Wednesday, January 25, 2006

Thanks to Clay for helping me get through depression

I find it hard to believe that Clay doubts that he helps people in his current life (as opposed to the life he had/could have as a special education teacher, working with children). He helps so many - including me - just by being who he is and by singing with that voice! His smile, his sweetness, his sensitivity, his faith, his love of people and of life itself all give me hope to go on every day, as well as some measure of happiness. Not that nothing else makes me happy - lots of people and things do in my life: my chosen family (as opposed to my family of origin), friends, my work and activist commitments. Nevertheless, there is an ongoing depth of sadness in me, which I have found hard to overcome for many years now. But "knowing" Clay, listening to his music, reading his book and books by other people about him, surfing Clay fan sites and blogs: all these give me great happiness and make my soul smile, if only for a few moments. It's almost enough sunshine in my life to keep me going and give me hope that a brighter place is possible.

Sunday, January 22, 2006

On Terry Piper's book "The Invisible Revolution: Clay Aiken and the Fans Who Made Him a Star"

Subtitled "The story of how Clay Aiken and his fans are reshaping the nature of fandom", this book by Terry Piper just came out and I received it for Christmas (although I actually had it in my hands only last week, due to delivery issues).

I had found Terry's Web site by browsing the net, searching for Clay stuff. After reading a sample from the book, I knew I wanted to read the whole thing. Here was a real fan, a serious fan of Clay, not just a shrieking teeny-bopper, but someone who could offer some critical insight into the Clay phenomenon and his loyal, supportive following - the so-called "Clay Nation", of which I am a proud member.

I'm in the process of reading the book now, and so far it is living up to my expectations, and I feel more connected to other fans by knowing that so many feel the same thing I do with respect to Clay.

I really recommend this book if you want to know everything about Clay, but mostly, about his fans, their love of and ferocious loyalty to the amazing young man and singer that is Clay Aiken.

Sunday, January 08, 2006

"All About Clay Aiken"

Happy New Year 2006 to Clay and everyone!

I hope this will be the year that Clay comes to my (or near my) neck of the woods - Quebec. I could get to eastern Canada or eastern Ontario as well.

I would like to share an article I came upon recently. Written by Landon Howell on January 6th, 2006, "All About Clay Aiken" gives a good overview of Clay's life, from a personal perspective, his musical successes and community involvement. It's worth a read!