PuddinsJoy

Hi all - just popping to say how very much I love the new banner - cindilu2 - amazing job as always!

I just got an email from Walmart telling me my CD with bonus has shipped!

I now have this stupid grin on my face!!!!! It is finally on its way here!

Could I be more excited....No!!!!

I'm not stressing counts of any kind. It will sell what it does and I'm not worried because Clay is going to be around a long time.

Thanks merrieeee! Running off to check email!!

eta - EEEEEEEEeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee!!!!! Me too!!

Oh I'm so glad to see that I'm not the only one who has let other things get in the way getting this finished. The WAYC recommends are coming though - promise! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

I haven't been able to save the newest pictures to share with anyone else, but I'll keep trying.

I know Meesa would respond if she were here, but I happen to know that she right now is standing in line, along with thousands of others, waiting for an autograph session with the college basketball National Champion Kansas Jayhawks! How do I know this? Cause I was supposed to be there with her, but decided that only for our boyfriend do I stand in line, in the cold, for more than 10 hours . . .

Anyway, about being able to save pics at clayaikenpix.com: Meesa mentioned to me a week or so ago that saving pics had been disabled because of the way some of the pics had been showing up in blends, etc, which is a no-no with their Admin. I was just there last night, drooling over the Clannah pics, and that is still the case.

I haven't posted for awhile but am lurking - hello to all! :F_05BL17blowkiss: and what was the first wonderful post I saw when I logged in this morning? Our daily countdown from my friend, the delightful Aikim! Like a breath of fresh air! Thank you so much for keeping us updated!

I'll be at a CDR party in Wichita on Monday night. Just a small group of us this time after blow-outs for the others. After picking up our CD's at midnight, Meesa and I will hop in the car for our hour-long ride home and have our first real complete listen to OMWH. I think I'm looking forward to that most of all - tears, squeals, and not breathing are anticipated.

PuddinsJoy called me this morning and her power came back on and mine just came back on about an hour ago. I've never been so excited to hear the furnace kick on.

Regardless of our crappy week, PuddinsJoy and I will be in Omaha if we have to walk to get there.

I can't add any more to this than a rousing Amen!

I'm heading to the grocery store now to give them mumbley-million dollars to re-stock the fridge and freezers. Oh well, good excuse to knock out that DingDong that had somehow glued itself to the far back freezer recesses. Dang! I missed out on a perfectly good DingDong somewhere along the line! <g>

Thanks for the warm thoughts everyone - even the 8" of snow that Meesa and I had this morning, on top of the inch of ice on Tuesday, hasn't cooled our jets on getting to Omaha and seeing Clay again AND meeting us some FCA's!

I just noticed I'm full of "temperature" references - think I'm liable to forget a 45 degree house - seeing my own breath in the dining room? anytime soon? Anyone want to take a guess at what happens to aquarium fish at 45 degrees? Uh yeah, probably not *g*

Just bringing this forward. I am nothing if not annoying determined!

O Come O Come Emmanuel

Jesus Medley - luckiest1

Mary Did You Know - Toots

Merry Christmas With Love

Jazzy Medley - Gibby

Christmas Waltz - liney23

Who Would Imagine a King (Angela) - ialreadyam

Welcome To Our World - jmh123

O Holy Night - keepingfaith

Hark the Herald Angels Sing/Oh Come All Ye Faithful

Sentimental Medley - duckyvee

Where Are You Christmas (Quiana)

My Grown Up Christmas List - FearOfH2O

Don't Save It All For Christmas Day - couchie

All Is Well - KAndre

ETA that y'all might want to go and grab your individual file from deborah760's Wichita clack here. Uploaded by running free at the CH.

I would LOVE to take care of Quiana's WAYC!

Ok, since this is a board where it's really OK to say what you really think..... I really think those dresses are unattractive. And that is from someone who liked all but one of Clay's fugly jackets.

check my recap duckyvee - I'm a major sunshine-blower and even loved the paisley fugly - but I didn't care for the dresses either, except to say the ladies were striking in them - they're beautiful women - just too much dress for my taste. Major buzoms action though, so I guess they do have Clay's taste all over them

Posted my Wichita recap here

http://findingclayaiken.invisionzone.com/i...ost&p=52054

Didn't get a chance to read BW's recap before she deleted it - from what I'm reading, I'd have to agree that I'm sorry she did so. Maybe mine will help a little, cause I'm not deleting a thing, and I'm blowing sunshine all over the place with this one

It was great to meet Gibby last night! Your video is great!

Pins arrived today Couchie - I'll have one on in Omaha!

Want another Wichita recap?

Clay.Aiken.Is.Glorious!

How's that?

and for anyone that likes details, here are a few hundred <g>

Mucho rambling sunshine ahead - sorry, can't help myself - I love this man!

As mentioned by Clay during the M&G yesterday, he wanted this concert to be reverent and it was exactly that. The setting contributed, although I noticed they had removed the religious banners that normally line the walls - but more than that, it was Clay's demeanor that set the tone from the beginning and the fact that he opened with OCOCE. He reminded me that performing these songs, conveying these messages, is really important to him during this time of year - perhaps a renewal of sorts. He seemed in a good place - very much at peace and comfortable with this show. I agree with those that have said that this seemed to be more rehearsed and polished.

Venue was 3/4's full and very receptive - lots of men! I sat next to a 6 year old girl who was at her first Clay Aiken concert - I told her dad he needed to make sure she went to many more - he promised <g>. Lots of families, young kids, and older couples. A couple that attended our pre-party was only going to go to one Christmas concert this year and they chose Wichita. . . btw, they came all the way from Denmark.

The man is gorgeous beyond words - they utilized one boom and one floor camera (to the chagrin of some in the front row when it blocked their view) and we had some jumbotron footage that would easily put every major network to shame. The man is beautiful. My seat mate, KSChristian4Clay, was backing up CV's cert, and I nearly knocked the phone to the floor countless times when I kept smacking her in the leg. She's going to have some amazing pics to share with everyone at CV later today - gahhh

Jesse has completely outdone himself with these arrangements. Everything flowed beautifully - the orchestrations might have been a little overpowering at times - at times very strong, but beautiful oboe (we know the man loves his french horns and oboes) and flute - but not once did I feel distracted from the VOX by them. I loved walking in and seeing that baby grand front and center - striking!

I never felt the show drag - the medleys had a lot to do with the quicker pace. It was very much a no-frills concert - the VOX was definitely front and center. I remember being surprised with the suddenness of the intermission - no announcement from Clay - he just finished WTOW, turned around, walked down the steps and the lights came up. The audience was caught up in the song and just sat there for a bit - possibly just the effect he was going for - again, different from the showman concerts of the summer.

I have known one of the storytellers for several years (frito) and had met a second the night before the concert, so I really enjoyed that part of it, on a personal level. The 2nd story was so touching - we ran into her after the show, she seemed truly humbled by the many wonderful comments and support she was receiving from everyone. What a strong lady, to stand up in front of so many and share such a personal story. There was so much heart, not sadness, in that venue last night. I hung on SmartyPantsSuz' story more than the others - loved meeting you Suz! Still want to know what was in the 4th box - it inspired some hilarious not-a-busline discussions, as did bus driver #2's headwear. <g>

Loved Q & A's solos - hadn't heard A's before - a friend told me Whitney sang it in "The Preacher's Wife" - loved hearing him sing IBHFC - A's entrance on AIAM kicked off my screech-meter and kinda skeered me <g>

Loved the hair, the suit, the fingers - I found myself focusing over and over on a highlighted thatch of hair just to the side of his right eyebrow . . . I tell ya, the jumbotron close-ups were heaven! The girls dresses were strikingly big <g> reminded me of the gathered summer skirts he bought for them that we saw in Houston, Tulsa, etc - only with many more, and bigger layers. A little too much cake-topper for my taste, but the girls did look pretty from the waist up. <g>

So cute when he told us it was okay to scream in a church - I think he missed feeling the love. Loved it when he finally moved a little - took the mic from the stand and acted like he SO wanted to walk but couldn't without falling off the platform. Big ovation at the end of DSIAFCD (partial standing-O during the glory note). AIW was rough in spots - it looked like he was struggling - I was surprised to see him turn very quickly after and leave the stage - thought he'd take a bow. Again, a very big audience ovation.

Angela was nice and came out to talk to fans at the buses - stayed out for quite awhile. I talked to one of the security after the concert and he commented that there was a lot of extra security brought in - for every entrance - so we weren't surprised there wasn't a busline. I do hope he does it at other venues though - he's spoiled us.

I think last night's show was just what Clay wanted it to be - traditional, reverent, and heartfelt - and good for him to do a 180 from SRHP - to do the season the way he wants to do it. I'm anxious to listen to tonight's cert and see how much a part the church setting may have played. From the sound of his blog I think it will be - perhaps he chose the church setting for the tour opener for the very purpose of helping to set the tone for the tour.

This was my first 'first' concert and the entire night's memories, from the pre-party through the frozen toes at midnight, to seeing Clay friends after 3 years apart and picking right up where we left off, are firmly saved away. Met a lot of new friends too. You can never have too many Clay friends.

I have to disagree with him though when he said it was a Christmas card from us, to us. It is definitely from him, to him - we are just lucky enough to have been invited along for the joyous ride.

Puddinsjoy... thank you for the sneak peak of Clay in Wichita... and for this wonderful saying:

When we walk to the edge of all the light we have, and take a step into the darkness of the unknown, we must believe one of two things will happen - there will be something solid for us to stand upon, or we will be taught to fly." ~ Anonymous

I LOVE this! I'm at this kind of crossroads right now and this just fits so well.

Thanks liney23 - the saying meant a lot to me when I was at a career crossroads about 1 1/2 years ago - it continues to mean a lot to me today - reminds me that sometimes you need to listen to your heart instead of your head. I'm really glad I did.

Hi Omaha people,

what are people doing for this concert...can we squeeze in a pre or post party? hmmm not sure but we may be taking off directly after this concert for Merrillville... eeek. must meet ya'll. uh oh better go consult with the possee on this one.

I hope we can squeeze something in Couchie - a lot I know are heading out right after, so meeting someplace before might work better for Meesa and I.

Hi FCA! Hey, I saw me some Clay Aiken this afternoon in Wichita! eeeeeeee!! It was only a few seconds as he left the hotel and climbed onto his bus with Jerome, but he looked great!

Here's my CH post:

lindylo wrote:

eta from CV Quote:

Talking to KSChristian4Clay and she and Puddinsjoy are in Wichita. She was just at the church and someone dropped off Clay, Jerome and Mary. Clay was wearing jeans, a primary color striped shirt and his bucket hat. Meesa said he looked really skinny.

We actually saw he and Jerome walking out of his hotel to the bus (we're staying at the same place), which then drove to the church and we assume dropped them off there. We did see Mary sitting out front of the church, but didn't see Clay. We went to supper and on our way back to the hotel a couple hours later, noticed that the bus was still parked at the church's main entrance, so wonder if they might have attended evening services, as well as possibly rehearsing some. Wearing bucket hat and horizontal, inch-wide-striped, primary-colored shirt I haven't seen before (very tight-fitting), faded blue jeans & sneaks. What little we saw looked very good! It was great to see him, if only a glimpse! He was slim, but in a very good way *g*.

eta - in the category of only semi-important Clay info - there are two buses this go round - one with Clay's usual swirl designs (another board friend said it's the same bus as his SRHPT bus) and the other is the same beige color, but with no detailing - very plain. The plain bus was parked across the street at another hotel. By luck, we arrived about ten minutes after both buses did - so we just timed it right *g*

Just back from Wrapping; was not as busy as we thought, but a good evening nevertheless; we actually made more money from people stopping to ask about the Foundation and then making a donation. So we didn't wrap much, but talked up the Foundation quite a bit.

My first wrap is tomorrow morning Kim - then every Saturday am until Christmas! Hope we do well! Once wrapping's over, I can think about a certain singer guy who's going to rock my world Monday in Wichita! Woohoo! Tour opener - my first ever! Before that, I'm playing hostess-with-the-leastest *g* at the pre-party. Yikes! What a lot of work but I think we're actually going to pull it off - our very own Wichita pin *fingers crossed that my FCA pin arrives in time* and more raffles and auctions than you can imagine - all to the benefit of TBAF. The generosity of Clay fans always leave me schmoopie - so many great donations. If anyone ever decides to put one of these on and needs items, don't hesitate to ask - Clay it forward and all that jazz *g*

Sorry I haven't been around more - thanks so much for the good thoughts when I lost my dad a few weeks back - don't know what I'd do without my Clay friends helping to hold me up when I needed them - I appreciate each and every one of you!

Will see some of you in Wichita - and a few more in Omaha! Let the Celebration in the true Heartland begin! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

November calendar if anybody would like it.

Widescreen

Without calendar

Without calendar (widescreen)

I would like it cindilu2! and I do - thanks so much!! Absolutely gorgeous! :F_05BL17blowkiss:

Thinking of you (((ldyj)))

Best of birthdays Laughn! :poze: :2164: :hb2:

And I'm gonna go ahead and post this one since I'll never have a REAL reason to do so:

Hey, there are some new ones that CMSU! :yapyapyapf:

BWAH!

and BWAH again! i saved the yappity-yap so fast my head is spinning! and here's to never ironing again!

To everyone dealing with illness...please remember to also take care of yourselves. You are also going through an emotional draining and difficult time. If you have the added component of being a caregiver please remember that you must also continue to take time for yourself!!

A good reminder for me personally - thanks so much Couchie :F_05BL17blowkiss:

(((((zena and friend))))) and (((((dear, dear Clayzorback & hubby)))))

I think Clay will be there tomorrow (oops, make that today) - to help put some butts in some seats - it's all good.

I'm going to post one more thing about lyrics. Sometimes they catch you by surprise. In this case I'll use the example of Grown Up Christmas List. I had heard Kelly sing the song, I'd loved it by Quiana. When I heard her sing it the first time the hair stood up on my arms. It wasn't until Clay sang it that I really listened to and felt the lyrics. The meaningful lyrics were always there, but they didn't touch me until I heard Clay sing them. It's one of those songs for me, if I'm feeling a little down, I'll click on that GMA clip of him singing that song and it will just wash a peaceful feeling over me. For me, that song, as sung by Clay, is a perfect example of melody. lyrics and singer interpretation.

Thanks atinal! Great reminder that for me, it even goes beyond his GMA rendition. Does anyone remember that our first 'glimpse' of Clay's MGUCL on GMA was video taped from outside the studio? Street noise and passers-by were all caught along with Clay. I prefer to watch it, not as much for my reaction to the gahhhhh-inducing run (I'd almost call it more a warble) he sang on "need" in the line "for a world in need"... but more for the reaction the two policemen who were standing outside looking in, when they heard it. Their favorable exclamations, thick with NY accents, make me smile everytime!

You are not crazy.......cos if you are then I am too!

I started my Christmas shopping yesterday,. I intend to be all done by Nov 1st, cards written and all! I want no excuse to not go!

Bwah..but guess what I did. I printed out the list of all 520 shops at the Mall of America. Then I wrote down the name of all the people on my Xmas list. By the time I get to Minneapolis I'll know which shop I want to go into for which person and a general idea of what to get them. Of course you know this will take massive research cuz I'll have to click on many of the links to see exactly what some stores are all about. I am obsessed with that damn mall. I'm crossing off the list every shop I've ever heard of or I can get around the corner and around the way.

you're scaring me girl . . .

Yeah, I know....

:boo-hoo:

BWAH!! CMSU muskifest!!

*right click save*

Good Lord KarenEh! Thank you for the beauty!!

Wichita pre-party info is posted in the tour thread!

I think the Christmas idea is lovely. It will give us a chance to watch Clay's face while others talk and give him something to talk/snark/laugh/cry about. I was reading an article recently about how important it has become for artists to have audience participation--people no longer want to just sit and listen. (Sorry, I have no idea where I read it or I'd bring it here.) Anyhow, my point is that I think Clay understands that instinctually. Now, there will always be a few who resent ANY attention that anyone gets because they're jealous, but those are the "over-invested" not the NJU and sane people who make up most of the audience. I really don't think it matters that some people don't like the concept or "ONLY" want Clay (a point that I personally find so tiresome) because I think the majority of the audience WILL.

I pretty much ignore all the gloom and doom about how something will ruin his concert/tour/career etc because we hear the same old thing about pretty much every single thing he does , and it never amounts to anything but a tempest in a teapot. At any rate, it's Clay's concert and he can damn well do as he pleases. (Thank God--his instincts have been pretty good so far.)

i wanna be wandacleo when i grow up

Happiest of birthdays to keepingfaith! Loved your Christmas story!

:00003653: :bier:

Also love the Christmas story idea - sappy Clay fan that I am *g* - and love the Spamalot idea even more - flove MP! Whatever makes Clay happy - I'm all over that!

and a pretty . . . cause I'm all over his thighs tonight too . . . as usual

Oy.

I think he looks fantastic. I'm sure y'all are surprised to know that.

Sorry, but I'll never understand the need to post ugly things about him. So have fun.

Later, gators.

WORD cindilu2

QUESTION ONE:

How does Clay combat the tabloid media?

Simple - Ignore Ignore Ignore Ignore . . .

Plans for a Wichita pre-party are moving along - Meesa and I will post here as soon as we have definites!

:F_05BL17blowkiss:

(((((Clay and family)))))

Shipping -

But when some start SERIOUSLY shiiping him - when some become CONVINCED he is really involved with so and so, when they start doing detective work to prove their point, when some start blogging about his secret girlfriend who is pregnant (and I am NOT making that up!!) and think you're nuts if you don't believe it - that's when it has gone too far.

I think of shipping as yet another snarky, fun activity. But what is really going on in the privacy of his own home and his own heart is none of my business unless he chooses to make it my business.

WORD! Couldn't have said it better than CG! (and I know you're not making that up)