad, everything he's been through. He is still that geeky, skinny, picked-on guy, and now that guy is fulfilling a life-long dream.

Did anyone post that he had all of his Raleigh teachers there? (yes, I see that bottlecap via ldyj did) He talked about how much one particular teacher had meant to him at a time when he was really struggling socially, and introduced her, and then had all of them stand up. It looked like a row or two of people and their families. Someone also said that they were told Clay had flown all of his teachers and their families to see Spamalot when he was in it.

What else? Songs I think Clay "owned" from the moment I heard them, "Misty" and "Crying" for sure. Those two are songs I wouldn't have thought anyone new could own, but Clay's voice on "Misty" was so gorgeous, and "Crying" was simply otherwordly. The woman who sang that with him had a wonderful voice and I enjoyed the idea of making that a duet and the arrangement of it, but when Clay sang on his own on that song it was like nothing I've ever heard anyone do. This is definitely the best duet I've ever heard from him, and he's a man who can sing a duet with a big voiced woman, as y'all know.

He reminded me and everyone that he already owns Mack the Knife, Unchained Melody... and Buttercup. It was so cool that he did that one! And Suspicious Minds.

I missed the first part of Moon River. I had to pee, and ran off to do it, knowing it wasn't totally over, but the curtain did come down so I thought I'd have time. Cutely, the usher said to me, several times, he's coming back, he's coming back, she even yelled to me after I was already in the stall, he's coming back. So I half peed and got my butt back out there ASAP. I can see why she wanted to make sure I didn't miss Moon River.

I also loved "Kind of a Hush" and "In My Life" and didn't think, Oh, that's that Beatles song or Oh, that's Herman's Hermits--I just thought, oh, now he's singing that beautiful song, how wonderful. Likewise he killed on the "standards" like "What Kind of Fool am I" or "Can't Take My Eyes off of You." They didn't seem like songs of different eras, they all seemed of a piece. It was all good, the choices, the order, the arrangements, except that I wanted more, more of everything. It went by so fast and it seemed so short.

jmh... wonderful recap!!! As a non-attendee, I so appreciate those who give details...

luckiest... that especially includes you, as you include your whole trip in great detail and I love every word!

I got home a couple of hours ago, and brought back a souvenir of the evening.

Clickable

I got Reed's signature on his picture in the Mylène Tour CD booklet. He was really a sweetheart about my request and seemed pleased to do it. He hadn't seen the CD booklet before - either he's an iTunes downloader, or maybe he wasn't willing to pay the premium price for an import CD on Amazon like I was. LOL!

bottle... K.E.W.L. Reed is gorgeous, like his significant other... that Clay guy!!! LOL

I think this is from CV, considering the red!

Here is her story: cablegirl

Still in Raleigh; I'm leaving in the morning. Headed out to dinner with a group in about a half hour.

What an amazing experience last night was! Clay was just fantastic... he looked and sounded so good. Jen(Sadie) and I sat together in the 6th row left of the center section and could see everything very clearly.

So many others have done an amazing job of detailing the show and what a fantastic thing we have to look forward to on PBS. I will admit to not knowing about 6 of the songs at all and now look forward to hearing them again on the CD. I just can't wait to see it all again!

One tidbit that I will share is about who I was seated next to. When Clay asked all of his teachers to stand we ended up seated next to most of them (hoping the camera missed us). As the gentleman next to me started to sit down I said oh you were one of his teachers and he said, "No I was his High School Principal and he hated me." Well the show continued on and I waited till the end to talk to him again. He said that Clay was quite a hand full his senior year and that they had more than a few run ins... all said with a big smile on his face... he then told me that he had loved the show, thought Clay was fantastic and then shared something with me that I thought was so cool..... Back at the end of the second run of Spamalot Clay flew him, his wife and a few of the other teachers and their families to New York for 3 days... all expenses paid. He then said "He may have been a handfull, but I think we're all even now" and he smiled and laughed.

All I can say is what an amazing guy we have all chosen to support and follow!

ldyj... thanks for bringing this over. Loved the Principal story!!! That Clay... we always hearing stories of his generosity.

I honestly thought that this was going to be a very hard few days for me. Not being able to go to the concert and then selling and moving out of a house I have lived in and loved for 25 years! I did not want to move but somethings in life are unavoidable. I felt sure I would be full of tears this weekend and in fact I was but not over the move. I was in tears of joy reading the wonderful re-caps and knowing that our man did good. I will always regret not being there but honestly it really was good for me to have something else to focus on.

Thanks to all for the visual pics you painted. (and to my buds in the eHP for the phone calls and texts! ....I love you guys.) It really was as if I was there and it made me feel good, something I did not think would be possible this weekend.

merrieeee... I'm glad Clay and the eHP helped you thru a difficult weekend. {{{{{{HUGS}}}}}

I am so happy this taping went so well and cannot wait to see it and give my money to PBS for Clay goodies!!! Wheeeee!!!!!!!!

I'm on my lunch break -- caught up with the reports. eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Couchie... eeeeeeeeeeeeeee is right!!! LOL

Bottle... thanks for the cool pictures!!! luckiest... send him a kiss from me, please!

This is soooo exciting!!! The reviews from the rehearsal sound awesome. June has never seemed so far away, but time just goes so fast nowadays that it'll be here before you know it. Also, we should get some sweeps stuff in May. I wonder what his performance song will be for tv shows. Wheeeeeee!!!!!!

laughn and I are leaving for the airport in about an hour. EEEEEEEE!!!

I have ldyj's number and have promised to give her a call after the taping tomorrow night. I can't guaranty that I'll have anything more coherent to say than "OMG!OMG!OMG!", but I'll try to take some mental notes.

Later, all!

Well you better at least remember PANTS! & HAIR! missy

OMG I am so excited for Clay and all of the fans who will be there for this once in a lifetime event! I want so much for this to be perfect for him!! Even with my own life in such a damn mess I can't seem to get past my own wishes for Clay's success. Am I crazy

EEEEEEEEEEE I can't wait for the RED to begin!

tree... no,you are not crazy! Kooky, maybe... but not crazy... LOL No, really... I love Clay like he is a member of my family and I wish for his happiness and success almost as much as I do my kids and grandkids. He brings me so much joy that I just want it to continue and expand. And, I have a feeling that it will.

He's in such a good place right now. You can tell how much he has responded to being truthful about who he really is. He's so much more confident and the peace and contentment just oozes out of him. He lifts my spirit and his music feeds my soul.

I hope nothing leaks that shouldn't, but I cannot wait to hear all the recaps!!!

I just ordered 4 Clay CD/DVDs... Whooohooo!!!!!!!!! June 1st. Awesome! I expect some May sweeps appearances on my tv!!! Kimmel???

I am crossing my fingers on that cause I could go see him in person! I've been there for 3 of his appearances and would love to make

#4.

I don't really believe the show is sold out. I mean it is sold out, but many seats may be returned the last afternoon from the scalpers.

I watch Clay's speech still. It gives me such a great feeling of happiness. Can't wait for stuff to replace it, tho!!!!

Here he comes again ...

I am praying for some tour dates to be announced for northern California!

I want to see Clay's stuff (tm liney) up close and personal but don't stand a chance if he doesn't bring it to me

All the best, tree and all CA fans, for lots of "up close and personal" concerts!

Happy Birthday to PerusingOne and soulsista4clay!

Happy Weekend, all!

Caro

Caro.... I agree with all of your post!!! Including the HAPPY B'DAY to Persuingone and soulsista!!!

Tree... I'm really hoping hard (hehe) that we both get to see Clay's stuff up close and personal this summer.

I cannot stop watching Clay's HRC speech. He looks G.O.O.D. and I love the speech. I can't wait to see him perform cause he just has matured so nicely and is so full of confidence that his shows could be better than ever and that's a stretch cause they were pretty dang good before.

This afternoon I was at my DD's and I told her about Phineas and Ferb and she pulled it up on the tv, so I watched a bit. She says my GDDs both just love it. She said to make sure and tell her when Clay will be on. She was excited about a Cluben tour, too, since she loved them and the songs Clay sang on AI. I think this will be a very good year for Mr. Aiken!

Man, I feel like I've been gone forever! I'm finally caught up and am very excited about everything that has happened while I was out sick and out babysitting.

Couchie... I'm very happy to see the FCA front door back. Way to go!!!!!!

I tried to use multi-reply and it worked but I can't make comments to it in this edit box posting I have

to do here at work. I'm supposed to get a new computer in a few months, so until then I think I'll have

to do my replying at home.

I have watched Clay's speech umpteen times. He done good... more than good!!! I loved his speech, I loved his

shoulders, I loved his everything. I'm so proud!!!

I think Clay always brought out the best in Ruben and I think having him on his show will work out just fine

because of that. Clay will make it fun... he always does!

I'm very excited about him being a guest on Phineas and Flurb (or whatever it was). It sounds like a

very good opportunity to show his stuff (not that stuff, treenuts) and a lot of fun for him. Can't wait!

Wheeeeeee! Yes, I was certainly beside myself last night. I loved the way they kept cutting to the Ilderton community centre to show their reactions. And Scott is such a ham, isn't he? I don't know if I've ever seen someone so happy to win gold. They sure made us proud!

luckiest... congrats to you and to Canada!!!!!!!

I haven't seen the Virture and Moir performance yet, as it came on after I had to go to bed, so I'll watch it

on TIVO tonight. I'm very glad they won, tho I really liked their practice buddies from the USA team (can't

remember their names)... their Indian ice dance was awesome!!!

Aspie... loved your montage! I, too, think Reed's modeling is very avant garde and b&w really suited him. Thanks for all the work!