Hello my friends! It seems like an eternity since I've been able to sit down and talk to you all. I thought today, of all days, it was a good time to put some time aside to return to my home away from home, the E-Train, to offer some reflections and thoughts.
I'm in the midst of completing my next to last semester in grad school, and this semester has been incredibly hectic. I haven't had time to breathe, let alone peruse the internet and chat with my fellow E-Trainers. So I do apologize for my absence, but Elliott and all of you have been in my heart every step of the way.
I am a distinctly different person than I was one year ago. My puppy had just passed away, I had just lost my apartment, and had pretty much my whole base of friends walk away from me. I was emotionally destroyed. And then came a welcome distraction. It was in the form of an unassuming guy from Virginia, whose voice reached directly into my soul. For the duration of the American Idol season last year I got a reprieve from the mess life was throwing at me and got to delve into the life and story of a legend in the making.
I, like everyone else, was destroyed when he left the show before the final. I believed in him with every fiber in my being yet I was so worried that "the powers that be" in the music industry would shut more doors than open them. I spent a lot of time worrying about him cutting a big deal and getting the album process moving.
I found a sense of peace in August when I found myself face to face with none other than my Idol. I'm sure you all remember my incredibly detailed (haha too detailed?) account of what that experience was like for me so I won't rehash it too much. But shaking his hand and looking into his eyes and connecting for that brief moment was enough to make me feel acknowledged as a fan. And hearing his voice for the first time in person that night completely obliterated any worries or doubts I had. I knew Elliott would succeed; on his own time table, with the right people, and exactly how he wanted to.
So here I am a year later. I have a beautiful new apartment, a new puppy that LOVES to cause trouble, and a wonderful group of friends. I've regained the things I had lost and though my life is hectic, things couldn't be better. This all perfectly coincides with the little treasure that I'm holding in my hands right now.
I couldn't be more pleased with the album. It showcases his vocals in the most perfect way. (I'm sure you've all heard artists that just don't translate as well in the studio.) And the fact that it ends with A Song For You? For me it kind of symbolizes the journey that both Elliott and I have taken this year. It's not one we did together persay, but in a way I feel like we have. His influence helped me through one of the darkest times in my life and knowing that we are both in such a good place now I can't help but feel that connection with him once again.
Now I realize I'm a sap and I take things for too seriously so take this with a grian of salt if you will, but I just wanted to pop back in to share my thoughts and reconnect with you.
Deb, Dox, Chloe, H, Mariela, Dreama, Brandon, and alllllll of my old school chatting buddies: I miss you dearly. I hope you're all doing well!
This certainly a day for celebrating. I'm so glad to hear that things have turned around for you.
What a difference a year makes - right girl? One of the most important *lessons from Elliott* - life turns on a dime and things may seem horrible one day, but can turn around - so never give up hope! So glad things are looking up for you and you and Elliott are both in a better place in your lives today.
Deb, Dox, Chloe, H, Mariela, Dreama, Brandon, and alllllll of my old school chatting buddies: I miss you dearly. I hope you're all doing well!
You have been missed dearly as well lil Miss! I am glad to hear from you and very glad life is going well!!!!!!! :glomp: