Dear Musicians: I’m On To You

Well then. I may be late for the party, but I find myself a way there. And that is the most important part of it, is finding yourself at the finish line no matter how long it has taken you to get there.

I may have been born at night, but it sure as hell was not last night.

Music is my life. It is in my soul. It has always been there, and it will forever remain.

And because of it, when I find myself surrounded by musicians in my social life, it is astounding to determine those who are fake and those who are real.

For those of you who are fairly new and for those who have foolishly forgotten by now… it is no secret that if I find something in music that I really like.. then I am 100% all for it to the point that I even promote it during my own time. I live it, breathe it, rinse and repeat.

I understand in the music business that there is a product that needs to be sold to the masses. It is a musician’s dream come true for their material to spread like wildfire, and perhaps even go viral for just a day.

The more the merrier as they say.

I am not against anyone in the business trying their best to do that and be successful at it. In fact, as I said… I will do all that I can to help make that happen if I can, if I am totally into it.

But I am on to you. I really am.

Today’s example goes international.

A band was brought to my attention from South America. And I had only heard ONE of their songs and I enjoyed it. So I did what any other human being would do, and started to follow the band on social media from top to bottom, left to right. And stuck it out with the band even though there was not much to offer in the way of merchandise. Plus coming from another continent I thought would be kind of tricky.

But the band was nice to talk about it. They gave several different options and offers that would include international shipping. And dummy-me, I took the bait. Not to say that I did not want what I paid for, but I had no idea of the shit storm that was soon to follow.

A storm that would turn me off of bands in general.

It took over two months to finally arrive from South America. And I wasn’t thrilled about it at all. But then again, it wasn’t like there was something I could do about it any way.

So from the beginning, the South American band wasn’t in a good light when it came to merchandise.

The second round came within a week of receiving my first shipment. In fact, I was asked if I wanted some other merchandise in that week BEFORE receiving that first shipment. And again…. dummy-me goes and buys more. Now I’ve spent more than $50 (including international shipping) on stuff that I bought, but haven’t received in hand.

Eventually the first shipment arrived. The second shipment came just as slow. About two to two and a half months after ordering so easily through PayPal.

Second shipment I was more content with than the first for whatever reason. And then just DAYS after receiving the second shipment, I was again given some particular “special offers” that wouldn’t last for very long.

Guess what? I fell for that sense of urgency. Shipment #3 took yet again TWO FRICKIN’ MONTHS. And yes, I was approached during that two month period with offers of something else.

I finally told this band, “I want a t-shirt and maybe the CD. And that’s all. Nothing more.”

To which I was given this rotten wrap-around about how t-shirts are so expensive and everything. And the blame went to shipping costs from South America. Whether or not that is entirely true, I do not know. I do not have a t-shirt yet.

But more and more and more and more options and offers kept coming. After three in a row, I really needed to stop and take a break. But the offers took no break. I began to feel like if I kept saying “NO” that they would stop altogether.

Needless to say, I am not a fan of shipments taking so freakin’ long. Nor am I enticed or interested in watching a “special concert” via the Internet and paying for it. If this band wants to perform for me, they can find a way to come to the United States of America and do it live in person. I mean after all, isn’t that the musician’s way of life? Isn’t that their ultimate dream?? Travel the world and spread their music to as many people as possible. Isn’t that the point of it all???? If not, it used to be at one point!!!

Here’s where it all fell apart for this South American band. Even though I was a huge fan of the one song that I found on YouTube, the live performances were an entirely different thing. And it was unsettling.

There was some teaser videos made for their performances online. Excerpts of performances from the past that were live. This band sounded awful. Absolutely horrible. And it was so full of cringe.

Some bands sound fine when they play live. Others (like this one) not so much. I understand that bands will not sound like a copied self from the studio. But if you can’t sound remotely close, there’s a big problem!!

Ever since, I have been wondering if I was going to be filled with regret to support what I could consider a “lost cause” in the end.

Just recently I saw that the band was posting photos of fans with their merchandise. To which one fan from the USA had like 30 signed photographs or prints. I exclaimed with a bit of envy of the person, and the band took that as an opportunity to jump me privately.

They were going to offer me various combinations of photographs/prints.

Three photos for $11.90.. international shipping included.

Then it went on from there:

Seven photos for $16.90
Ten for $20.90
Twenty for $27.90

Umm… it got worse from there. The original post was of 30 photos. Wanna know how much 30 of them would cost? $37.90

And the band chooses which 30 photos will be sent. Keep in mind they are not signed or autographed. As you can expect, they are leaving that up to the imagination that signing them would be extra.

However… if I wanted to be the one who selected the photographs, they were $5 each plus shipping. Suddenly, just because I want to choose… $37.90 turned into $150 PLUS shipping.

What in the hell??

They sold it as urgent. This time I did not fall for it. The moment that they realized I was not  going to buy anything, they stopped talking to me.

I went back to the person who had been contacting me all this time and I went back through every time that they had contacted me. I read over the contents of the conversation and suddenly realized that the evidence was right in front of me. This band never contacted me to say hello. They never contacted me to find out how my day was going. Every time they reached out, they were attempting to sell something.

All the times that I had attempted to initiate contact, was met up with silence and them ignoring my messages.

Let me repeat myself by saying that I fully understand that bands have something they want to sell. And that’s how their career works. But there has to be a level of reciprocity between musicians and their fans. At some type of level musicians must communicate with their fans. How else are they going to know what their fans want?

It is very clear that there is no reciprocity by the way of communication. Either you discuss buying some of their merchandise or purchasing the opportunity of watching them in their live streamed gigs…. or you don’t talk to them at all.

That is bullshit. I am on to you and every other band that has done me like that!!! I’ve received something from other countries. South America, step up your game or lose your career.The separation is soon coming.

22 March 2015: One-Eyed Doll VIP Party

“If I go to a concert or sporting event I usually go in a VIP entrance. And leave the same way.”~ Fran Drescher

The after show meet and greets ran a bit too long with fans. The hour was getting late and “Junior” had to steal away Kimberly Freeman from the fans so that she could prepare for the VIP Party. Change clothes, get comfortable, etc.

The VIP Access on this tour has been limited to only ten people in each city during the tour.

I thought that for sure it would be sold out before I even had an opportunity to save up the money for it. But I would be proven wrong and then very wrong about it.

Weeks before the tour even began, One-Eyed Doll was holding this contest giveaway on their Facebook page. Take a photograph of yourself with your show ticket and win a chance to get a FREE t-shirt.

Well, there was a problem with that. Amusing and curious as it was. Heart of Texas Rockfest … is FREE!! There are no tickets.

So when I inquired, Junior said to show your VIP pass instead of your ticket. So I jumped on board, bought one, and waited. The thing damn near came too late as the contest would be over when the tour started. I took a photograph of me with the VIP pass. And that was about it.

Good one, Junior! You got me there!! Come back over here, I wanna show you this stick I found.

I digress, and I kid.

Kimberly Freeman sat on the back of the stage behind where all the action happened. She then turned around and leaned over the edge, telling me that she was going to crowd surf over to me. And she did.

She’s become very comfortable with me. And I am glad of that.

Also, she has maintained her quirky sense of humor. It is great.

I mentioned again that I was impressed that she remembered my name. I also mentioned that I had been a fan of One-Eyed Doll for only the past nine months, and this was my second show and second VIP in six months. I then rhetorically asked her “Where’s my One-Eyed Doll baby? It should be born by now.”

Kimberly mentioned that it was born in the shape of Mexican food and it had since umm… passed. I then leaned down and kissed her on the general waist and stomach area, as if a father was kissing his unborn child in the womb. And then I was reminded of the lyrics to their song “Brief Candle”

War story, thing of the past
Innocence was not made to last
All that remains of him 
Is a child inside of me 

Did I bring this up though jokingly? No……. what an idiot. I had an opening and didn’t take it.

Freeman took it all in stride even without the humorous reference to the “Brief Candle” song. I figured I’d be clobbered for giving her general lower belly area a smooch. Yet again, proven wrong was I.

However we kept getting chased all over the place. The VIP was not going to leave the parking lot in which Heart of Texas Rockfest was held all week. But we kept going from one side of the parking lot to the other, just trying to get away from usual traffic noises and the pestering sounds of other patrons walking around. 

I cannot say exactly what happened next. That’s is just something you are going to have to experience for yourself as One-Eyed Doll tours the rest of the country through May. If you get the VIP pass, you’ll find out for sure on just how it was that I came to be a part of their new and upcoming record. And if you get the VIP pass, you just might be on the new record too.

It reminded me of the time I went to Houston to record some parts for the GATHERED IN DARKNESS album, by Dr. Froth. So that makes two records in just under a year.

Then things were interrupted yet again and it pretty much broke the mood of the gathering. Personally, it irritated the hell out of me. We could have gone on and on for much longer until that last interruption. But what can you do?!??

So then One-Eyed Doll offered to take photographs with the attendees of the VIP in front of an artist mural that was painted on a wall for Heart of Texas Rockfest last year. It was a nice fit.

Then Kimberly asked if I was going to be okay getting home, and I attempted my best to reassure her that I would be more than fine.

I took a photograph with Junior. But when I got home, I realized that Kimberly and another fan totally photobombed the moment. The look on Kimberly’s face and the expression in her eyes however, is totally scary and creepy.

Then I took several photographs with Kimberly.

I said to her “Please have a seat.”

Kimberly then proceeded to gently sit down upon my lap and then grabbed a hold of me with all the tightness and love that she could give. And I held on to her so she didn’t fall on the ground and bust her ass. The last thing you need is a rock star with a busted ass on tour!!!

It was not as late in the hour of the day to return home as it had been the first time, but it was late enough.

After all of that I had been awake for 20 hours, been sitting in my wheelchair unmoved for 18 hours. I was hurting pretty bad.

I left to return home…. reluctantly.

Why Hasn’t Anyone Caught On Already?

“…. And just before I lay me down to never wake
I look up and I see you
So with everything I am
Thank you…. ” ~ ‘Thank You‘ by Céline Dion (written by S. Smith)

So many of  my friends and colleagues got together for a little video collaboration in celebration of Céline Dion, their idol’s birthday, which was the 30th of March.

People who collaborated in the video also wish her husband well since he’s dealing with cancer yet again and the news came out around the time everyone was making their part of the video.

It was very thoughtful and I am sure very sincere for many of the people who participated in the activity.

I guess it goes to show that there are some truly devoted fans of certain music idols.

There’s nothing wrong with this video. And there’s nothing wrong with what the people said and done on the video as it was basically get well wishes either in spoken word or on hand made signs. And of course wishing Dion a happy birthday. I mean I know a few of the people on the video. So good for them for doing that. People who are fans from one side of the world to the other and back getting together as a collective group.

But there’s a really BAD problem with the song choice. A deep dark desperate problem with the song “Thank You.”

And that is the lines in the song right before the chorus:

And just before I lay me down to never wake
I look up and I see you
So with everything I am
Thank you

Umm… huh? Really? Nobody caught on to this while making the video. Nobody caught on to this when this album was released. Nobody caught on that the lyrics are talking about DEATH………… and possibly a suicide.

Shaffer Smith wrote the song. I’d love to know what Shaffer Smith was thinking.

“Just before I lay me down TO NEVER WAKE I look up and I see you”

She is never going to open her eyes again… she is going to die! And these poor unsuspecting die-hard fans are saying “Thank You” to Dion while using the song “Thank You” to say thank you.

Really bad juju, people. Probably unintended bad juju. But bad juju is bad juju. 

But take a look at the video. Its more than just that. There are a lot of kind hearted people with very very sincere messages that they wanted to get out to their idol by way of collaborating on this video. Its just the wrong song that they used. If they left all of the video content the same and chose a different song, it would be just as excellent.

OOPS.

Great message. Horrible song choice.

Still proud of my friends and colleagues though.

 

3 March 2014: Gettin’ Dirty With Beautiful Disturbance

Back to the Dirty Dog, we go people!!

Hard to believe that it had been one exact month since I went there to see CASKET OF CASSANDRA. But it honestly is.

And within another week, SXSW Festival will begin their live music portion and I’ll be back for that one too.

But for the 3rd of March was to see BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE.

I’ve lost count how many times I’ve seen them play live. All I know is that I love it and I keep going back for more. Whether its locally or out of town (when applicable.) It is what I dream about and what I live for. Almost like a religion.

But before people start twisting their panties in a bunch, I will move on with the rest of the night and provide as best I can a look inside of what it was like to get to the Dirty Dog and sum up what its like to see BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE live.

I must first mention the fact that there are music fans and there are die hard people who will go through anything to be able to hear the kind of music that they wanna hear.

Last night’s weather was deplorable with the threat of freezing weather which has caused the shut down of … everything in town this morning. A lot of people thought I was insane for wanting to go out into the elements when it was 38°F/3°C and the sun going down, which would drop it to 34°F/1°C by the time I left to return home. The difference was that there was a thunderstorm going on, complete with lightning and due to the cold air … it was rain but more so sleet.

And yes, I went out in it. A neighbor asked me why I was planning on doing it. I told them “I love my family.”

BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE refers to their fans and people who enjoy and support their music as their FAMILY. And I feel like now I am apart of that.

But what was even better last night was that when I saw the band setting up and what not, they actually for the first time (in my face) referred to me as “friend” rather than “fan.”

I remember this happening before in Houston by other bands. Its always a proud moment for me.

BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE mentioned that they had a whole new set list to try out. And it was going to include my favorite song, “Nearly Forgotten” which thrilled me to the bone. They started the night out and I did what I had to do in order to enjoy myself, not caring what the scores of people behind me were thinking.

This is rock and roll, and yes I like it. Anyone who don’t understand can leave the room. 

Belle, their bass player, continues to hold up to her reputation as being one of the top bass players in the country. This comment and opinion coming by OTHER bass players.  And Auggie Del Ray’s passion is always seen whenever he steps foot on stage. Its like a switch gets turned on inside of his head and he turns into a rock and roll giant beast. Completely unstoppable.

The first song that they played was a new tune called “Runaway.” I thought that my face was going to melt off of my skull and my skin just break up into pieces. Where did this come from???

And their last song “My Heroine” really dug down deep to where I wanna hear it again and again.

BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE at the Dirty Dog Bar

I couldn’t help but get goosebumps throughout the entire song!!!I would later find out that the song was written only one week ago. And that just blew my mind! These people are musical entities with a passion never before known and in my opinion, nobody can hold a flame to. I figured if I loved the first song so much that I was really in for a high voltage, pure octane show.

I was right. I just didn’t realize how much.

Just when a person thinks that there are no more surprises left to be had… a whole new level of “WOW! DID YOU SEE THAT?!?!?!?!?” comes up.

I am probably going to die a painful death for this one, but ….

When they got to my favorite song, lead singer Brenda Flores knew exactly where I was and from the stage landed me a high five. She also gave me a high five as they walked from the front of the venue to get on stage. So, high ten??

I always figured Brenda as a high-five-turned-into-a-fist-embrace kind of woman. But I guess I was wrong.

The one thing that I truly enjoy about their music is I am not afraid of jumping in front of the crowds and getting as close to the stage as possible. This allows me to hear Brenda’s voice both through the microphone and at the same time as it comes from her mouth.

It is one of those things you just have to experience. But I have always loved Brenda’s voice. I’m crazy over Auggie Del Ray’s stage performances. And Belle… what is not to love about her?

I’ll probably get into trouble for saying this but these two women I adore greatly without end. Both as professional musicians and as people. I’m so grateful to have them in my life and so grateful that I can use the term “amiga” to describe them.

BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE has a new drummer. I was glad to see that he came to me and talked and socialized with me with a genuine interest. It wasn’t that stereotypical musician comes to you, says hello, talks about the weather and your health, gives you a handshake, and then leaves. Nope. This guy is cool. I gotta learn what his name is soon.

The thing that I just get annoyed about is that both times I’ve visited the Dirty Dog, bands are only given about 30 minutes for their time on stage.

Maybe I am spoiled from other experiences in other places. But thirty minutes of BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE just is not going to be enough. Not for me at least.

But as good things come to an end always, there was more show to be had.

There was another band from Waco that came on next. And then I couldn’t hear very well at that point, but a lot of people thought that they heard that the third band said something about Israel? 

And then the next band was called Resisting Vegas. I was on the other side of the venue hanging out when I heard more female vocals.

I HAD to go check it out. Because if I didn’t, then I wouldn’t be me.

I love the fact that the lead singer engaged with eye contact during their set. I’ve always found it pleasing if the lead singer looked at me.

With the exception of my first ever show in Houston where the lead singer of DECIMATION THEORY gazed at me and pierced into my soul with his screaming vocals that terrified me so much I crapped in my pants.

But Resisting Vegas, there was no threat of soul consumption. Maybe a little fluttering but no consumption. I’m a new fan of theirs.

Is anyone else starting to see a pattern here???

So as the night continued to creep upon us, so did the inclement weather and BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE was going to have to drive back home to Waco in this nasty weather. By then it had dropped to just above freezing at 34°F and the awe and wonder of lightning and thunder filled the nighttime sky.

I got my hugs from the band, took a photograph with the entire band… of which my camera just refuses to work when I want it to. Its humiliating. And apparently it loves being dropped on the cement floor of the Dirty Dog as it has happened twice now in both visits. Stinking technology.

After all of that, I took off for home in a taxi. I fell down because I was expected to freaking walk to the cab because the driver parked too far away from the curb. I was expected to rise out of my wheelchair and walk inside of the cab.

Umm really?? Idiots….. OF COURSE I AM GOING TO FALL DOWN!!

Brenda Flores and Auggie Del Ray of BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE

I’m hurting. But I’m going to live. Lucky for them.

Back safe and home before 11 PM was a good thing though. Now we’re gonna to find out how stupid the city has become because of all of the ice. I can just see it now. All of the accidents on the roads and highways.

But I am most thankful for BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE and their continuing mission for excellence in music and giving it all that they have with each live performance. I love that about them.

It was like a warm up to the SXSW Festival which is less than two weeks away. More so like a week and a half.

And BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE is guaranteed to be there.

As long as I can handle the point A to B, I shall be too.

And I encourage everyone to listen to their music and give them a shot.

BEAUTIFUL DISTURBANCE both on stage and off is nothing like you’ve ever known before.

 

 

Where Dambreaker Meets RedVamp Meets Inspiration

RedVamp

“Nothing is impossible, the word itself says ‘I’m possible’!”~ Audrey Hepburn

Today was a lesson in inspiration. And figuring out who or what inspires you.

The image that you see before you is of a model who goes by the name RedVamp. I am sure that you can figure out why.

She began her modeling career back in 2001 and I remember the days back then where she seemed to be everywhere you looked… that is IF you did the right searches on the Internet. You just simply were not going to get away from her.

Needless to say that was not a problem for me. I welcomed her (or the thought of her) into my life. And I’ve always been amazed by her and whenever I would attempt to contact her, I would make sure that I spoke to her like a human being… rather than like these scores of “fans” would do. Leaving these disgusting comments as so many members of the male gender will leave behind. I hoped she’d see beyond that and realize that I wasn’t about to be one of those kinds of fans.

RedVamp, ca. 2004

I read in an interview back in 2003 that she had trouble dealing with the idea or fact that she did have “fans” … hell, I have always been one of them.

But as life moves on, RedVamp decided to put an end to her modeling career and focus on other things in life. Including the fact that she live her life as a loving wife and mother. 

Out of the public spotlight she left and into her own personal life away from it all. It appeared that she wanted to focus more on things that were far greater and more important to her than modeling and fame.

But had I made a dent? Did I keep the lines of communication fluid enough for her to realize that I wasn’t “one of those kinds” and that everything would be okay? Was there any impact?

Nobody would be able to tell.

She vanished. Everything that was searchable on the Internet was basically material that was left behind. Nothing updated, nothing new. She was gone.

But then I would be surprised to cross paths with her one more time while  I was with my last girlfriend.

Again, speaking to her like she is…. a human being got me farther than anything else in this world. She was polite, social, friendly, and trusting.

An image that comes from one of my personal favorite shoots that RedVamp did during her career.

And when my last relationship came crashing down in flames, she was there to offer her condolences. It was something that I didn’t expect. After all… what or who was I to her? Just a fan.

I didn’t realize that what RedVamp was doing was reciprocating the favor of treating ME too… as a human being. With feelings, thoughts, and emotions.

That one time that we reconnected, I would learn that she had stopped modeling in 2008 and moved on. And I applauded her greatly. even though as a fan of hers I was greatly disappointed to know that there would no longer be any more modeling work to view.

I was just really glad that RedVamp did not get sucked into that vortex of vanity and selfishness and “look at me! look at me!! I’m pretty!! everyone look at me!!!”

She had come out of the fires and ashes to remain the same woman she was before she became a model. Only now more grown up.

Suddenly it didn’t matter what she was doing. Modeling was now part of the past. And I was dealing with RedVamp in the present. No more RedVamp the model, this was RedVamp the woman!! 

And here I am to the point of telling you this story.

With the modeling out of the way, it was a true test to see whether or not I could hold a cogent conversation with her and talk about other things… outside of how beautiful she is and this photograph was awesome and the like. This model now a woman looked upon me with favor. I just did not realize it at the time. Nor did I realize how much favor was bestowed upon me.

I too moved on. I started playing sledge hockey. Did other things and kept moving no matter despite the bumps in the road that life can often throw in the way.

RedVamp was a silent watcher so to speak.

She took notice of all the things I involved myself in, regardless of the fact of the disability that I live with every day of my life since birth.

It was RedVamp who was finding more inspiration than I could ever imagine there being.

She mentioned in that interview long ago that she was trying to get used to the idea of having “fans” when in fact RedVamp has turned into one of MY fans!! And she has mentioned many, many times how much she finds hope and determination and courage in me. She adores the fact that I play sledge hockey and believes that it is one of the most remarkable things that she has ever heard of. For people with disabilities to be able to play the sport of ice hockey and have it made so that they can enjoy it as well, just really blows her away. The other fact that she knows that I play it and have done well thus far is another thing that causes her to be so proud. 

But who am I? I mean after all, RedVamp is the beautiful model… she’s the beautiful woman that has throughout the years in the past gathered so much attention and built in her own way her “fandom” – how can this be that SHE is the one that gets inspired by me and what I do?

The fact is that its been that way for a while and just lately, she’s been able to tell me about it. And every time that I hear about it… it floors me to the point of actual physical tears that run down my face.

I know that certain people love the idea of me playing sled hockey. My family, my colleagues, my close personal friends all support me. And I love it every time I am introducing the sport to someone new and watching their faces as they begin to learn about this sport that I play whenever I show them the short video clips that are YouTube. It comes with the territory that I have surrounded myself with people who also play the sport and who also have people close that love them that support them too. So everyone is supporting everyone else.

But to have that one person… such as RedVamp to also support me in what I do in sled hockey, its just beyond words. I honestly didn’t think that that I meant that much to anyone outside of the small circles. I never thought of myself to have my own “fandom” but there sits RedVamp. And she still sits there today with awe and wonder.

She and I are starting to become good friends now. We talk whenever we can. And like I said, she brings up all the time that she is inspired by me. And we hope that one day our paths will cross in real life that we will meet face to face. Because if you asked anyone that close, they would tell you that I’ve dreamed of that happening for over ten years now. And RedVamp is most certain that one day that she will meet me… a person that inspires her. 

So in conclusion, here is my point to all of this admiration, this mushy adulation and what not.

Be the best that you can be. Do your best in everything that you do. And give it your all. Because you never really know who is watching you. You never really know who you are inspiring to do the best in everything that THEY can do.  You just may be that secret inspiration of many people, like I just found out earlier this evening.

More Tales From The Nutjob Farm

 

“A fanatic is a nut who has something to believe in.”~ Dean Koontz

Fanatics.

Here we go again!

One more contest out there on the Internet. This time, dinner with you and 3 of your friends with your pop star idol.

Unbelievable!!

And of course, fans are screaming from all directions of the aisles.

As with many contests and such over the Internet, certain restrictions, guidelines, and rules apply. This time around… the contest is open ONLY for those people who are adults (21 years old or older) in North America (Canada & USA.)

European fans are crying foul. Asian & Australian fans are grumpy as hell.

And then there was this that started the landslide of my own about these fans:

“I can’t enter this contest. I hope a real fan wins.”

WHISKEY TANGO FOXTROT over?????

“That’s not the way it is when somebody loves somebody.” 

I had to step back and break this down, because I asked what a REAL FAN was… and nobody can give me an answer.

FANATIC
noun

noun: fanatic; plural noun: fanatics

1. a person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, esp. for an extreme religious or political cause.
2. a person with an obsessive interest in and enthusiasm for something, esp. an activity.

Yes, the original word of “fan” comes from FANATIC. I can’t be sure on why it was shortened down to just fan. I have theories, but will not post them here.  

So yeah, the comment struck me all wrong because it was an extreme judgement call on that person’s behalf. Not cool. Who are we to judge?

Who are we to say this person or that person isn’t a real fan of something?

Either I am getting bored with the “fellow fan” population or getting tired of the entire scene because I’ve never seen such selfishness inside a group of people that claims to be about love for their idol and for one another. Selfishness is not love.

For sure, it is disappointing.

People need to get a grip.

And I need to calm down.

 

 

Meet Laila

“You have to dream before your dreams can come true.”~ Abdul Kalam

This is Laila, from Norway.

Yes…. Norway.

Her story is fantastic. Probably the best story I’ve told so far!

She is one hardcore fan of Céline Dion. I mean, its quite obvious from the photo of her here.

Céline Dion however, has left her grazing pasture to go back to her home land and perform in Montreal this evening, on the 27th of July.

Laila became so excited when she heard the news months ago. She planned her vacation with her husband to go to Canada so she could attend the concert, and maybe … JUST MAYBE …. get her chance to finally meet her personal idol.

I remember her struggling while making the decision to go to Canada. Laila had always dreamed of Céline to come to Norway, or some other European country that was close enough and that Laila would finally get her wish.

Laila says that she has been a fan for the past 25 years. Céline’s career started just over 30 years ago. So she’s been a fan for a VERY VERY LONG TIME. Almost a life time!!!

Soon, Laila could do nothing but count down the days from when she would travel from Norway all the way to Canada. She would wear her t-shirt to promote her campaign to meet her idol. And apparently has had a wonderful time in Montreal.

And then last night……… this happened: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Eq6FpwzjUBo&feature=share&list=UUt2nMvBSjzsdoAbsrG4xIcg

Did you see it??

Again, look for Laila in her white t-shirt. Particularly around the 1:00 mark.

HER DREAM CAME TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!

I didn’t know about it until this morning. It was incredible that I just about cried because I could just imagine how she felt. It had to have been pretty close to the feelings I had when I first got to meet SIX MINUTE CENTURY.

I do not know where this is, I do not know who took the video, all I know is that I could see her in the video, and I nearly screamed.

It was so incredible to hear that she was able to finally see her idol face to face, be in the same room with her idol. And even get her photograph taken with her, and an autograph.

And I think that I became so happy for her, because I had been hearing for the longest time of OTHER so-called “hardcore fans” saying to me that it would never happen. Just because she was from Norway.

And I thought that was bullshit.

So yes, I’m behind Laila 100% on this. And you know what? Laila never gave up. She fought and fought and fought and kept dreaming. And it paid off for her.

Meanwhile, those same “fans” who said to me personally that it would never happen, are still waiting for it to happen to them.

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED. DREAMS COME TRUE.

Laila was smart enough to be vigilant and NEVER surrender, and NEVER give up. I admire Laila for having the courage to do just that….. never give up on her dreams. Even though she was surrounded by people who were telling her no.

We all could learn a lesson from Laila. About holding on to our dreams.

She even wrote about it in her own blog. Although I am sure she was pretty excited and still buzzing with feelings when she composed it.
http://cellyd5.blogg.no/1374940262_good_things_happened_.html

From reading this, it sounds like she knew better to listen to those who were negative.

Good for her.

Ladies & Gentlemen: NO MATTER WHAT THEY ARE, NEVER EVER GIVE UP ON YOUR DREAMS!!!!!!!!!!