There is A LOT I'd like to say about my trip; I've had a lot on my mind about the experience and how I want to continue reaching my life's purpose. Maybe I've discovered it on this trip? I can't say for sure, but I know that I really enjoy sharing my passions with others, meeting people who share the same passion, witnessing pure joy, and reading and hearing stories about anything and everything, through any medium.
The time finally came and then went just as fast, and it was a whirlwind of excitement, nervousness, enjoyment, tears, sore cheeks from smiling, and love. Love, love love!
Here are just a few highlights:
 |
| Compass Records, Nashville, TN |
We met a lovely couple and Colin's right-hand man, Ace. On night two, we sat in the back of the room with a kind, fun married couple, and the wife happened to be from northern Illinois. What are the odds? If I didn't have manners or wasn't a courteous person, I may have never learned this information and enjoyed their company.
I ran to the restroom just after introductions. Minutes after returning, Ace came to our table and greeted the couple with hugs and enthusiasm, friends just reuniting. You should have seen my face! I was downright stunned. I think he only started talking to me because he must have glanced over and seen my shocked face as if he did a magic trick. The night before, I was waiting for the right opportunity to meet him, but he was in deep conversation. I wanted to thank him for working with Colin and sticking with him throughout the year, during the highs and lows. I am so thankful the universe was on my side so I could tell him how much I appreciate his work!
The crowd participation during night one was FLAWLESS for Come Tumblin' Down. He asked, and we delivered. It was another connecting, empowering moment. We knocked it out of the park. Our stories became one journey, and it was remarkable. It started the night out on such a high note, and the room spread with positive vibes and pure happiness.
I raise my hands up to the sky as we climb to higher ground. Let's just keep on dancing until it all comes tumblin' down.
I learned the story behind the song, There's Water Over You. It's basically about a childhood experience with his dad; his dad would pretend to be sleeping under a tree, and Colin would "toss" water on his dad and tell him to wake up and that "there's water over you." The song beautiful and makes sense to me now. I cried. And cried. I was brought back to my childhood with my dad. We didn't have a similar situation, but it for some reason reminded me of the train ride we took on the Metra, just for fun, and I'd rest my head on my dad. I love being brought back to the happy moments of my childhood.
I can touch you when I'm dreaming, long into the lonely night. You hold me when I wake up screaming, everything will be alright.
I witnessed a fan's intimate, heart-warming meet-and-greet with Colin. A woman was super-excited and told him how her first time seeing him was when she was 13 and that she loves his music so much! She asked for a hug and to kiss his cheek! It was a really raw, beautiful moment. Her joy was completely breath-taking, and I could feel her energy and her history through that interaction. Just woah. The two ladies in front of me, one of which was from Southern Illinois, just "awwed" with me. It was really honorable to witness that.
I was able to thank Colin for, well, being Colin. At least I think I did. The two opportunities I had to speak with him are honestly a blur. One comment I know I was trying to make was that I appreciate his songs about his dad because it reminds me of my own, then I had to say sorry and stop myself from crying. Either way, I think he got the message. He must be used to fans losing their ability to speak to him by now.Shadows in the night, danger is all I know, so difficult to let go. If I close my eyes and breathe, gets easier to believe, and you bring out the best in me.
By the end of both meet-and-greets, I did some jump, screech, dance sort of thing out of the excitement and happiness that was flowing through my body. It was truly something I hope to experience again. Everyone should have that feeling. I got laughs when I did it -- like "aww, cute" laughs. The feelings were just that joyful.
On the drive back to the hotel after the second night, I browsed through the Fierce Mercy album booklet. I read the thank you section, and I was completely taken aback in the best way possible. At the bottom, it says this:
Remember the whole full-circle theory I wrote about at the end of last year? This is just the icing on top of the cake. This inspires me to continue down the path I have been going down and to keep believing in the power of learning about others and sharing those stories with anyone who is willing to listen. I'm one of those people, so you -- yeah, you! -- tell me a story or two. I want to listen.
If you have a deep connection with a singer, songwriter, artist, author, director, actor, family member, friend, co-worker, company, -- whoever or whatever it may be -- I hope that bond brings you to the light when you're in the dark, empowers you to be a better person and gives you the strength to help others. Share your stories, and the story of the individual or group that's a big part of your life, as much as you can. That way, these lives will never leave this earth, Storytelling has more power than we think.
No comments :
Post a Comment