claylove

It took me an entire year to successfully figure out how to get anywhere in Raleigh using the beltline (aka 440) and I still can only do it with certain entrances/exits that I am familiar with!

Muski, I would suggest sticking to North Raleigh and downtown and avoid hotels in Garner and Southeast Raleigh because you are not familiar enough to know which are in seedy areas and which are not.

As far as clubs/bars I cannot really advise because I am not a club/bar person. There are lots of good places to shop (Crabtree Mall, North Hills, Triangle Town Center, Cameron Village, Briar Creek) and also many restaurants. Fujisan (Japanese Steakhouse), Cracker Barrel, and Lonestar Steak House are just a few that Clay has been seen at. Of course there is always White Swan for Eastern NC BBQ! All depends on what you are in the mood for.

The flea market at the fairgrounds is cool so since you like that sort of thing you would enjoy it. I feel bad but I could not really tell you about the happening nightlife (if we have any) cause I am more of a home body except for Clay trips.

As for the stage door I am really sad if its gone for good because I haven't gotten to NYC yet this go around! Will be going after Thanksgiving for the big birthday bash and for the last show. I am hoping it starts up again REAL SOON! (Our soon, not Clay's).

Pretty please Clay?????

muski,

Sorry I would love to but I have a WFI meeting on Saturday nite!

cindilu2, OMG I just LOVE THAT BANNER!!!!! I heart JBT

(((Hugs))) Couchie!

Clay looks great!!! Thanks for posting.

I would like to do the Charity one if that is okay. I am pretty active in that area anyway so it would be a good match for me.

However, I found something else that floored me. Go find that clip on the OFC -- it's titled "Clay gives the scoop on his new album" (under the "Clay's Page" section). About two thirds of the way through the clip...well, there's a song we're all familiar with now.

Go find it. I'll wait. (For those at work, I'll post again about it later, if someone else doesn't first...)

OMG!!! Excellent catch!!

I know its kinda silly but I love that if Clay and Jaymes went in separate cars, that Parker was with Clay. He is so sweet and tender to Parker. That is one lucky little baby to have him for a Dad.

I can help too :-)

ncgurrl, I love that blue photo too! Its just awesome! Thanks for sharing your pics!

I am so glad to hear Clay's ankle is better!

Cotton, our conference is in Charlotte...but I'll be visiting a friend near Raleigh on my way to Charlotte! She's one of my very first friends from the Clay Friends Network! She, Claygasm and Totally were my charter Clay friends.

Actually, this lucky friend lives in Clayton, NC.

No lie!

Hey, that is where I live too! In Clayton, NC! Small world :-)

I hate hearing that Clay is hurt or in pain, but I know he will be okay. He is a real trooper!!! (((Hugs))) to Clay this AM.

luckiest1, I hope your daughter is feeling better and gets home soon.

Scarlett, Thanks for sharing that mp3! I will download it when I get home tonight :-)

I had a really bad day yesterday, busy at work & still trying to get better from the sinus thing, news about Clay getting hurt and to top it all off I think one of my friendships has completely disintegrated. Really was not a good day. I hope today will be a little bit better.

I found myself listening to "Weight of the World" and somehow it was really comforting. This is my favorite part:

I know its hard to see from where you are right now

I know its hard to breath just the world go round

Some days I just don't know what I'd do without Clay... we are so blessed to have him.

Can y'all spare a few good thoughts for luckiestdaughter? She called from Raleigh, feeling quite sick, and her flight out was supposed to be at 6:30 pm, connecting in NYC (La Guardia). To make matters worse, when she got to the airport, they had cancelled her flight, but they put her on another one that leaves at 7:00 pm and connects in DC instead. She just wants to get home to her bed and sleep this flu or whatever it is off. Thankfully, she had already arranged for a friend to pick her up on the Buffalo end, and drive her back to Ontario. I know I won't sleep until I hear that she's back safely.

Definately has my prayers. I know what its like to travel and be sick and its no fun. I hope she can rest when she gets home and feels better soon!

I am not good with immediate recaps either. Actually have not shared this but I was somewhat sick all thru the gala from a relapse from a cold/flu bug I had a couple weeks ago. I started feeling really bad Sunday afternoon and by Monday morning I could not function at all. I went to the doctor and I have a nasty sinus infection. I am generally prone to them so much so that I just bypass the regular doctor and go to straight the ENT when I feel I have gone into one. Thankfully she gave me Augmentin, which anyone who gets sinus infections knows is the wonder drug. I stayed home yesterday and today is my first day back to work. I still feel like crap though, no energy and some symptoms I will spare you but it is better than 2 days ago so I know the meds are working its just gonna take some time. Meanwhile, I really wish I could just be sleeping right now I am so tired.

My point being I have lots to say about the round table and the gala too, but I don't have the energy to write it all up at the moment. So if you don't mind waiting perhaps into the weekend I would love to share my perspective once I am feeling better and thinking more clearly. I didn't take notes its all up in my head right now, which is a little foggy at the moment. LOL

BTW, I love the perspective of RHW being the reverse as if we are singing it to him, etc. as the Thank You. I think that makes perfect sense. I never really felt it was being sang to the fans who have left or are struggling. I think he has already reached out to them and is now past that and onto embracing those that love and accept him as he is. That is the place he needs to be in. I think Clay, Jaymes and Parker make the most beautiful family and I am so glad he has found that. I see Clay and Jaymes as closer and more intimate than many couples out there, just in a slightly different way. I think its beautiful.

On a more shallow note -- I love the sideburns!!!! hee

Are you trying to get me fired????? Can I have #3 pretty pretty please for my avi?

Of course! feel free :-)

I know, I can't get enough of this video. I just made these:

Does anyone have a list of the order of the live auction items from the gala and also the order of the awardees? I want to put everything in order when I make a DVD of this. Thanks!

That's it. I hope you enjoy them!

I hope nobody minds, but I am going to postwhore a bit to get the rest of my gala photos up here:

Well I knew this would happen (don't worry, its a good thing)!

I reluctantly dragged my butt to work this AM and of course my OMWH CD was in the player in my car. So I listed to ETIDN first and let me just say the CD version is just not as moving after hearing that live version at the gala. I adore authentic, emotional Clay!!! So even though I am still dead tired, I am going to have to burn a new CD tonight because those versions sang at the gala are the ones I want to listen to every.single.day.

I love him

Hi Everyone,

The gala was awesome and I am sure you have had some great recaps here, but I am too exhausted to form a coherant thought! Between volunteer roundtable events and the gala it has been nonstop since Friday with maybe 4-5 hours of sleep each night. But it was so all worth it because Clay was awesome!

I wanted to share some of my photos. Will have a few more done in the next day or so but here is what I have so far. The lighting was really bad for photos and video which is why some is so grainy. I don't think these are too bad, and the subject is fabulous! I hope you enjoy them.

Hi Everyone -- Just a quick post. I am on my way out the door to run a quick errand and pick up georgiesmybaby at the train station. We will be doing some last minute shopping and then back at the hotel late this afternoon/evening. Can't wait to see everyone and to those who can't attend, we will definitely be missing you!

ETA: claylove, would you please post the part you mentioned about Aron's note? Thanks!

This is from his email dated Sept. 18 with all the details of the gala:

*Cameras

There will be no cameras allowed at the VIP reception in the University Ballroom. During the show flash photography is not allowed, and we ask that guests be courteous to others when taking photos by staying in their seats.

So the way I read that we will be able to take pictures (and hopefully video too).

:5:

I saw on one of the emails from Aron that no flashes would be allowed, implying that cameras would be permitted so long as there are no flashes. I really hope that is true. I will share a sad truth. When I watch a show, performance or whatever, I find it very unnerving when cameras are not allowed because I sit there and the entire time think, oh that would have been a great shot, oh I wish I could have captured that, etc. It seriously bugs and distracts me to watch and not be able to take photos or video! I know, I am pathetic but I really do enjoy the performance more if I have a camera in my hand. lmao!!

For people attending the gala:

Just FYI I confirmed parking options at the Marriott today and I thought I would go ahead and share this info in case you need it:

If you are not staying at the Marriott you can do self-parking there for $3 an hour or valet parking for $7 a day (I don't think this includes in/out privileges and there is no overnight parking with the valet parking).

However, if you are staying at the Marriott, parking is $18 per car per 24-hr period and this does include in/out privileges.

She recommended those attending the gala but not staying at the hotel to do the valet parking for $7 and those attending the gala and staying at the hotel use the $18 per day for hotel guests.

Okay... NOW I am really ready for the gala. The two new high speed memory cards I ordered for my camera JUST ARRIVED!!!! Woo!! Hoo!!

(Don't you just love online shopping???)

luckiest1 - Enjoy the fair. This year they are having fried Mac & Cheese (they must have known Clay would be in town lol) and fried Pecan Pie!!!