Claymatron

It's probably just me, but I am so thrilled that this baby is half American and half Canadian. I know we are neighbors (you'll note I spelled that the U.S. way) but this makes us kin, this makes us all "Aunties" in the North American sense of the word.

That just makes me twice as schmoopie! Thanks Clay and Jaymes! I love your little man already.

I just can't stop smiling! This has been a wonderful day....8:08 on 08/08/08! COOL!!

OMG, such wonderful news. I'm thrilled to pieces over this news, and so glad that WRAL got to announce it. Loved Clay's blog, he sounds so happy..and 6 lbs 2 oz. is a good size.

Wow, I'm never going to be able to concentrate at work today!! But so happy not to have to type IIT anymore!!

IT!!!!!!

Wow, some great posts today. I agree, the IT and NAT were wonderful and fun, but he has grown tremendously since then. I can remember posts from people who only wanted the "rockin' Clay, some who only wanted the "singing" Clay, but for the most part, and I think the majority of us, just want Clay .. singing, rocking, walking, talking, joking, dancing, waving, winking, smiling, laughing. Generally...just "being", as long as it's where we can see him and enjoy him. The rest of the fans are going to be disappointed and move on, but I think the base will still be here. If he ends up entertaining in smaller venues and clubs, so be it. As long as it satisfies his soul and he's enjoying himself, so what? We're bound to benefit from it and, as people have mentioned, he's going to pick up new fans along the way. Mostly, we've got to convince ourselves, and him, that this would not constitute failure, just a sort of settling down.

But if being a superstar is his goal...I'm right there with him, I just have a lesser chance at getting a good seat!

cindilu, love the calendar! Looks gorgeous on my computer screen!

I'm off tomorrow to spend a 3 day weekend away with my other real life man. We're planning a nice get-a-way to visit some, don't be shocked now, wineries! These are in the southernmost area of Canada...Pelee Island. (which is on the same parallel as the Napa Valley). Hubby's 60th birthday is this month and it looks like this will be one of the few weekends I have off...and three days in a row is amazing!

Aikim, thanks for the countdown. It was just a number to me for awhile, but now it's a goal!!

Happy birthday, Annabear!!!!

Thanks for the great photos, Cotton! Yay, he's finally learned to master that double Windsor knot in his tie that I've been trying to teach him for 4 years!

Better hope he doesn't learn to tie his own bow!!!!

Nah! Why do it yourself when you have an enabler?

I wonder, CM, did you ever tell a lie while in the process of tying? *tries to imagine*

No need to lie...here he is describing his size. His bow, that is....the size of his bow!!!!!!

I'd love to keep playing but I gotta go to work at my wine shop in the morning.

Nite all!

Oh alright, I don't think I can get past those rules anyway. Averting eyes?!! And no recording? (that's the toughest part) --- you two are worse than the Greek vestal virgins. Warm hands are the only thing I can qualify for, so I'll stay safely away where I can get Clack! But have fun, (if you can call it that)!! *puzzled look*

:cryingwlaughter:

(CM, didn't mean to offend -- still looking forward to meeting u and hearing your wine recommendations!)

Thanks for explaining the bow-tying regime to Scarlett, Iseeme.

Scarlett, Iseeme is right. She has been my assistant for nearly 4 years years, and last year when I broke my arm, I was still able to perform without calling upon her for help. It did my heart good to know that she was right there waiting in case I needed her to take over. She's very good that way.

No offence taken, but you must understand that the bow-tying is a time-honoured ritual. Warm hands, yes... soft hands, even yeser. Therefore, I never imbibe at that time because if I'm tight, the bow could be too. I don't avert my eyes anymore, however, because I've learned to detach myself from thinking about what I'm doing, it takes discipline and control and intense concentration, you see. And even if you threatened my life I would never divulge the fact that he has freckles everywhere!

Looking forward to meeting you too!

And hey, he's not touring right now!!! Cheers!

BTW, Iseeme, I love that photo! Actually, that was the first time I tied the bow...later we discovered it was easier if he was standing.

Woo hoo, I've sent off my seating request to Aron at BAF for the gala. Wheeeeee! Also booked our flights! YAY for Claymatron making the decision to join us! Claynadians will be representing!

Good for all of you! Does this mean you'll all be sitting together, dressed in red and white and waving little flags to make sure Clay doesn't miss you?

Hey, great idea! Yes, I can see us now! Maybe we should challenge him to sing "O Canada" again, since he's had a couple of years (and a coughc.o.n.n.e.c.t.i.o.ncough to Jaymes), to learn the tune, we know he had the lyrics down pat!

I'm so glad you travel with laptops, because I'll be sitting at home waiting for all the details!

Since you are my usual travel buddy, I'm feeling mixed emotions about going without you, but I know you're happy for me! :thbighug-1: I've travelled with luckiest1 and cindilu2 before as well, and thrilled that they asked me again this time, in spite of the fact that they've travelled with me before! (lol!) :F_05BL17blowkiss:

I'm really looking forward to meeting some of the rest of you too.

Please allow me to :nana:

Beeeooooootiful banner, cindilu! :thbighug-1: I just looked up and my mouse pointer thingy was the hand pointing right at his crotch in the last picture. See that, even my computer enables me.

You guys are making me so jealous with your Gala plans. (sigh!) I really wish I hadn't missed the last one...that beard, that vest, white shirt and red tie, tonguing the ring, hugging the stripped shirt....GAH.....just kill me now!!!

CM - being a wine merchant and all - what is YOUR favorite?

Gee... wine merchant, that sounds so classy! :thbighug-1: (I even got my oh-fish-al certificate to hang on the wall).

I used to only drink Chardonnay until I discovered Pinot Grigio (actually first time I tasted it was in a restaurant in Syracuse, NY). As for reds, I only drank them with meals (spaghetti, steak, roast beef) and always picked a Chianti or Merlot, although, for some reason, I'd always order a Beaujolais in a restaurant. Now, however, I have discovered Shiraz (which is actually Sirah, but the Australians started calling it Shiraz), Petite Sirah, Pinot Noir and Gamay Noir, and I don't think I've had Chianti or Merlot since. It helps that we are given a free bottle each week to taste and evaluate (woo hoo!) and, aside from Rieslings, which are just a little too sweet for my taste, I don't think there are too many I haven't liked.

My dream has always been to go to Napa, but I'm discovering some pretty amazing Ontario wines right now....and Naked Grape wines from B.C. (aged in stainless steel instead of oak barrels) are among my favourites. Their Pinot Grigio is wonderful.

There...now aren't you sorry you asked?

FromClaygary. Crossing my fingers for you to get your Gala ticket!!!!

Hey...you wanna talk wine! Busman's holiday for me, talk about a great job!

So, I guess nobody's interested in cotton dishcloths, eh?

I may not be talented, but I'm appreciative. Bella, I think you need to introduce your number 1 DD to FromClaygary's number 3 DS. Sounds like a match made in heaven! To heck with Edgar! :lmaosmiley-1:

Best wishes to the birthday girls today.

FromClaygary, love the bracelets! Do you have a photo of the gorgeous red and white Christmas one you made ? Personally, I love earrings, think you could make a couple that look like little bunches of grapes for me? (In keeping with my wine shop job, of course!)

Bella19, I heard our other former boyfriend, Colin Firth, does a great job in Mamma Mia, is that true?

Luckiest, my daughter goes to Collingwood every year for the Elvis festival too. She loves the kid impersonators, the mini-Elvises.

Iseeme, do you have some days off now? Sorry your busload didn't show up yesterday, that must have been disappointing....(or not????)

You guys are all so creative. The only thing I've ever done is knit those cotton dishcloths, which I started doing to keep me from snacking after I quit smoking. (Anyone need any, I have lots and lots of the cotton and can match just about any kitchen?)

goldarngirl/luckiest1, I initially d/l'd the TV medley, because I had a shout-out that night. I swear he was talking to me when he said "I see you singing!" at the end of the "Who's the Boss" theme song. I was...because it was one of my favourite shows and there was no one in front of me in his line of vision...and that's my story.....and I'm bloody well sticking to it!!!!!

But seriously...I have now 3.89 gigs of space on my hard drive and I'm blessed to be living close to both of you. Your work and your time involved in putting these together is soooo appreciated.

OMG, I just watched the goldarngirl/luckiest1 "Best of "version of "Listen" from Sterling Heights....and that has to be the most amazing clack I have ever witnessed. I was there that night, but to see that split-screen version of theirs was wonderful. I have got to take my hat off to you both for all your hard work and efforts to bring this to us. It seriously is the best and I thank you so much for all your work on this and all the other concerts you've made available to us. The clack gatherers deserve so much credit too, so for all of you....

Thank you!!!!

So what was the first concert you ever saw?

Oh gosh, I used to go to all the R & R shows that played in our local auditorium. In those days several big names would appear together. I remember seeing Chuck Berry with other acts at least 5 or 6 times and I had a big crush on Phil Everly (of The Everly Brothers fame, for you young ones) when I was 14, but my friend told me that I couldn't marry him because my name would then be Beverly Everly, so I gave him up for Ricky Nelson (whom I never saw in person). I think my first concert for a solo act, was The Beach Boys.

My favourite and maybe earliest concert (not rock & roll related) was seeing, and meeting, Duke Ellington with his band. My parents were big jazz fans, and it was a special evening for all of us.

Sorry for the long answer, I'm getting nostalgic in my old age.

Waves to goldarngirl and remembers the Sterling Heights caravan well. What a special night that was!!!

I don't think I commented on whether or not I was a Beatles or Stones fan, and I know you'll all be dying to know the answer...

I was a HUGE Beatles fan. Specifically George Harrison before he got involved with the Indian culture. I saw them twice at Maple Leaf Gardens and the second time I was about 20 ft away from Paul McCartney. My DH, on the other hand, grew up in England and was firmly, and still is, a Stones fan. In my youth you were either a fan of one or the other.

Now Elvis, liked his voice, bought some of his albums, but compared to how I felt about the Beatles...not even in the same ballpark.

And the Beatles, compared to how I feel about Clay...not even in the same ballpark. In fact, not even in the same hemisphere.

There...aren't you glad you got to know this? :nana:

I'd have to say NYC was also my favourite place to see Clay and I got to go there twice, once for the IT when he was in Long Isl. and again for Spamalot this past April. However, I also loved the scenery on the trips to New Hampshire and Williamsport, PA., but like liney, my favourite concert venue of all was Clio, MI where I saw him twice for the NAT (third row seat) and once for the JBT.

Aside from Clay, I haven't travelled a great deal, but I'd have to say the county of Devon in England was my favourite. My DH is British and we travelled thru the south of England with his parents in the 80's. Beautiful and charming place and the Devon cream teas were to die for.

Even though the spiky hair did nothing for me..a favourite look for me was the turtleneck sweater with the beige corduroy jacket and contrasting pants he wore at the San Jose JNT. I thought he looked good enough to eat that night, although I only ever saw photos and video, sadly, I wasn't there.

On the other hand...this is the whole package. Love everything about this one, the hair, the stubble, the smile and the suit.

As for the surgery, every thing went pretty darn well. It's amazing when you get wheeled into surgery, look around, and the next thing you know, you're in the recovery room! After a few hours, hubby was able to get me home and into bed. I'm using crutches to help support the bad leg, but it's not all that painful, and I think in a day or two, I'll be able to walk without the crutches. They've also given me Percocet -- good stuff Maynard. So, for now, I'm going to finish this post, and then shut down the computer and read. I've got DVD's set aside to watch (including an X-Files primer set, to prepare for the movie next weekend), the Wii to keep me busy, and I'm going to start reading "Stardust" by Neil Gaiman. I think someone here recommended it, and I know the movie is coming via Netflix shortly...

Glad you're feeling better and the surgery went well. Just a word of advice on Percocet, though. Last year when I broke my arm, they gave me Percocet, which I took faithfully, as prescribed, for the first two days and managed to sleep most of the time. The third day, I took just one, got up to go to the bathroom and nearly passed out I got so dizzy and nauseous. Please take it easy, that's potent stuff!!! :thbighug-1:

Add me to the list of those who won't mention it when I don't like something about Clay...or maybe "don't like" is the wrong expression, maybe "would prefer something else" is better. I don't think for one moment he's perfect and probably wouldn't like him that much if he were. BUT, even if he's not perfect all the time, he IS very special and unique. I just prefer to concentrate on what he is rather than what he isn't, the same as I do with everyone else I love.

I think Clay is the kind of man whose looks grow on you. In the pre-Idol pics I noticed the big ears, and the sideburns that emphasize them, but what a difference a haircut that camouflages the ears made to his looks, and yes, I prefer him without glasses, but as cindilu mentioned, can imagine whipping those suckers off just before we tumble onto the bed....

OK, I think I might need a moment. My grandchildren are in the other room and here I am writing smut!

My mother would be so proud of me!

OMG he's so gorgeous.

He really is! He just takes my breath away! I'm so very proud to be his fan and I hope we give him half the joy he gives us.

cindilu, I keep replacing your wallpaper, with your....ummm, wallpaper! It's only the 15th of the month and I haven't seen your calendar since the 9th. and I loved IT!

Also love the banner...my favourite Clay look (next to the Gala beard) :F_05BL17blowkiss:

...I will be forever grateful to whoever left their centre section seats empty so that cindilu2 and I could move into them for the second half of that show!

Hey, I moved on up with you too! I even got a shout out that night. During the "Who's the Boss" theme he pointed at me and said "I see you singin'!"

I also remember the hip rider pants that night and the fact that we were all hoping he'd lose them. :013085001176249046: Loved the belt too and yeah, the fact that he moved so the sun wasn't blinding us and mentioned that the people in the front row were going to be upset with him.

(Sigh) Good times!

I miss him too!

That Broads challenge is just cruel. Three of my favourite things. I can't decide.

Yeah, that was a toughie, but since I was there for "Listen" (with you, in fact) and it blew me away how he and Quiana pulled that off without rehearsal, I had to go with that one. It is, without doubt, one of my favourite Clay moments.

Awwwww, is right Cindilu! Beautful job.

Hint...could we have a new calendar (wallpaper) with that blend, even though I love the other one for July, maybe something for August?