#59: Forget life -- It's CLAY time!

[Couch Tomato]

Happy birthday Merrieee.

That picture and Linda's take on it ..they're both very arresting! This will sound weird but between the end of Spam and the start of his album promo I almost forgot what he looked like. OK not really but there was mostly just paparrazi stuff and I've always found the best photos of Clay were the ones of him in his element on stage. That boy is already in mid tour shape ...can't wait for March!

Speaking of March -- I'm going on a cruise. Thankfully it didn't mess up my Clay concerts but my Alex will be going with her dance company on a Carnival cruise as entertainment. LOL I'm so excited!

[bottlecap]

Pepsi Refresh Project Link

http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject

From your mobile phone:

Text* 102308 to

Pepsi (73774)

[FearofH2O]

Thanks for the reminder bc. I've been voting three times a day legitimately. Pepsi doesn't make it easy so I'm hesitant to get friends and acquaintances to vote every day. I think the only way to do it is to make deals. Perhaps finding organizations they might be interested in and suggesting that it's just as easy to vote 10 times as it is to vote one time. So far none of my nonClay friends are suggesting I vote.

Clay can have a very intense look about him which bodes well for serious dramatic roles. I wonder if kissing Casey during the TT was to see what the reaction would be of him playing a straight dramatic role. If we laughed, he'd know it wasn't successful, if we drooled, he could go for it. Or maybe he was just having fun. I would love to see Clay do an old romantic musical like Carousel or even a Neil Simon comedy. Not for a long run but maybe a month or so.

Although he was slightly before my time, Montogomery Clift was very handsome movie star who happened to be gay. Most of his roles, I believe, were dramatic. Anyway MC won four Academy Awards for his performances. Times, I hope, are changing, and maybe others can see and hear what we do.

[aikim]

39 Days until The Special Chicago Concert!

41 Days until The National Inclusion Project Gala!

Happy Birthday to all celebrating!

Everyone have a great day!

Kim

[keepingfaith]

Although he was slightly before my time, Montogomery Clift was very handsome movie star who happened to be gay. Most of his roles, I believe, were dramatic. Anyway MC won four Academy Awards for his performances. Times, I hope, are changing, and maybe others can see and hear what we do.

Betty White kind of outed Cary Grant on Joy Behar's show:

WHITE: Actually it was his dear friend, his beloved friend Doris Day who inadvertently outed him [Rock Hudson]. She invited him to a show she was doing up in Carmel. By then he had AIDS. So the minute he came on camera, then everybody knew. And Doris just couldn`t believe that she had been — you know, a party to that. But Rock was – was — everybody kind of knew his situation, but it didn`t seem to hold back his career.

BEHAR: No, no but –

WHITE: Cary Grant, the same thing.

And also Van Johnson had leading man roles.

I think it's a leap forward that gay actors play straight roles and straight actors play gay roles, but the next big move is for gay actors to play gay roles, openly. Modern Family has two gay characters, Mitchell and Cam -- the actor who plays Mitchell is gay and the actor who plays Cam is straight. The lines are blessedly blurring these days. The mainstream films about gay and lesbian relationships have been cast with straight actors, at least the ones I know about. I'd really like to see a gay love story on the screen, and not one that ends tragically, portrayed by actors who may or may not be gay, and nobody cares. It's the next wave in film, I hope.

[FearofH2O]

kf, did you just out Van Johnson? I never heard that he was gay and maybe that's a good thing. Perhaps no one cared. I hope the times are changing where everyone can be just who they are.

[keepingfaith]

I think I do care that Clay's gay. I think it's a good thing that we don't have to go eating our hearts over some undeserving woman who would never be good enough for him. Just knowing we would never be in the competition makes it somehow bearable, that and 30 years. Anyway, picture time:

This one has some interesting "folds" ....

And these two are Parker Daddy faces to me!

ETA: Yeah, I had to make an avie change. I couldn't help it. He's got those bad eyes like a gypsy!

[treenuts]

Ok, the Van Johnson speculation is new to me! I had a mad crush on him when I was little, watching his old flicks along with Errol Flynn, Tyrone Power and Cary Grant. Wait....I see a theme there.....well, 3 outta 4......

kf, are you playing with Clay again?

I ADORE that next to last one!!!

[keepingfaith]

YES, treenuts, you know very well I'm playing with Clay.

I loved Van Johnson too. I developed a crush on him when I was teenager watching the Late Show for cute young things playing romantic roles. He was a doll in those days. I think the cat was pretty much out of the bag in the late 60's when he left his wife and ran off with one of the chorus boys in The Sound of Music. Good for him! Van himself started his career as a chorus boy.

[treenuts]

YES, treenuts, you know very well I'm playing with Clay.

I loved Van Johnson too. I developed a crush on him when I was teenager watching the Late Show for cute young things playing romantic roles. He was a doll in those days. I think the cat was pretty much out of the bag in the late 60's when he left his wife and ran off with one of the chorus boys in The Sound of Music. Good for him! Van himself started his career as a chorus boy.

Bwah! There's just something about those chorus boys, eh?!

I definitly get a Van Johnson vibe from Clay at times. It must be the redhead/paleskinned/beautiful eyes&smile thing

I hope everyone who can/wanted to remembered to vote for the NIP in the Pepsi challenge today.....and everyday this month! It takes so little effort for us to get the kids some much needed funding! They are currently at #28 and must finish in the top ten to win the 50k!!

Reposting from bc upthread -

http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject

From your mobile phone:

Text* 102308 to

Pepsi (73774)

[bottlecap]

Pepsi Refresh Project Link

http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject

From your mobile phone:

Text* 102308 to

Pepsi (73774)

[aikim]

38 Days unitl The Special Chicago Concert!

40 Days until The National Inclusion Project Gala!

Happy Birthday to all celebrating!

Everyone have a great day!

Kim

[Carolina Clay]

Pepsi Refresh Project Link

http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject

From your mobile phone:

Text* 102308 to

Pepsi (73774)

I am a member of the Clay Aiken Fans board, and we are divided into groups working for reciprocal votes from other charities. Here is the outline if FCA would like to join us:

Everyone Vote For:

National Inclusion Project http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject

National Federation of the Blind http://www.refresheverything.com/nfbyouthslam

Little Tree Preschool http://www.refresheverything.com/littletreepreschool

Handicapped Treehouses http://www.refresheverything.com/treehousefordisabledkids

SWOOP http://www.refresheverything.com/wheelchairramps

CDF http://www.refresheverything.com/cdf http://www.refresheverything.com/cdf

Group A: 5 people: Caro,

Foxroad Elementary http://www.refresheverything.com/foxroad

Mckemy Middle School http://www.refresheverything.com/mckemy

Hematology / Oncology http://www.refresheverything.com/needypatient

Charlotte Peace http://www.refresheverything.com/charlottepeaceathome

Group B - 5 people:

St. Joseph's School http://www.refresheverything.com/stjosephschoolcomputers

Boise Bicycle http://www.refresheverything.com/boisebicycleproject

Ovarian Cancer http://www.refresheverything.com/hopeheals

Wild and Wonderful Pet Pantry http://www.refresheverything.com/wildandwonderfulpetpantry

Group C - 5 people:

Blind Cat Rescue http://www.refreshev.../blindcatrescue

Chem-Bio tech http://www.refreshev...+Technology+Lab

Despite Dyslexia http://www.refreshev...despitedyslexia

Ella's Hope for Autism http://www.refreshev...g.com/ellashope

After you vote your 10, go back through and leave a comment in each. Below are a couple of possibilities:

A vote for you from the National Inclusion Project of Raleigh, NC. Help kids with disabilities experience life with their peers. We're going for $50K! http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject ... Text 102308

National Inclusion Project just voted for you. Help kids with disabilities experience life with their peers. Thnx for your support! http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject ... Text 102308

Start to finish, this takes 2-5 minutes. Have your message ready to paste and you will zip through the second leg or comment part of the plan. We need everyone who can to vote. The Inclusion Project can't seem to get above #27. Hope this helps!

Happy Labor Day/Monday, all!

Caro

[FearofH2O]

Thanks caro, I'll try that tonight. Should be cleaning.

For those celebrating

Happy Labor Day

[ldyjocelyn]

I'm feeling kind of philosophic today, on this Labor Day, so I'm proposing a couple of "topics."

1. How has your life changed since becoming a fan of Clay Aiken?
2. Post a favorite picture of Clay. Doesn't have to be your most favorite ever, but I just like the pretty pictures, and want to see people's tastes...

OK, I'll start.

My world has expanded exponentially since I fell for Clay, in several ways. First of all, I've traveled many different places in order to see Clay in concert, and some of these places are places I'm not sure if I would have ever gone before having the excuse of seeing Clay. (Example: my trip to Reno this past summer.)

But it's even more than that. I've met so many diverse people, who have enriched my life in so many ways. People who are radically different than me in their religious beliefs; in their sexuality; in their race; and just in general, different than me. We share a common bond in Clay, and through that bond, I've found other similarities, even through the obvious differences.

Clay himself has also broadened my world, by showing me experiences he's had. His experience in teaching special ed, leading to the National Inclusion Project, has made me aware that all children deserve chances to do things like go to camp. And his work with UNICEF has given me a broad world view of the lives of children.

Through the Clay Aiken message boards, I've discovered how difficult communicating through the written word can be. Meanings get skewered via other's filters, and that's a definite learning experience. At the same time, I've learned that there are a lot of really great people out there on the net...and some really crappy ones. The level of animosity toward anyone or anything different frequently astounds me.

I'm sure there's more I can come up with...but what would you say to this question?

As far as the picture goes...this is a picture that I fell in love with several years ago, and I would still say it's still one of my favorites today.

[Couch Tomato]

I'm using a loaner so don't have my clay collection at my fingertips -- but I love so many photos of clay..most of them are not posed - in other words I love fan pictures best because it's him in his element. Orange shirt JBT Clay and 2005 good news photos are some of my most favorite. Someone can feel free to post hee.

I had a major fandom before Clay, not for a person but for a soap. Actually that's what totally got me into the internet. I remember way back in the day being on RATS (newsgroup), prodigy and GEnie and Prodigy realized it could make a fortune on people chatting about things so they started charging by the hour. So there was a mass exodus. I remember when AOL began and was the young upstart. Things have really changed because now people just start their own message boards.

But still, connecting with people online is really fun. I've made some life long friend's in this fandom - some who will be there from now on with or without the fanodm. I've always liked to travel but traveling to the concerts has been fun. I've been to some places that maybe I would have never visited like Tenn, vt, NH and MN.

I've found this fandom to be similar as the others (soaps/sports) when it comes to the personality types so nothing new there for me. It has a few peculiarities that I won't go into right now LOL. But I've grown to hate ALL media, despite me having a degree in journalism. I never was into celebrity and now I'm even more turned off by the all that goes along with it especially the celebrity media and its influence. The lines are so blurred now that it's truly disgusting really. So other than Clay there's not a celebrity that i know anything about personally. And I don't believe anything I read about a person. To me it's just all lies and since it doesn't affect me that's where I leave it.

[justclay12]

Well, I'm game, but there is no way that I could pick a favorite picture.

As for how my life has changed, that is a long list. Because of Clay, I learned about the internet and message boards and downloading (right click and save), how to do photobucket, etc. I've also traveled to places that I never would have if he hadn't come into my life. And what's more, I've learned that I can do some of this stuff on my own without needing someone to hold my hand. Before Clay, I think the farthest I'd traveled on my own was about 1/2 hour from my house.

However the biggest and best changes are more personal. I love the friends that I have made and hope to make in the future. Because of Clay, I realized that I didn't have to settle for Mr. Wrong so got rid of the loser husband, which has considerably brightened my life. I went back to school and got my BA in Elementary Ed. And I've found joy again. Prior to him entering my life, the only time that I can say I truly felt joy was when my kids were younger. Now, I am so much happier and more open with people, and I'm slowly starting to learn to trust, which is a big thing for me.

All I gotta say is, thank god for Clay Aiken.

[aikim]

Can't share any pictures as I don't save them...hope I don't have to turn in my fan card...but I do enjoy looking at the ones that other's post.

We had just gotten our first computer when Clay came along and about the only think I really knew how to do was check e-mail...before I knew it I was downloading clack (I was so proud of myself when I downloaded the sideways Invisible...that was the first thing I ever downloaded); saving clack; how to post links and just posting on a message board. The whole thing was so foreign to me.

I also met very best friend because of Clay...we met prior to one of the Christmas tours..she was looking for someone to go with, saw my screenname and for some reason decided to send me a note and the rest is history. It really was amazing because she only lives about 10 minutes from and when we first met for lunch we talked for two hours and realized that our husbands actually worked together at one time.

But I think the biggest thing I learned was tolerance and acceptance and really having to re-evaluate my thinking and just I think being a better person.

Kim

[keepingfaith]

This face. It looks like VICTORY!

I know you're all SHOCKED SHOCKED at my selection!

[shortyjill]

Happy labor day everyone! Hope you've all had a good one.

Caro I love that idea! I can start helping out tomorrow

Love everyones stories too! I go home tomorrow so I will share my story then and hopefully be able to pick out a picture! LOL

ETA: does anyone know when Linda Huber will put her new print up for sale? Thanks!

[gbmifan]

Because of Clay I actually began using a computer. We had one in the house but I never touched it. I was afraid of it. I went to the library one day and went to a couple of sites. I started going there every few days and kept finding new information and printing articles. I still have them in a drawer to this day. Finally in July 2004 I told my hubby that I had been going to the library and he went on our very old computer and showed me a few things. We were on dial up and it was so slow but I could at least read and see pictures without having to leave the house. I continued to get up everyday and catch up but did not get brave enough to actually join a message board to two years later. In July 2006 my hubby came to me and said that my birthday was near and would I like a laptop for it and DSL was now available. I jumped on that and have not looked back.

I still do not post alot but am much more comfortable now then before and I enjoy reading everyones opinion. May not agree all the time but that is ok.

One of my closet friends has come through our love of Clay. We were in the same club together but because our schedules were differnt and all my children are grown and she had an 8 year old at the time our paths were different. We started talking one day I loaned her Learning to Sing and we have not looked back since. We have been to three concerts together and went to NY to see Spamalot. We have so much fun it has been great. We take

alot of grief from her 12 year old daughter but we give it right back to her.

I have loved so many pictures of Clay but I also love the one on the couch the best and all of the ones from that time period. He was gorgeous. But even though I did not love the hair on the TT, when he walked on stage I held my breath. He was so handsome, even with the spiked hair, and I could not believe how thin he was. I could not take my eyes off of him. It was hard for me to look at Ruben when Clay would go to the side of the stage.

It always amazes me how so many people who did not know each other have become such good friend from the message boards. He is so neat to hear all the fun and the stories told whenever Clay performs. If it also was not for clack I do not know what I would do. I do not have the financial means to go to more than one concert a tour and I enjoy watching the things I miss. The special appearances and the Galas are so great to be able to see. I am loving everything that I have learned and seen for the last 7 years and I look forward to many more years of enjoying the talent that is Clay

[ausdon]

This face. It looks like VICTORY!

I know you're all SHOCKED SHOCKED at my selection!

Hey kf thats my fave picture too. He just radiates happiness in this and I cant help smiling back.

I "discovered" Clay when he was on the Martha Stewart show.

I liked what I heard and thought I might look up the CD to see if it was available in Australia. One thing led to another and led me here. I have become a lot more computer literate because of Clay.

His Spam run just happened to coincide with our trip to the US and I still can't get over that piece of luck. I was fortunate enough to meet a couple of the Board friends I had made and also gained the courage to post and ask questions about places to stay, things to see etc and this contact, both in person and on the board really added another layer to our trip.

Because of Clay I have another interest in my life, a place to come when everything else is not so crash-hot and people will understand and sympathise or share my joy as the case may be.

Because of Clay, I re-discovered my love of music. It had been years since I had bought myself a CD - too many other responsibilities and expenses vying for my time and money. Since that first copy of MOAM came in the mail I have found other artists I enjoy too. I have also attended concerts and musicals and found some me-time and sometimes made my entertainment and pleasure a priority instead of seeing to everyone else all the time.

All this started with Clay.

[bottlecap]

Pepsi Refresh Project Link

http://www.refresheverything.com/nationalinclusionproject

From your mobile phone:

Text* 102308 to

Pepsi (73774)

[FearofH2O]

Great stories and fantastic pictures. I didn't have time last night and I need to take Mr Fear to physical therapy and then into work today, but I'm sure I have many more photos on my desk top to look through. I've been here since DLTSGDOM and learned not to fear downloading. I used my computer for business use only at the time and I feared getting a virus and losing any records. Many viruses later and sevearl computers later I use my computers for personal and rarely any other use.

Have a wonderful day.

[aikim]

37 Days until The Special Chicago Concert!

39 Days until The National Inclusion Project Gala!

Happy Birthday to all celebrating!

Everyone have a great day!

Kim