Travels with a Non-Lighthead
dj17
that made this past weekend one of the most special in my life.
I never dreamed it would be that wonderful. I just got off of chat
in Rik's room and I can't tell you how awesome it was to be chatting
with those of you in the room, knowing what you look like now and
having just shared our Toronto adventure.
Warning; this will go on ad nauseum.
When I first stumbled on to your plans for the pilgrimage to Massey,
my husband and I had already started to plan the same for ourselves,
so as time went on and I really cyberbonded with all of you, it seemed
rude and mean to "kick him to the curb" for a better crowd of traveling
companions, so we pressed on with our plans.
We drove over from NH, a nine hour drive. Had some of the same "traffic
detainment' difficulites as Darin. Finally got to the Delta and dragged
ourselves up to the lobby. In the middle of this very busy hotel, I
hear "Diane, Diane, over here." I'm thinking, who knows me in this
place. I look over and lo and behold there was Doug,
waiting in the next line. We hugged. (No groping, hubby present.)
I introduced him to my husband. Doug points to the suitcase next to
him and tells me Erica is here too, but has gone into the Chelsea Bun
to find the rest of the group. My travel fatigue wears off and the
excitment builds. When I register, the clerk tells me of a message from
Susan that she is in the Chelsea Bun waiting. I can hardly stand it
now.
We fly up to the room, dump the suitcases. Hubby says he needs a drink.
We went to the Chelsea Bun. I walk in and the first one I see is our
grand dame, Miss Jenney. She presents me with a paper bag with a Gord
mask on the front for hubby to wear during er,...um... certain
"activities". We laugh. Left-over joke from our East Coast GL
Gathering. Lynne Ackerman makes sure I get a Toronto package,
which came in very handy the next day...Thanks again, Lynne.
Then from behind I receive a big bear hug and a kiss on the cheek.
I turn around and there's my snapping friend from England, Sir Chix!
Then my other snapping pal, Susan, comes in and we hug and sit down
for a quick chat and drink.
It's now around 6:00pm. I haven't eaten since 10:00 am. Hubby Jim
says I better eat or I'll be bitchy and sick. Neither is pleasant.
Knowing that I won't make it in time to walk with the group, he offers
to walk me over to Massey. (He was not attending all three concerts,
only Saturday's. I told you he's not a Lighthead.)
I cannot describe the range of emotions I was feeling on the walk over
on Yonge Street. I was finally here. When we turned the corner at
Shuter and I first saw the red-lighted Massey Hall sign, tears came to
my eyes. I was giddy. With a quick peck, hubby was gone and I entered
the hallowed halls. As I was sitting waiting for the concert to begin,
talking with Susan and John, it all sunk in. I looked at the stage,
all set up for Gord and the band and I just couldn't believe it.
I was at Massey Hall to see Gord. As Lynn said, the Man in His House.
When the lights dimmed and the band came out, my heart stopped and
didn't start again til Gord was front and center. I was afraid I would
be shocked at his appearance, it's been six years since I last saw him,
but he was buff! The night was magic. Very few times in my life had I
felt that euphoric, that centered. For brevity (too late) I'll spare
you my thoughts of the performance. I pretty much agree with every one
else, anyway.
The show was over, but I wasn't too sad, knowing there were two more to
go. I followed Susan and John, who were following Jenney to the sacred
door of the chosen. When Jenney's turn came, it was a thrill to see
her name on the list and watch her enter the magic kingdom. When one
gentleman said she could have a guest, Susan and I looked at each other
and had one of our snapping moments and pushed John ahead. We waited
inside and chatted with a very nice security guy, but against his
druthers, he had to ask us to wait outside. We shared a doorway (there
was a wicked wind) with a very nice young Torontonian lady who was
there with her mom. She told us her sister was at the Skydome probably
waiting like us to meet the Backstreet Boys!
Eventually Jenney and John came out. Jenney was dancing on cloud nine
and John was like a kid a Christmas morning. We had a lovely walk back
and met up with the group who were returning to Massey in hopes of
catching Gord. Unfortunately they missed him.
I wanted to stay up and hang with my friends but I had been up since
5:00 am and it was now after 12:00 and this old bod just can't hack
these long hours anymore. So I called it a night.
I didn't go on the Orillia road trip. Hubby and I hung out mostly on
Yonge Street. Hockey Hall of Fame, Eaton Place, Hard Rock Cafe.
Later that evening, we were sitting in the lounge waiting to meet up
with the rest of the group for the seven o'clock walk-over and I hear a
couple of people walking up to me saying something about my shirt.
They say "Okay, who are you?" I answer, "Diane, dj17." The guy says,
"I'm random7." It's Rik and the leather and jean clad lady next to him
could be none other than Lori (virago). It was great to see them
after months of faceless chatting.
Walking over with the group had another whole range of emotions.
After decades of feeling alone in my Lightfoot adoration, I was part of
a group, a force. I have no idea what most of these people do in their
everyday lives or how they grew up or even what their favorite coloUr
is, but I felt so bonded, so connected, so familiar.
I walked around Massey to check out my seats for Saturday. The
comments and whispers about my shirt just strengthen the feeling I was
part of something.
After the concert I walked back with Rik and Lori. We talked about the
concert, the weather differences, families, contacts and Stevie Wonder.
At the hotel I met up with Alex and his saintly wife Sue.
While sharing a late night snack, Neil walked in fresh from his travels
from Mass. It was good to see him. Then Susan and John came in. They
had stopped at Sams and John was able to pick up some Gord cds that are
a little hard to come by in jolly ol'England.
The clock moved toward the witching hour and I once again had to give
up the ghost.
Saturday morning trivia contest cramming. Came in handy later.
Saturday afternoon gathering. Nice to have everyone in one room.
Too bad Gord and the band couldn't make it. Introduce hubby around.
Sign Jenney's book, Shirley's card. Susan and I unanimously vote Alex
our team captain. Team member John is detained and we are afraid
(hopeful) that we will have to forfeit! Lynne Ackerman arrives with
Gord's cake and card. Great job, thanks Lynne.
Contest is about to begin. Our resident Brit makes his grand entrance
with a Cat in the Hat type hat done up in Union Jack design and with a
handmade hat band exclaiming "Oh My Gord".
Contest begins. Vanna (Lynn O) looking very lovely in her gown. Jenney
and Doug do a great job officiating and Val in her judgely duties.
And let's not forget our outstanding cheerleaders, Lori and Sue Bloo.
Jenney hands out the questions to all non-participating members. As
she hands one to hubby, she warns "watch out for those two" meaning
Susan and I.
We didn't win. The Approaching Lavender team was just to quick on the
whistle, but we had a good showing. It was fun and I was glad I didn't
have to go against the Bitter Green team. They HAVE got to get a life!
Saturday night I did not sit with the group. Hubby and I sat in the
left balconey, almost even with the stage. Not a great view of Gord,
but an excellent birdseye of the band and an clear view of Gord's
family in the front row and the backstage where they entered and exited.
Again I will spare you the details of the concert. I will say tho I
agree with Lynn, Gord was nervous, the band was silly. Not a bad show,
just different. Special spine-tingling moment when he acknowledged the
"internet people". Wished I had been sitting with you all then.
It was interesting to watch the Mrs and Miles. She looked ethereal in
her black short-skirted, long-jacketed suit. Her foot tapped in beat
with the songs and she watch her hubby every second. Miles was quietly
slouching but did show a little enthusiasm on "I Used To Be A Country
Singer" and "Alberta Bound" and when Dad mentioned playing Nintendo.
When Gord and the band left the stage, I watched Gord wipe his brow and
then signal with a big arm sweep to the band it was time to go back on.
Then the second departure, he looked at the guys hanging out backstage
and pumped his arms like he was psyched at the applause and then came
out and did "Old Dan's Record's".
It was over. Being with my Non-Lighthead husband probably helped to
keep my tears at bay.
Back at the hotel I was torn between spending time with and saying
a official goodbye to my friends or catching what sleep I could before
departing at the crack of dawn. I decided I just couldn't face a real
goodbye and I apologize to you all for that. You have touched me more
than you can know and I look forward to many hours of chatting and
meetings at the March 2000 concerts and of course May 2001, a Gord
Odyssey.
Yours in Gord,
Diane
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dj17
Happy Birthday, Gord!!!!