#18: He has always had the VOICE! But, boy has he ever learned to use his instrument!

[keepingfaith]

:clay:

I love that this emoticon is named "Clay" -- how totally cool. :clay:

[JennaZ]

Zena, Clayzorback, my thoughts are with you and your loved ones.

Things like that remind me that life is so uncertain. That's why I don't like to sweat the small stuff. "Problems" like the state of Clay's hair or a random comment by some obscure blogger are not worth heartache.

FWIW, if Clay is in Raleigh, I think he'll be at Ruben's concert. He may get some attention, but I think he'll want to show his support for his friend.

RE: Blender. They know they'll only get press if they make controversial statements, so of popular songs as among the worst. It's merely the writers' opinion. Who cares? It's not as if those on the list will suffer for it.

I haven't read Clay's post in the Spamalot thread, but I do find it amusing that he is watching it.

[cha cha trusty]

KAndre - don't worry about how cold it will be in Minnesota/Nebraska/Illinois in December. Worry about hours and hours or driving on snow covered roads! No little red Miatas for you, my friend!!

Bwah!!

KAndre - you will need a warm warm coat, and BOOTS, gloves, hat and scarf. Maybe even earmuffs!! Not only does it get cold up there, but the wind blows fierce!!

We will pray.

And look forward to the recaps!!! :xmas07a:

[FromClaygary]

Colorways are patterns of colors used to make hand-dyed yarn -- eg. the self-striping yarn that can be used to make those socks he always wears. I've been making some based on his appearances, eg. I have a Raleigh NAT, Unicef 07, Fantasy (from AI3), SCC, AAF, etc.

I've been meaning to ask....have you gifted Clay with any "striped socks" from your colorways based on his pix? What a unique gift that would be!!

I haven't though I've been learning to make socks and I know I have enough yarn for it (my stash is getting to be quite embarassing. *puts hand over Solo's mouth*). I just have no idea how to make one that'll fit. How long should the leg & cuff of a size 13 sock be anyway?

From my experience with my size 14 foot son? There is no such thing as too long-legged socks! Too short, now, is definitely a PITA. Cuff width might be an issue; Clay's legs are slim like he is. (Fat...pffft!!!) I could measure the cuff of a pair of Sean's socks...or, could you knit elastic thread in with the last few inches?

My local concert buddy asked me if I wanted to go to see Ruben. I'm still trying to decide. Fair traffic is a bitch! I felt pretty guilty sitting at Kim Locke's show watching Clay. (Couchie, once I realized he was right in front of me, I was like KLo who. Sorry.) On the other hand, to have a chance to see him.....and if he were to get up and sing with Ruben and I could've been there.....

Please go! For me, who can't....I'd love to honor Clay's wish to have a good crowd there for his friend, but it ain't gonna happen from Toronto (besides, I have to work tomorrow night).

...and I'm confused as to why there is discussion about whether Clay will be there or not? He SAID he was going to be. ...???....

ETA: I just looked at the seat selection for Ru's concert on Sunday night...it's currently at North-M-Seat 21 for best available, which is high on the side about the second section back...so I think it's happening. I understand there were floor seats second section Row A/B last night. It didn't give me any floor seats today.

[ldyjocelyn]

zena, I'll be praying for you and your friend. Clayzor -- MUAH!!

The wedding was very interesting last night, and actually quite cool. It was held at a restored mansion...but that wasn't the cool part for me; the music was. Instead of the Bridal March for the processional, a jazz ensemble played "It Never Entered My Mind" by Rodgers and Hart. They also played for the dinner and for entertainment. Found out later the groom is also a jazz drummer, and he sat in on a few tunes! The other thing interesting for me was the color scheme for the wedding, shades of browns. It was quite different, and quite memorable.

Then, today, my husband and I made a pilgrimage to 35W in Minneapolis. Amazing, and quite sobering. The span of road that is simply gone is a LOT longer than I was expecting.

Meanwhile, on to Clay....I think he'll be there at the concert, in the audience. It just makes my heart sing that he's still in touch and friends with Ruben, and he'll be there to support him.

And this is one of the reasons I respect Clay, for refusing to pretend to be anything other than who he is, even when he might be able to become a huge superstar if only he'd allow them to "shape" his image the way I'm sure they want to.

I feel that Clay has chosen the attitude that people are either going to like him or not as he is and he's just going to be himself. How other people react to him is not his problem, but theirs. That is a wonderful attitude, IMO and makes him very genuine, which I believe people sense about him and brings a lot of that respect that is slowly but surely on the rise.

Totally agree with both you ladies. He's got a fantastic sense of self about him, and if I could follow half his example, my life would probably be easier too. I admire that in him, and hope he NEVER, EVER loses that about himself. It's such a special quality in him -- critics (and some fans) be damned.

[muskifest]

to all that's been said about Clay's sense of self. The man is 28 years old. Recently at a staff 'retreat', we were asked to list positive qualities about each other...

There is only one person in my office older than I am. She's 64 and is a pistol. She wears bitchy high heels every day; she NEVER wears a bra, but doesn't shy away from wearing sweaters or tops that make it clear that she's braless; she speaks her mind.

She's a widow but is only alone when she wants it that way---plenty of male attention. She jokes about sex--mainly that she likes it a lot----and is a helluva lot of fun sharing a bottle of wine! Anyhoo....at this staff retreat someone in her early thirties said about this woman something to this effect: "I so admire ___because she has such a strong, unfailing sense of herself. She doesn't apologize for herself and instead seems so very comfortable about her life, her SELF...I want to know that kind of comfort and acceptance about myself, too. I hope I can get there some day."

Clay is 28 and I think he's found that place already. I admire the crap out of that.

The end. Now...back to household account management... :3:

[FromClaygary]

to all that's been said about Clay's sense of self. The man is 28 years old. Recently at a staff 'retreat', we were asked to list positive qualities about each other...

There is only one person in my office older than I am. She's 64 and is a pistol. She wears bitchy high heels every day; she NEVER wears a bra, but doesn't shy away from wearing sweaters or tops that make it clear that she's braless; she speaks her mind.

She's a widow but is only alone when she wants it that way---plenty of male attention. She jokes about sex--mainly that she likes it a lot----and is a helluva lot of fun sharing a bottle of wine! Anyhoo....at this staff retreat someone in her early thirties said about this woman something to this effect: "I so admire ___because she has such a strong, unfailing sense of herself. She doesn't apologize for herself and instead seems so very comfortable about her life, her SELF...I want to know that kind of comfort and acceptance about myself, too. I hope I can get there some day."

Clay is 28 and I think he's found that place already. I admire the crap out of that.

Head nodding vehemently here....off to see Amanda Marshall at the casino just north of us, and have supper beforehand with luckiest1 and luckiest1jr...latah!!

[bottlecap]

Just watched the AIR Atlanta auditions. A whole lot of blech and one shining bright spot - a geeky looking guy in a striped shirt who turned out to have great pipes. Who would have thought it?

I know HAIR posts are a sore spot here, but Clay's hair in the interview segments looked fantastic on my TV screen - a beautiful, shiny chestnut color. Black shirt, broad shoulders, and funny... Sigh. He looked mighty fine. Seriously, it's hard to believe the guy on the right side of the banner up ^^ there turned into the guy on the left side. Can't wait to see him again in the Hollywood rounds, which I think will be in a couple of weeks.

[Bookwhore]

Well, I set my alarm to get up from my nap in time to see AIR, but it's turned out to be last week's show...Miami auditions. I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow night to see my boyfriend again.

[Cotton]

Well, I set my alarm to get up from my nap in time to see AIR, but it's turned out to be last week's show...Miami auditions. I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow night to see my boyfriend again.

I don't know about Missouri, but here in NC, we see the Miami show at 7pm and Atlanta at 8. And then it shows again tomorrow.

Here's hoping you don't have to wait til tomorrow!

Oops!

[Claygasm]

to all that's been said about Clay's sense of self. The man is 28 years old. Recently at a staff 'retreat', we were asked to list positive qualities about each other...

There is only one person in my office older than I am. She's 64 and is a pistol. She wears bitchy high heels every day; she NEVER wears a bra, but doesn't shy away from wearing sweaters or tops that make it clear that she's braless; she speaks her mind.

She's a widow but is only alone when she wants it that way---plenty of male attention. She jokes about sex--mainly that she likes it a lot----and is a helluva lot of fun sharing a bottle of wine! Anyhoo....at this staff retreat someone in her early thirties said about this woman something to this effect: "I so admire ___because she has such a strong, unfailing sense of herself. She doesn't apologize for herself and instead seems so very comfortable about her life, her SELF...I want to know that kind of comfort and acceptance about myself, too. I hope I can get there some day."

Clay is 28 and I think he's found that place already. I admire the crap out of that.

The end. Now...back to household account management... :3:

WORD, WORDY, McWORD!!!

Of the many things I admire about Clay, I think his sense of self is the one quality I admire most. I think it is that that gives him the right attitude to deal with gnats, critics and other undesireables.

I wish I had that kind of sense of self.

Just watched the AIR Atlanta auditions. A whole lot of blech and one shining bright spot - a geeky looking guy in a striped shirt who turned out to have great pipes. Who would have thought it?

Not me. I admit to seeing him and laughing, sure this was another joke of an audition. I was sure he would sound all squeeky and off key.

I was surprised.

I know HAIR posts are a sore spot here, but Clay's hair in the interview segments looked fantastic on my TV screen - a beautiful, shiny chestnut color. Black shirt, broad shoulders, and funny... Sigh. He looked mighty fine. Seriously, it's hard to believe the guy on the right side of the banner up ^^ there turned into the guy on the left side. Can't wait to see him again in the Hollywood rounds, which I think will be in a couple of weeks.

It just doesn't look like the same guy = AT ALL!!! Personally, I prefer the guy on the left.

Went for a long walk today. It is a beautiful fall day and it is so gorgeous out here in the country - even though the leaves haven't changed yet. Was listening to music on shuffle and it was always cool when Clay came on. His voice really is special..

ETA: It just occurred to me. Isn't tomorrow the anniversary of the release of MOAM??

[Bookwhore]

Well, I set my alarm to get up from my nap in time to see AIR, but it's turned out to be last week's show...Miami auditions. I guess I'll have to wait until tomorrow night to see my boyfriend again.

I don't know about Missouri, but here in NC, we see the Miami show at 7pm and Atlanta at 8. And then it shows again tomorrow.

Here's hoping you don't have to wait til tomorrow!

Oops!

I think it's because I don't have the premium cable channels, so I have to watch it on WGN. On Saturday afternoons it's the previous week's episode and on Sunday nights it's the new episode. So unless someone wants to talk my DH into upgrading our cable service, I'll have to wait until tomorrow.

[merrieeee]

This morning I rushed out to the Comcast store to turn my cable box in for a DVR one. I got home, by 11 and installed the box only to get the dreaded call for service sign. As I am on hold my daughter calls to tell me to meet her at the Turkish festival downtown. Well I don't have time to stay on hold, get ready and for sure won't get to see Idol. But I figured it is on tomorrow and I can now DVR it. Yeah!! The festival was fun and there was a display there by the Houston Azerbijan Society! There were some beautiful photographs of the country. So even though I was having fun, my Clay buddy Karen Eh? was being thought of! Hi Karen, :F_05BL17blowkiss: you should be able to get some wonderful photographs of the country as talented as you are.

I now have my new toy fully installed and am set to record AI2 tomorrow. Now let's see if I did it right*g*

I just love that Clay Aiken guy. No new rumours today? Oh darn!!!

I for sure am going to freeze my you know what off with Kandre! :15: :20: I'm going to Waukegan, Kalamazoo and DC. eeeeeeeeeeeee

[jamar1700]

...somebody please tell me that the average December temperature in Minnesota/Nebraska/Illinois is like 70 degrees...

Hmmm......well. I really can't speak for Illinois but when we were in Chicago for the JNT05 & booksigning it was damn cold. Damn cold. I've spent some cool (read damn damn cold) holiday's in Minnesota. But last year I was there over New Years weekend and I wore just polar fleece the whole time and there was no snow. And I've had to mow my Nebraska lawn in January.

So I guess what I'm sayin' is ...who knows?....it could be 10 below and it could be 50 above. Oh and don't rely on the weather people around here. They don't know jack shit.

I'm sure that helps ...

I hope Clay goes to the concert. I'm sure he can find a way to enjoy the show, either backstage or in a special section. Clay fans will stare but I'm not worried that Clay fans will take over the joint to the point where it distracts the big man on stage.

Aww me too. I can't imagine he won't be there somewhere.

Things like that remind me that life is so uncertain. That's why I don't like to sweat the small stuff. "Problems" like the state of Clay's hair or a random comment by some obscure blogger are not worth heartache.

Amen. The signs are all around that life is just too. damn. short.

[Scarlett]

I for sure am going to freeze my you know what off with Kandre! :15: :20: I'm going to Waukegan, Kalamazoo and DC. eeeeeeeeeeeee

Look at the bright side -- this year, no one will be secretly opening the hotel window to let in some fresh air!

merrieeee, this week the show was 60 minutes long. The first week it was 62 minutes so if you only taped the show itself, you would've missed the tail end with Frenchie's interview. (For DVRs in Houston) If you won't be home, might be a good idea to tape Girlfriends (on Sundays) or Fresh Prince of Bel-Air (you're taping the Saturday show) and just erase them when you don't need them. When we get to top 12, there may be some Clay clips at the very end that could be cut off if you don't play it safe.

[Gibby]

I just watched the Atlanta AIR episode, and loved hearing Clay's voice again. But there wasn't enough Clay!! Too many people were warbling or screeching off-key, and I wanted more of past and present-day Clay. I expect that's how most of these episodes will be for me - a nice teaser, but keeping what I really want out of reach. What do I really want? An hour of Clay! At least! 'New' old clips of him from AI2, along with present-day interviews with him explaining his strategies, experiences and emotions as he went through AI2.

I know, it's not gonna happen. *pouts* I guess I'll have to keep my Clay concert DVDs handy for a Clay fix.

I'm lovin' all of the new emoticons! Some of them are really funny!

:attention_whore3: :thRoadRunner: :signs012: :281: :pantyout:

[Bookwhore]

<---- I hope this is a sooper-dooper industrial strength emoticon, because I see the potential for it's getting a lot of use if Clay is/isn't at Ruben's concert, if he does/doesn't get enough face time at Sedaka, if they do/don't edit him well on 5th Grader, if he does/doesn't sign on for Spamalot, if a CD drops in 'early' 2008, if it drops in late 2008, if it doesn't drop in 2008, if he tours next summer, but not in the right cities , if he sings traditional songs for the Christmas tour, if he sings contemporary songs for the Christmas tour, if if if if if.......

Everyone travelling to cold climes for the Christmas concerts, don't forget your cuddle-duds!

Merrieeee, what is a cable box, and what is a DVR cable box?

[Couch Tomato]

JMH..I hope you go..just in case Clay joins him for a song.

Hey Jenna!!

I love that this emoticon is named "Clay" -- how totally cool. :clay:

it's so very cute isn't it .... and it's so funny when I went looking for emoticons today I saw a few with a similar theme.

Went for a long walk today. It is a beautiful fall day and it is so gorgeous out here in the country - even though the leaves haven't changed yet. Was listening to music on shuffle and it was always cool when Clay came on. His voice really is special..

Yep, I love it when I have my ipod on shuffle and out of the blue here comes Clay's voice singing something... it's always a nice little jolt.

So I guess what I'm sayin' is ...who knows?....it could be 10 below and it could be 50 above. Oh and don't rely on the weather people around here. They don't know jack shit.

I'm sure that helps ...

I don't know about anyone else..but that made it all crystal clear now. heee

Can't wait to buy my cuddle duds Bookwhore..love the name ...sounds so much better than thermals or Long Johns heee.

[muskifest]

So...Couchie (or other Bay Area people)...did your CW channel show Miami and Detroit tonight instead of Atlanta?

Damn...I can't figure the freakin' schedule out.

Time for some cabernet, I believe.

[merrieeee]

Merrieeee, what is a cable box, and what is a DVR cable box?

A cable box just gets you the digital channels (the ones higher than 100, like HBO etc.) and DVR gets you the same channels but it is like a TiVo and you can record any channel you want. It costs about $8 more than the regular one.

I think we should rename Cuddle Duds to Cuddle Dudes and have Clay as the sponsor!

[jazzgirl]

I think we should rename Cuddle Duds to Cuddle Dudes and have Clay as the sponsor!

Oh, I love the idea of Cuddle Dudes! The main trick to surviving winter in the Midwest is to dress in layers and always wear a hat. I once read that you can lose 70% of your body heat by going hatless. Hats can be cute, too. For those who remember the 70s, think of Mary Tyler Moore ripping her beret off to toss in the air in downtown Minneapolis!

[KAndre]

It might be as high as fifty degrees?

I'm gonna die.

Just die dead.

And no Miatas?

[Bookwhore]

It might be as high as fifty degrees?

I'm gonna die.

Just die dead.

And no Miatas?

KAndre, sweetie, it'll be ok. But listen carefully.....think layers like jazzgirl suggested above. Air is trapped between the layers of fabric and acts as an insulator. But also think natural fibers. Silk, cotton, wool. Even silk will absorb perspiration away from your body and keep you cooler. So if you layer silk socks with cotton socks, that's warmer than big bulky boot socks. Your feet will be toasty warm. If you wear a silk cami under a cotton shirt under a wool sweater you'll probably sweat to death no matter how cold it is.

And, yeah, a hat is a must. Also, be sure your coat is long enough to cover your kidneys...no down ski coats that only come to the waist or hip. Be sure it's at least crotch length if not mid-thigh. I can't remember where I read that having a coat long enough to cover your kidneys is a must in frigid weather, but I've found it to be true.

Wow, I just re-read that and it sounds kinda bossy, doesn't it? Would it help if I preceeded the post with "I suggest..."?

[jazzgirl]

Wow, I just re-read that and it sounds kinda bossy, doesn't it? Would it help if I preceeded the post with "I suggest..."?

I think you just sound motherly! Very interesting about having a coat cover your kidneys. Haven't heard that before now, but it makes sense. Also an all-purpose scarf to wrap around your neck and face is a good idea too.

[Couch Tomato]

Ok I got the layers, scarves, gloves, coat over kidney bit..but when you say hats... what we talkin'? My mom is coming in with winter wear and she just gave me a knit cap and I just don't see it. Can I wear something more 2007?

Muski..I have direct tv so the only place I get is is WGN so my new eppy each week comes on Sunday and repeats on Monday. I do not get it on the CW.